Project Ayudu aims to raise $150,000

By Press Release |Posted on September 11, 2015

Tan Holdings and Tan Siu Lin Foundation launched Project Ayudu yesterday with the hopes of raising $150,000 to assist in the recovery efforts on Saipan in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor.

Ayudu is a Chamorro word that means “to help” and under the project, which was initiated by Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, the foundation will be selling shirts that commemorate the impact of the destructive typhoon that hit Saipan last Aug. 2, with all sales going to CNMI CARE (Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts) and the Housing Task Force.
Gov. Eloy S. Inos, seated third from right, attends the launching of Tan Holdings and TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill. Representatives of CNMI CARE-member organizations were also present at the launching. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Gov. Eloy S. Inos, seated third from right, attends the launching of Tan Holdings and TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill. Representatives of CNMI CARE-member organizations were also present at the launching. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Tan led the launching of Project Ayudu at the Governor’s Office conference room with no less than Gov. Eloy S. Inos attending the event, along with leaders and representatives of United4Saipan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Triple J Wholesale, IT&E, and Marianas Young Professionals.
“Thank you to Tan Holdings, TSL Foundation, and the various groups who continue to work together to help our island recover from Typhoon Soudelor,” Inos said.

Tan Holdings vice president and Project Ayudu manager Alex Sablan said the TSL Foundation will shoulder the $80,000 needed to purchase and print the 10,000 shirts that will be sold.

“TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu was created to generate $150,000 from the sales of shirts at $15 each,” Sablan added.

“We thought of this project to get more people in our community involved. I know a lot of people were and are still affected by the typhoon, but if there’s a way to help, they will be willing to do so. Not everyone can donate $100 or more, but I am sure a lot can share $15 in exchange for a nice shirt. The TSL Foundation is taking the initiative, but in the end, everyone who purchase the shirts will help accomplish the mission of the project,” Tan said.

All the sales from the shirt will go into a special account that will be spent in conjunction with CNMI CARE and the Housing Task Force on ancillary items such as nails, hammers, and mortars to name a few construction supplies that are needed in rebuilding the homes of typhoon victims, according to Sablan.

CNMI CARE is composed of various non-government, non-profit, faith-based organizations and foundations, and private companies and was established early this month to focus on long-term recovery efforts on Saipan.

“We can’t thank enough the TSL Foundation for putting together this project in such a short time. The project will be very helpful as we begin assisting families in rebuilding their homes,” CNMI CARE interim facilitator Gerri Willis said.

Pre-selling of the commemorative shirts started last week and more than 3,000 have already been sold on Saipan alone. They are available in different colors and sizes and can be purchased at Shirley’s Coffee Shop (Susupe and Garapan branches), JP Center Building, I Shop at Fiesta Resort and Kanoa Resort, Triple J Wholesale/Truckload, Triple J Motors (Guam and Saipan), IT&E (Guam and Saipan), Joeten (Susupe and Garapan), and Century Hotel starting on Monday.

More than 800 shirts will be given away to first responders after the typhoon in recognition of their hard work and commitment to help people in need. These shirts are sponsored by Tan family members.

“The shirt will remind us not only about the super typhoon that rammed our island, but also Saipan’s resolve to rise from challenges through the collective effort of our community members,” Tan said. (PR)


This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 11th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Salvation Army receives 8,000 cans of luncheon loaf

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on September 10, 2015

D&Q International delivered the rest of Hormel Food’s donation to the Salvation Army yesterday.

D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers was present as four pallets or 8,064 cans of Black Label Luncheon Loaf were handed over to the organization.

“We want to thank Dickerson & Quinn and Hormel for this,” Salvation Army pastor Wayne Gillespie said. “We’re thrilled to get this.”

Gillespie said the canned food will be used primarily for their regular soup kitchen and disaster relief.

He also thanked D&Q for their prior donations for Typhoon Soudelor relief as well as for helping them with their soup kitchen even during non-disaster times.

According to Gillespie, they are now focusing on their casework and are going out to the field to find people who are most in need.

“The field work is going really well,” Gillespie said.

