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BONÈ Magazine
Edition # 42
Published by: BONÈ Agency
Circulation per year: 6 editions
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Dia di Antri
HOW IT STARTED
FLAG
On the 27th of April, we celebrate ‘Dia di Antriol’ (Antriol Day). year marks the 8th year of this grand annual event. In this article will get to know how it started, the meaning of the flag and
The idea for ‘Dia di Antriol’ originated in November 2017, when the board of Fundashon Antriol Avanti, after consulting with people of Antriol, decided to organize the event. The governing council was informed that the first ‘Dia di Antriol’ would place on the 27th of April 2018. This date was strategically chosen as it coincided with a day oM for King’s Day.
As ‘Dia di Antriol’ approached its 5th edition, a competition held to design a flag for Antriol. The winning design, created by Mr. Rolando Marin, was chosen as the oMicial flag of Antriol. The symbolism of the flag is rich and meaningful: the star at the center represents Antriol, the largest neighborhood on Bonaire, surrounded by the neighboring communities. compass symbol reflects Antriol’s history as a hub for generations of fishermen. The white symbolizes stands peace and tranquility, while the red symbolizes the strength and resilience of the people of Antriol, who continue to fight for a brighter future.
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 42nd edition of BONÈ Magazine!
In this special issue, we’re celebrating an incredible milestone – our 7th anniversary! On April 6, 2018, we released our very first edition, and today, 7 years later, we’re proud to present you our 42nd issue. Unbelievable! BONÈ started as a magazine and now, it’s a well-established brand, that promotes Bonaire around the world.
We are deeply grateful to all our readers, supporters, family, friends, and advertising partners who have believed in us and helped us grow. Your continued love, support and loyalty mean the world to us. THANK YOU! We appreciate you all!
In this edition we celebrate our culture with the talented filmmaker, producer, and Rincónero, Rogen ‘Rogi’ Pineda, gracing our cover. His inspiring journey is a testament to passion and perseverance.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing team for making all these editions possible– for their dedication, hard work, sacrifices, late nights, early mornings, and most importantly, for NEVER GIVING UP. Here’s to many more years and editions of BONÈ Magazine!
Smell the sea, feel the sky and enjoy the BONÈ Lifestyle!
With a grateful heart,
BONÈ’s 1st photoshoot...in Rincón
Kathy with our 1st Merch
Our 1st Merch Photoshoot
BONÈ x Garage Cordia Photoshoot
Dia di Rincón 2025 is around the corner, and we can already feel the festive mood spreading across Bonaire. Every year this celebration brings culture, history, and a feeling of community to the island. This year marks the 37th edition of Dia di Rincón, which first took place in 1989, and it promises to be another spectacular event. Everyone who experiences Dia di Rincón will surely be sharing stories about the incredible time they had, ensuring that this celebration continues to attract more visitors each year.
Dia di Rincón is an unmatched cultural manifestation. The theme this year is ‘Kunuku’ [the farm], a tribute to the ‘kunukeros’ [farmers] who work hard to preserve the agricultural heritage of Bonaire. A special event taking place this year on the 26th of April is ‘Di Kunuku pa Kunuku’ [from farm to farm]. During this event 6 farmers, all of whom are active within Rincón, will be put in the spotlight, showing off their work and offering their local products for sale to the public. They will showcase and sell local products such as beans, maishi chikitu [sorghum], and a lot more. This is a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the importance of local agriculture and the efforts of our farmers in maintaining the ‘kunuku’ traditions in Bonaire. Another unforgettable moment during Dia di Rincón will be the open-air live theatre performance on the 30th of April. The performance will bring the traditional kunuku way of life to life, allowing everyone to experience how things used to be. Actors will reenact the past, showing the farming methods, tools, and techniques that were once used, as well as the role the community played in relying on local natural products.