He added that they are primarily concerned about the CW or guest workers and the residents who are bedridden and couldn’t get out of the house.

Gillespie said they are keenly interested in helping guest workers since they are not eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

He said CW status holders can contact the Salvation Army if they are in need of assistance.


This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 10th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

D&Q delivers donated luncheon meats to groups, VOAD

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on September 09, 2015

Ten pallets of Black Label Luncheon Loaf worth a total of $38,000 were turned over yesterday to various groups and organizations to support relief and recovery efforts on Saipan.

The food items, totaling 20,160 cans, was donated by Hormel Foods and coursed through its Saipan distributor, D&Q International.

“This was their initiative,” D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers said. “This took a little longer than we wanted because the shipping got kind of delayed. But even though it’s a little late, people still need help.”

D&Q itself paid for the shipment of the donated luncheon meat, estimated to cost an additional $3,000.

One pallet, containing 84 cases or 2,016 cans, were donated to the Chinese Association of Saipan at their office yesterday.

“Thank you for this donation from Hormel and D&Q and our president Jerry Tan,” association vice president Anna Chan said.

The association has about 50 members, who will handle the distribution of the goods.

“We’ll send it out to people as soon as possible,” association director Rose Chan said.

Another pallet was turned over to the United Filipino Organizations through Philippine honorary consul Glicerio “Eli” Arago.

“We are very thankful to D&Q and Hormel Foods. We’re very happy that we’re considered to be one of the associations that was given one pallet directly,” Arago said.

Arago said he delegated the task of distributing the relief items to the UFO as it has the manpower to do so.

UFO president Bong Malasarte said they are scheduled to distribute the luncheon loaf together with other goods this coming weekend.

“Thank you to D&Q, Mr. Max, and to our honorary consul,” Malasarte added.

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster received four pallets of luncheon loaf at their warehouse at the TSL Complex, which is being manned by members of the Seventh Day Adventist.

Various non-profits and non-government organizations will be distributing these items to those who need it most.

The rest of the four pallets will be delivered to the Salvation Army today to help with their soup kitchen.


This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 9th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

TakeCare donates $100K to UOG School of Nursing

By Press Release | Posted on September 04, 2015

With anticipation and excitement, the University of Guam School of Nursing and Health Sciences recently accepted a check worth $100,000 from TakeCare Insurance Co.

“This is a great example and evidence of a close professional partnership with our degree programs,” said UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood. “TakeCare has been a strong partner, and we’re very grateful for their support.”

“Over the years, TakeCare’s donations to the University have been put to good use,” said dean Margaret Hattori-Uchima.

Last year, the funds were used to buy instructional materials for the 2015 nursing class to study for the NCLEX exam, a standardized test nursing majors must take to become registered nurses. The funds were also used to host a faculty conference where more than 60 participants gathered to discuss professional development and to restart the school’s mentorship program, which helped 24 students gain extra clinical practice. This year, the money will go toward similar efforts to provide more support to students, staff, and faculty.

“Without TakeCare, we couldn’t do it,” Hattori-Uchima said. “We’re so excited. We can really implement our plans to improve the NCLEX pass rate.”

Hattori-Uchima said so far, for the class of 2015, the NCLEX pass rate is 86 percent, surpassing last year’s national average of 81 percent.

TakeCare president Jeff Larsen said it’s a pleasure to not only give back to UOG but the community at large where students will be working and improving healthcare on island.

“It’s the right thing to do for the community,” he said. “We’ve had a great partnership with the UOG School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and we want to make sure we’re giving back where possible. It also benefits us because those students come back to us as employees or future staff.” (UOG)


This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 4th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Tan Holdings treats linemen and crew to lunch at Fiesta

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on August 31, 2015

Linemen and crew from the Commonwealth and other islands were treated to lunch yesterday by Tan Holdings Corp., with the power restoration crew having their first day off in almost a month after Typhoon Soudelor.

To show appreciation for their hard work, the various teams who have been working straight for as long as 29 days gathered for barbecue lunch at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan.

More than a hundred workers from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Yap, Kosrae, Guam, and Palau as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer were there.

According to Tan Holdings vice president Ivan Quichocho, they immediately made arrangements to host the linemen after getting information that they will be resting on Sunday.

“I called Mr. Tan and he was just like, ‘Hey don’t even second guess it. Just do it,’” Quichocho said.

“Everybody needs a little more appreciation,” he added.

Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, who was also there to welcome the hardworking staff, said the simple gathering was a chance to say “thank you” to everyone.

“I guess it’s nice to bring everybody together, share stories and have a nice cold beer,” Tan said. “I think most of them don’t even get to see each other. Every day they’re spread out all over the island.”

Tan said he is satisfied with the work that they have been doing.

“I think they are ahead of schedule. The difficulty will be the arrival of supplies,” Tan said.

Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board member Albert Taitano thanked Tan Holdings for the treat.

“On behalf of the board and CUC management, I would like to say a big appreciation to Tan Holdings and Jerry for hosting this,” Taitano said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the many that came from off island and are helping out.

“I extend our warm appreciation and Si Yu’us Ma’ase for all their help in the restoration,” Taitano said.

Guam Power Authority, which has about 29 men on island, said they are thankful for the gesture.

“We appreciate it. It’s very nice,” Guam Power Authority power system superintendent Enrique Quidachay said.


This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on August 31st, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Hormel donates $38,000 worth of luncheon meat

Through their regional distributor, D&Q Saipan, Hormel Foods is generously donating 10 pallets of Black Label Luncheon Loaf to assist the people of Saipan recover from the effects of Typhoon Soudleor.

This donation has a retail value of $38,000 and consists of 20,160 cans. D&Q will meet the expenses for the shipment—shipping, taxes, port handling, trucking fees, etc., estimated at an additional $3,000.

The distribution was announced Wednesday to Gov. Eloy S. Inos by Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan and D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers.

Also present were members of the CNMI Legislature and several of the governor’s office team.

Kretzers said the shipment was slightly delayed due to shipping issues but should arrive this weekend. (D&Q)


This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on August 28th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Tan Holdings Mobilizes Volunteers in Souledor Aftermath

In the aftermath of Typhoon Souledor, which devastated the island of Saipan, citizens from all walks of life have come out to help one another, and to slowly pick up the pieces and rebuild and repair what they can.

Jerry Tan, President of Tan Holdings, called upon his 700+ strong people base to volunteer for cleanup activities in different parts of the island as he also thanked them for their help in “putting our facilities back in order and resuming normalcy into our companies’ business operations.”

In a memo to all employees of Tan Holdings, Jerry Tan mentioned that, “Tan Holdings and all affiliates are undertaking measures to reach out and give aid to our employees who have been severely affected by the typhoon – those who were left without homes and basic necessities. At the same time, I believe we also have a responsibility to help the community and bring a semblance of normalcy around us.”

Tan Holdings and its strategic business units have taken a lead role in volunteer efforts to help clean up public areas after the storm. These cleanup activities are ongoing on a daily basis with the companies providing both manpower and available equipment or tools to help in the drive.

Tan said, “This is a hard, yet temporary setback for the people in Saipan.” We will recover and we will be better than before. What’s important at this point is that we are all helping one another,” he added.

The typhoon also downed over 800 power poles that totally cut power to the island. Estimates say it may take more than a month for full power to be restored.

Fiesta hosts 3rd Family Fun Day for its employees

By Press Release |Posted on July 30, 2015

A glorious Sunday morning was the setting for Fiesta Resort & Spa‘s 3rd Annual Family Fun Day at the resort’s Dinner Show venue last July 19.

Employees and their immediate family members once again were able to use the resort’s swimming pool and experience a day of being guests at the resort instead of being employees. General manager Abner Acosta greeted the employees as they arrived and later gave a short welcoming remarks, thanking them for their hard work and dedication and that having the Family Fun Day at the resort’s facility was Fiesta’s way of giving gratitude to its employees who continue to make Fiesta Resort a success.

Employees were treated to barbecue, popcorn, and nachos throughout the day. The employees who were on-duty were not left out as they were able to join their families on their lunch break. Hapi the Clown graced the occasion and led parlor games for parents and their children. There were adult parlor games for the employees as well and all participants were provided prizes.