This will give a unique glimpse into our history and let the visitors experience the efforts and dedication that our farmers put into their work. If we look back at previous years, we can expect a lot of traditional activities which gives the event its unique character. Traditional folkloric marches which exude color and happiness, vibrant dance performances, and the unmistakable ‘krioyo’ rhythms will get everyone moving. Painters and artisans will also show off their creativity and love for our heritage on the ‘kaya di arte’ [art road] which will open on the 24th of April. We can’t miss out on Rincón’s gastronomical treasures, filled with authentic flavors of stewed goat, funchi, beef soup, and many more authentic flavors. As we look forward to Dia di Rincón 2025, we anticipate a celebration that brings unity where people will meet family, friends, and acquaintances. Dia di Rincón serves as a window into the breadth and quality of Bonaire’s rich culture.
Text by: Diana Kroon Komishon Herensia Kultural For more information visit: www.diadirincon.org Facebook: Dia di Rincon Pagina Ofisial
Rogen ‘Rogi’ Pineda From Rincón to Global Filmmaker
A Journey Rooted in Culture and Passion
Rogen Pineda, a 21-year-old director and producer from the charming village of Rincón, Bonaire, has already made a name for himself in the film industry. His story is one of growth, passion, and a deep-rooted connection to his heritage. Rogen’s introduction to culture began at the age of six, thanks to his mother, who saw the potential in him. She enrolled him in cultural organizations like ‘Mangazina di Rei’, where he would go on to learn valuable skills, including how to build and play ‘bari’ (drums). These early experiences would lay the foundation for what would later become his lifelong pursuit of filmmaking.
From musician to filmmaker
Though his interest in music was fostered from an early age, Rogen’s path took a significant turn when he joined the musical group FMK at the age of 11. As the band’s first member, he was committed to the band for 5 years. However, his true passion for filmmaking emerged during this period. After 5 years, Rogen made a bold decision to leave the band so he could focus entirely on filmmaking.
In 2019, while still in high school, Rogen began working on his first film, ‘Mohada’. Having made short films on his phone since childhood, he initially believed he could shoot this project the same way. The film ‘Mohada’ proved too big to film with a simple mobile device, so Rogen enlisted the help of others to complete it with proper equipment. Determined to continue pursuing his passion for filmmaking, after graduated high school, Rogen worked multiple jobs to save enough money to purchase the camera and equipment necessary for his craft. In the meantime, he also created a documentary for ‘Mangazina di Rei’ while still filming ‘Mohada’. The film ‘Mohada’ took two years to finish and edit, but the hard work and dedication paid off when it was released in 2021. The film premiered in ‘Plenchi Cocari’ at the heart of Rincón, attracting a crowd of around 900 people. The event marked the beginning of Rogen’s career as a professional film producer and director. The premiere was not just a personal achievement, it was a testament to his ability to bring people together through art, showcasing his love for his hometown and culture.
Studio Pineda
Rogen’s reputation continued to grow, and he began to expand his team, building a creative force to support his growing ventures. On March 13, 2023, he officially registered his production company, “Studio Pineda,” marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. The studio allowed him to expand his horizons, working on commercial projects for local businesses, including collaborations with the Bonaire government, Kooyman and the film project ‘Post card form Earth’ filmed on Bonaire. This project was one of the biggest projects he has worked on, and it was showcased in the Sphere in Vegas.
Though Rogen is passionate about the Caribbean and his cultural background, his inspiration reaches beyond local filmmakers. He admires the work of James Cameron, especially his groundbreaking film Avatar. “I’m passionate about how he creates his work,” says Rogen. As for local filmmakers, he respects Felíx de Rooi and Norman de Palm.
Photography + Design by
‘Nos Teater‘
One of the standout projects in Rogen’s recent work is his collaboration with the Bonaire government and SKAL in celebration of the Bonaire Museum’s 35th anniversary. ‘Nos Teater’ marks Rogen’s debut in theater, bringing to life the island’s cultural roots through traditional songs and stories from Bonaire’s past, inspired by the historical significance of Rincón and its rich musical heritage. ‘Nos Teater’ will be showcased in Plenchi Cocari in Rincón on May 17 & 18, 2025. For Rogen, Rincón will always be the heart of his creative journey.