While feasting on the delicious menu, the employees and their families were entertained by Jackson Cruz with a dance number, the Full Forth Band of Hopwood, and Prinze the Magician. The Family Fun Day was also the venue for the awarding of “Hosts of the 2nd Quarter” outstanding employees and July birthday celebrants. Acosta presented these employees with certificates of recognition, cash awards, and gift certificates, and thanked them for a job well done and unwavering service.

‘My family and I always join every family fun day because my kids can swim in the pool,” said an employee. Another employee cited how much fun his kids had swimming in the resort’s pool, which is usually accessible only to in-house guests. He also remarked that, although he was on duty, he was still able to eat with his family on his lunch break and even won a great raffle prize.

The fun-filled day with employees and their families at the resort ended at 4pm and employees are already looking forward to yet another year of family fun day in 2016!


This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on July 30th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

TOC receives $5K donation from Tan Holdings

By Contributing Author|Posted on July 28, 2015

As part of its commitment to support projects that benefit the community and that promote the CNMI as a premier destination, Tan Holdings has announced that it has donated in-kind support and cash totaling $5,000 to the Tournament of Champions golf tournament, which will be held this weekend on Aug. 1 and 2.

“Many local community projects, including those that are now enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, were made possible by funds raised from the Tournament of Champions,” said David Sablan of Tan Holdings. “We are happy to be a part of the event’s 20th anniversary this year!”

“The Tan Holdings has been a longtime support of the Tournament of Champions,” said Ben Babauta, tournament director. “We applaud the company for its generosity and its commitment to supporting the community.”
The 20th Annual Tournament of Champions will be played at the LaoLao Bay Golf and Resort’s east and west courses on Aug. 1 and 2. The two-day event is bigger and better than ever with exciting hole-in-one prizes and the chance to win thousands of dollars in possible prizes. The TOC tournament fee is $200.

First place winners in the Men’s Championship, A, B, C, Senior, and Super Senior flights will each receive $500 cash, $400 for second, $300 for third, a digital camera for fourth, and $100 DFS gift certificate for fifth place. The Ladies Low Gross champion will receive $500, $400 for second, and $300 for third place. The first, second, and third place winners of the Ladies Low Net will receive a trophy.

There will be hundreds of thousands worth of prizes that will be at stake in the two-day tournament, including hole-in-one prizes that include brand new vehicles donated by Atkins Kroll Toyota, Joeten Motors, Triple J Motors, and Club C. Pacifica Insurance and Club C are also sponsoring cash prizes as hole-in-one prizes, while Saipan Laolao Golf & Resort is also offering one year of free golf as another hole-in-one prize. Delta Air Lines and Asiana Airlines are also offering airline tickets as hole-in-one prizes.

The tournament will also be featuring $1,000 cash prize for closest to pin competition with a 25-year-old bottle of Chivas Regal.

Since its inception, TOC has given over $700,000 to the Saipan Beautification Fund which has gone directly to improvements like the tree-lined traffic medians that stretch from Garapan to the former Palm Resort Saipan, as well as the revitalization of the Garapan special district. In addition, TOC also contributed funds for the Paseo de Marianas, the lighting of the Saipan Beach Pathway, and most recently the beautification of the Port to Park pathway.


This article was originally authored by Contributing Author of the Saipan Tribune and published on July 28th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Fiesta Resort & Spa Makaka Beach Clean-Up


Last July 2, 2015, 31 volunteers of Fiesta cleaned the Makaka Beach and removed some seaweeds from the enclosed swimming area. The collected seaweeds were placed on the shore away from Fiesta Resort area. They also collected 12 bags weighing approximately 120 lbs. of trash. The volunteers were treated with scrumptious breakfast. The next beach clean-up will be August 29.

Tan Holdings donates $1,000 to Bayani Association

By Frauleine s. Villanueva on July 15, 2015

Tan Holdings on Monday donated $1,000 to the Bayani Association to benefit not only its upcoming Queen of the World beauty pageant but also its various programs.

According to Bayani Association president Mario Mayuga, “this is a fundraising. The proceeds will go partly to MVA for the International Festival of Cultures where the Filipino community will also present.”

Mayuga said the group will also donate to the man amko.

“In our last visit, they said they needed ceiling fans so we will be donating ceiling fans,” he said.

The association will also be donating sports equipment to Dandan Middle School.

“We are very happy that Tan Holdings is able to contribute something to the community, for the welfare of the fundraising for which it was intended,” Tan Holdings corporate consultant Dave Sablan said, “We are always helping the community in any way we can.”

Mayuga said that everything is now prepared for their event on Saturday.

“Our judges are excited already,” he said.

One judge will come from Los Angeles and another from Guam while three judges are from the island.

The Queen of the World Beauty Pageant is part of the association’s 14th year anniversary celebrations. It will be held at Royal Taga Hall, Saipan World Resort.

Sponsors for this event are IT&E, PHI Pharmacy, JC Marketing Inc., KWAW 100.3 FM, Philippine Consulate General-Guam, Ahbhu Auto Car Care, Ms. Gemma Batusin, Ms. Guadalupe Sabino, Alpex Saipan Inc., Mr. & Mrs. Deo & Lois Manese, Wushin Corporation, RNV Construction, Mr. & Mrs. Louie & Melba Camacho, Matson Consulting, Jet Holding Company, Susan’s Creations, Mr. & Mrs. Jhun & Ladyvir Canape, St. Jude Renal Facility Care, Island Touch by Philip, Beauty Zoned Care, New Paradise Florist, Kanoa Resort, Fiesta Resort & Spa, Mariana Resort & Spa, Happy Market As Lito, Joeten Enterprises, Mr. Atoy Banting ,St. Trading Company, MGA Business, Dr. Esther Kanayjorn, Traders Insurance, Pacific Quick Print & Post, 3 Hires Designs, PC Bargain Store, JOS Corporation, Sun Palace Hotel, PIC, KFC/Taco Bell, JFAR Corporation & HBR International Inc. and National Office Supply.

Building a Healthier CNMI One Sport at a time

Monroyo, R. (2015, July-September). Building a Healthier CNMI One Sport at a time. TAGA Sports, 16-18.

Roselyn Monroyo – TAGA Sports Staff Writer
About 10 months ago, Kanoa Football Club goalie Amanda Agulto tipped the scales at 280lbs.
In May, during Jerry Tan’s birthday celebration marked by a fun run, a different Agulto showed up to volunteer for early morning race. She was 110 lbs lighter, which a much better grip on her personal health.
Tales like hers are what motivate Jerry Tan to be a staunch supporter of CNMI sports.

“I grew up playing and loving sports. Before, I love the competitive and fun sides of sports, but today it’s more than that. Today, I recognize the big impact of sports on our health. Especially among our children,” Tan said.

“We must admit that in Micronesia, we have a lot of unhealthy and sick people and we can avoid these conditions by helping build a healthier young generation. People who learn sports at a young age and continue to play as an adult are likely to have a healthier, more enjoyable, and longer life. The more sports I lead or support, the more kids I will influence to get involved in sports and live a more active lifestyle.”

Tan is president of the Saipan Bowling Association, Northern Marianas Badminton Association, and Northern Mariana Island Football Association and backs a host of other Sports to the Commonwealth.

Under his leadership, both SBA and NMBA hold various tournaments that cater to its young and old members. NMBA even hosts summer camps for U6 to U18 age groups and is in the process of working with the Public School System and the Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization on having a regular badminton tournament for high school students.

NMIFA, however, is undoubtedly the most successful—ln terms of attracting membership—among the three groups that Tan handles. From just about 100 players when the association was established in 2005, membership is now around L600 and majority of them are in the youth age group. Players compete for two seasons in a year besides other special tournaments. While camps and other grassroots programs are being implemented regularly.
“The growth of bowling and badminton is limited because of the playing venue. They have to be played in an indoor facility and we all know we have limited ones. Unlike in soccer, you can play in a lot of places and you can always tailor or adjust the rules and regulations based on the needs of a specific age group so It is easier tor NMIFA to attract more players,” said Tan, who has also brought the sports culture to his Tan Holdings employees by hosting different company competitions.