Rincon:The Heart of It All
He describes his hometown as a place where music, food, and a sense of community thrive all year round. “It’s not just on Rincón Day that the town comes alive—there are celebrations all year round,” Rogen shares. He reflects on how the energy of Rincón has shaped his life, noting the deep connection he feels to nature and the neighborhood that raised him. Despite all his accomplishments, he remains humble, still eager to learn more about the history of his town and its people. As a director, producer, and storyteller, he’s committed to telling stories that reflect the rich culture of Bonaire and the Caribbean, all while sharing his unique perspective with the world. Whether it’s through his upcoming project “Nos Teater” or future ventures, Rogen’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and staying true to one’s roots.
“The energy loan aligns very well with my present needs.”
Kimberley Thielman
Proprietor of
Thielman
Legal Consultancy and Services
Kimberley's mobile office goes electric with Qredits' Energy Loan
In 2024, Qredits launched the Energy Loan to enable entrepreneurs to invest in sustainable solutions, reduce energy costs, and contribute significantly to CO2 reduction. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, which subsidizes a portion of the interest, the program encourages investment in solar panels, LED solutions, electric vehicles, and more. Kimberley Thielman is recognized as the first person to use the loan specifically for the purchase of an electric vehicle.
Kimberley’s journey to her electric mobile office
Kimberley Thielman is a determined young professional from Bonaire who studied in the Netherlands before returning home to apply her acquired skills. She initially worked as an aspiring bailiff, but soon transitioned into a court interpreter, which inspired the idea of starting her own business, Thielman Legal Consultancy and Services. Founded on the principles of legal expertise and comprehensive client care, her business not only provides traditional legal advice but also expands to include financial advice and business restructuring. With a commitment to sustainability, Kimberley used the Qredits Energy Loan to purchase an electric vehicle, turning it into a mobile office that allows her to serve her community more efficiently. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her services by
The Energy Loan
With this loan, we aim to help you, the entrepreneur, enhance your business's sustainability and reduce energy costs. Our goal is to foster sustainability among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on Bonaire.
Invest up to $50,000 in sustainable solutions
Benefit from a low interest rate of 4.95% on your loan
Repay over a maximum term of 5 years
integrating her social work training to provide holistic support, furthering her commitment to promoting sustainable growth and accessible legal aid on Bonaire.
Why choose sustainability?
Combining necessity and environmental awareness drove Kimberley to switch to an electric vehicle. Frustrated by the unreliability of her gasoline-powered car, which she describes as "giving her trouble every two seconds," Kimberley began to research more sustainable and reliable alternatives. Her research led her to understand not only the financial benefits of going electric but also the environmental benefits.
She recounts her conversations with a Qredits Business Advisor, which further confirmed her intentions. "I realized that investing in an electric vehicle wasn't just good for the environmentit was good for my business," Kimberley explains. "The electric car would be more economical in the long
growth and sustainability goals." This realization came at the right time, highlighting the synergy between entrepreneurial resilience and sustainable practices.
Growing with passion and purpose
Kimberley's approach to entrepreneurship is characterized by a blend of wisdom and passion. She advises fellow entrepreneurs to "choose wisely" when it comes to investing, highlighting the importance of being conscious about how and where you allocate resources and make decisions. "It's about making choices that are aligned not only with the current needs of your business but also with its future growth," she explains.
Kimberley adds, "Do it all with love and in love.” This philosophy extends past business transactions to the very core of running a business. By investing love and critical thinking into one's vision and operations, she believes entrepreneurs can create a space for growth and see the fruits of their investment blossom over time.
Kimberley envisions transforming her mobile office into a permanent, eco-friendly space.