Inspiration and support group
Since Tan made known his special interest in football, it was not surprising to learn that he draws his leadership inspiration from one of the most admired men in the football world — Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager of Manchester United.

“I and my brother Raymond have looked up to Sir Alex. We study him, are inspired by him, and learn from him. He was the manager of Manchester United for nearly 27 years. Most managers from big football teams do not last more than three years, no matter how good they are. But Sir Alex handled the team for about 27 years. We admire that longevity as far as managing a very popular club is concerned! Tan said.

Sir Alex called the shots for Manchester United from November 1986 to May 8, 2013.

“Only a manager like Sir Alex could take that big responsibility for a long period of time. He is disciplined and knew how to strategize and assemble a team that can work together, even though the squad has a bunch of superstars. Those characteristics are what l am trying to learn and apply when leading the different sports groups in the CNMI and our company.” the Tan Holdings president said.

Tan acknowledges the difficulty of wearing many hats but, with good people surrounding him, he is able to pull it through.

“Besides leading the three sports groups I also have a big responsibility handling our businesses and sewing as an official of [the Marianas Visitors Authority] and other local associations I have a lot of workload but l am very lucky that through the years I am surrounded with good people who help me get the job done. Much credit goes to them,” he said.

“I try my best to lead, but I must admit a lot of work are being done and executed by the people who are working with me, be it on the sports or business side,” Tan added.

Olympic dream

Tan has watched the Commonwealth compete in different regional and international sports tournaments but there is one that remains elusive fur the islands’ athletes—the Olympic Games.

“I don’t know if I will call it a goal or dream, but one day I will be very proud to sew an athlete from any sport who will represent the CNMI in the Olympic Games.” Tan said.

The CNMI is one of the few countries that is not part of the Olympic family because of its political affiliation with the United States. Exclusion from the powerful Olympic group not only denies the Commonwealth athletes a rare chance to compete in the quadrennial meet, but also funding and other resources that could help athletes and officials develop their skills and be at the same level as their counterparts in the region.

Moves had been made in the past to seek membership in the Olympic family, to no avail. This year. Tan said that necessary steps are again being carefully taken to help realize the CNMI’s Olympic dream.

While waiting and working for the CNMI’s inclusion to the elite group, Tan encourages athletes to keep playing and vows to continue assisting the CNMI sports community.

“It will make me happy to see young kids running, smiling, and sweating while playing me sports they love. That’s the best form of gratitude l could receive for being at sports supporter.”

Makaka Beach Clean-up

CIC

On June 27, 24 volunteers of Fiesta cleaned the Makaka Beach and collected 14 bags weighing approximately 120 lbs. of trash. 4 young children of our staff and 4 high school students, who are currently doing summer job, also joined us in maintaining the cleanliness of the beach. The volunteers were treated with scrumptious breakfast. The next beach clean-up will be July 25.

New owners of Marianas Express Lines introduced

CIC

A cocktail party was held to introduce to the community the new owner of Marianas Express Lines, Ltd.

Pacific International Lines, who took major shareholder status of MELL last March 10, is the new business partner of Tan Holdings.

PIL is the 18th largest shipping company in the world.

“With PIL, MELL is linked with the global network. MELL is a regional carrier, and PIL is a global carrier and the people of the CNMI are now linked to the whole world. We can procure anything from the world, and PIL/MELL can bring them to CNMI, Guam, and Micronesia,” Luen Thai Enterprise CEO and MELL vice chair Willie Tan said.

“We’re very fortunate to have them on board,” Joven Cruz, station manager for CTSI Logistics, Inc. said.

CTSI operates as MELL’s agent in the Western Pacific and other countries in Asia.

Tan noted that MELL is the only carrier that serves CNMI on a weekly basis and that it is “part of our economic support.”

“It was only 18 short years ago that Mariana Express Lines became the first liner company to provide weekly shipping service to Guam. Our competitors thought we were crazy and predicted that MELL would be out of business within a year. Well, 18 years later, I am happy and proud to say that our competitors were wrong and we are still here today,” Tan said.