EPHREM J FT BOY THODE - SI MUNDU KABA
JEON - BISE
BEELE - FRENTE AL MAR
NATTI NATASHA FT OZUNA - YA NO COMPARTO
SEMII - TENE MI DURU
QUE TU BAD BUNNY - DTMF
JEON FT IR SAIS - CHUKURU
KEVV X LUIS MOKA & PALU GRANDI - SAKADO
OZUNA - MAS
MONQ FT KILATE TESLA - LOCO
KEVV FT DJUDJU V - STIMA MAS
BULERIA FT ROCCO FLAVA - NANANA
ALMI - 12 OR
GRUPO NICHE - ALGO QUE SE QUEDE
IR SAIS FT KILATE TESLA - MAS DUSHI
VELLI LIRX - SENDE
RANDALL LUIDENS - E CURASON TA PIDI
FREDDY MOREIRA 2025 FT POKE - SPAANS BENAUWD
ZJEITU FT JETZI + CHENDELL - MI SONO NORBERT FT TITO NIEVES -
Shamiliane ‘Shami’ Anthony is a 23-year-old Rincónera, who is deeply connected to her roots. She was born and raised in Rincón and continues to live and work there. ‘There’s nothing more beautiful than being able to contribute to the place where you come from!’ Get to know the talented Shami and her cherished neighborhood of Rincón.
Shami: “I was raised in a ‘golden cradle’, in a family who always knew how to live according to, and uphold, our culture. My dad is a musician, my mom is a dancer, and my grandmother is the godmother of ‘Día di Rincón’. My grandmother (Q.E.P.D.) always made sure to raise her children and grandchildren with love for our culture. I’m one of those who truly lived our culture, and Rincón holds a special place in my heart. I grew up singing and dancing ‘krioyo’. I actively participated in cultural activities, always doing my best to help preserve and promote our traditions.
Exploring a talent I didn’t know I had, Mister Francel (Q.E.P.D.) came to firmly believe in my abilities and approached me to join his musical group, ‘Formashon Musikal Krioyo’, better known as FMK. This year marks my 10th anniversary with this wonderful music group, a group that knows how to keep upholding our culture and showcasing it in various parts of the world. I’m very proud to be a part of this group, especially because it’s a Rincón-based group!”
When it comes to her neighborhood, Shami has a deep appreciation for Rincón’s rich cultural identity. Shami: “Rincón is such a beautiful place. What I love
most is how we uphold our culture and continue to live by the traditions we cherish. The gathering known as ‘Den seku’ in Rincón is my favorite. It’s where we come together to play, sing and celebrate the traditional way with instruments like the tambú, wiri, kuarta, palito, kitara, bamba, marimba and more. We don’t use any electrical instruments or microphones. It’s all about people coming together to play and sing the old-fashioned way.”
Shami cherishes the sense of community that exists in Rincón, particularly when it comes to sharing in the music and culture. “Our way of playing our ‘krioyo’ music is unique. The way we come together to play ‘Den seku’ is what unites us the most in Rincón. It’s an expression of unity and a powerful reminder of the strength of our traditions. The bond we share in Rincón is something truly unique and beautiful.”
Pictures by: Marketeers
Dia di Antri
HOW IT STARTED
Antri
On the 27th of April, we celebrate ‘Dia di Antriol’ (Antriol Day). This year marks the 8th year of this grand annual event. In this article you will get to know how it started, the meaning of the flag and anthem.
FLAG
The idea for ‘Dia di Antriol’ originated in November 2017, when the board of Fundashon Antriol Avanti, after consulting with the people of Antriol, decided to organize the event. The governing council was informed that the first ‘Dia di Antriol’ would take place on the 27th of April 2018. This date was strategically chosen as it coincided with a day oM for King’s Day.
As ‘Dia di Antriol’ approached its 5th edition, a competition was held to design a flag for Antriol. The winning design, created by Mr. Rolando Marin, was chosen as the oMicial flag of Antriol. The symbolism of the flag is rich and meaningful: the large star at the center represents Antriol, the largest neighborhood on Bonaire, surrounded by the neighboring communities. The compass symbol reflects Antriol’s history as a hub for generations of fishermen. The white symbolizes stands peace and tranquility, while the red symbolizes the strength and resilience of the people of Antriol, who continue to fight for a brighter future.
ANTRIOL ANTHEM
The composer of the neighborhood’s song, Mr. Reginald ‘Yonchi’ Dortalina composed an anthem for Antriol. Mr. Dwight Leoneta, the child of an Antriol native, arranged the anthem which became a diamond of a song. The anthem has since become an iconic symbol of the neighborhood. On April 17, 2022, the Antriol flag was raised alongside the anthem, stirring deep emotions and a sense of pride in the community.
The first grand celebration took place on April 27, 2021, and since then, ‘Dia di Antriol’ has grown year after year, fueled by the enthusiasm and support of the residents.
DIA DI ANTRIOL 2025
This year, we are proud to introduce our campaign: ‘Turismo den Antriol’ [Tourism in Antriol] along with our beautiful T-shirts in diMerent languages. Additionally, we have created stunning pins as part of this campaign.
POEM: BONEIRU I ANTRIOL
Bunita kreashon
Kada un ku su nifikashon
Huntu nan ta representá E mesun suela;
Ban duna rèspèt na nos bandera.
Bandera banderin
Bo sa kuantu balor bo tin, Boneiru komo isla
Antriol komo e kurason di nos isla.
Bo ta digno representante
Di un isla, bario i su habitante
Kada un ta bria
Ku nan historia impreshonante; Karga bo bandera banderin; Pasobra igual ku ne no tin.
Text and pictures by: Fundashon Antriol Avanti
Mary Tjin Asjoe worte a poem as an introduction to this new pin:
The back tells the rest
MAY
MAY
WORD
You are moving away from false paths that no longer serve you well or transform them into more suitable ones. Still, you have plenty of opportunities to find comfort at home or with family. In fact, the major key to success is learning when it’s time to slow down.
You take your social life to heart – your relationships not only with a close partner, but also with siblings, neighbors, and friends. it’s especially important for you to establish yourself as a team player.�
Exploring your needs and pursuing your dreams. Your personality, image, body image, and self-confidence expand to new levels, and you see whole new possibilities. Your vision of life is panoramic.
you’re especially drawn to your inner world, dear Cancer. This period offers a sense of security in introspection. You might sometimes prefer to keep to yourself, where it seems safer and happier, but you can also be a pillar of support for others. It doesn’t feel like a time for major changes or decisions. In reality, you’re in a phase of great introspection, questioning your approaches and paths and it’s a valuable process.�
it’s a time for making connections and inspiring new ideas. Your social circle is expanding, although you should watch for excesses. While the saying goes that you can never have too many friends, you don’t want to spread yourself thin. Similarly, avoid beginning so many new projects that you scatter yourself across them.
Ahead brings the potential for growth with your social life, happiness goals, work, and reputation. You might enjoy positive exposure, promotion, or career recognition or growth. You are learning to “own” what you do and feeling more comfortable in a position of leadership or authority. At the same time, you’re taking more pride in your home and family.
Promise to be strong for direction, work, and business. Energies are robust for honing your skills and gaining experience, bringing a wave of growth and opportunity.
You’re strong for passion projects, shared resources, intimacy, publishing, and connecting. Absorbing pursuits, deeper relationships, and exciting personal interests are in store.
Rewarding experiences with others and special attention to passion projects. While close relationships are in strong focus this year, you can be a little more private and introspective. You might meet somebody who deepens your intimate life in remarkable ways, opening you up to new ways of expressing yourself, or if already attached, you might deepen your relationship similarly.
A fuller social life to your world. There’s less pressure to prove yourself or perform, and more joy in plugging away at what you do best. Watch that you don’t overload your life with additional responsibilities. Otherwise, it’s a strong period for truly enjoying your daily life and routines.
You are working harder at communicating more effectively and building your level of expertise. You will delve deep into your true motives and feelings about practical matters, with the potential to make significant changes in your work life.
You are stronger… for your relationships, in general, and especially love and fun friendships. You’re also a lot more grounded and confident. This way you can bring more natural confidence to a new cycle that involves exploring your playful, dramatic, and creative side.