He added that he is very pleased with MELL’s new partnership.

“[The new owners] have assured me that PIL will back MELL’s requirements and such service will be sustainable. I am very pleased with such partnership,” he said.

Also present during the event last June 5 at the Hibiscus Hall of Fiesta Resort and Spa were PIL deputy managing director Chor Kee Tan, MELL general manager Raymond Hew, Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, and its executive vice president George Chiu.

“It’s good for the community because they have a vast network,” Cruz said, “We have more options; we have more access to several origins.”

He added that the CNMI’s business community will have other options in terms of where to outsource their products.

“It will lead to more diversity in terms of what we get. It may also be better in terms of cost if they can actually get a better pricing from a different source as opposed to their current source,” he said.

“With efficiency, the goods should be cheaper eventually as business people can plan their inventory requirements,” Tan added.

Customers were also invited to the event, which also served as a way to appreciate and thank them.

PIL bought the Au family’s stake in MELL, gaining ownership in the business. Luen Thai Holdings Limited, of which CTSI Logistics is a subsidiary, is still a minority stakeholder of MELL.

In a prior press release by MELL, it said that PIL leadership assured the former’s clients that it shall continue to operate under the same brand and regular business operations will not be affected.

MELL is a container line operator specializing in niche markets within the Asia-Pacific region including Micronesia, Guam, Saipan, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and Australia.

This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on June 16th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Tan Holdings donates more to Karidat

CIC

Tan Holdings donated over $2,000 dollars yesterday to Karidat for aid in typhoon relief for the island of Rota, bringing their total typhoon relief donations up to $4,200.

Tan Siu Lin Foundation’s Merlie Tolentino said yesterday that Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan matched dollar-for-dollar the $1,100 in funds raised from a recent “fun run” on May 31.

This fun run, which occurred on Tan’s birthday, was set to raise funds for Rota relief efforts.

That same month, Tan Holdings had donated $2,000 to Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) in his aid to Karidat.

With the yesterday’s donation, this boosts total contributions up to $4,200 for the shipment of rice, canned goods, butane, toilet paper, and other amenities to Rota.

Tolentino told Saipan Tribune that Tan saw the fundraising as an opportunity to help the people of Rota after the typhoon.

“The idea was we’ve been wanting to help the people of Rota but we just didn’t know how,” she said, also thanking Tan Holding employees for participating in the run and donating.

Karidat executive director Lauri Ogumoro said this was “generous surprise” and right now they are trying to figure out what more they can bring to the people of Rota in terms of resources needed.

“The TSL has helped tremendously. They were very supportive in the first go around [of donated goods],” the executive director told Saipan Tribune.

“We still have opportunities to get our help down to Rota,” she said.

“We are going to survey some of our contacts and see what are some of the best donations” to give to the people of Rota, she said.

This article was originally authored by Dennis B. Chan of the Saipan Tribune and published on June 19th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

TSL Foundation affirms commitment to education

CIC

The Tan Siu Lin Foundation has awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight graduating high school students from the Public School System.

This marks the second year of their annual “Public High School Citizenship Award,” which is open to all CNMI public high schools.

“On behalf of the Tan Siu Lin Foundation and Tan Holdings, I would like to thank all the PSS students who submitted their application for this year’s awards,” TSL Foundation’s Merlie Tolentino said.

With this award, Tolentino said, they hope to acknowledge students who have shown outstanding work and commitment to their community through school, community service, and charitable or philanthropic programs.

“We hope this gives students more incentive to excel not only in their studies, but to also be active, vibrant, and generous members of our island community,” Tolentino told Saipan Tribune.

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan said PSS is grateful for their partnership with the TSL Foundation and for their commitment in recognizing the leadership qualities of our students.

“This award provides our students the financial support to pursue their college aspirations,” the education chief told Saipan Tribune.

From Saipan Southern High School, scholarships were awarded to Ha Noul “Sky” Lee and Joann M. Bandales. From Marianas High School, scholarships went to Noemi A. Caacbay and Maria Theresa D. Dizon.

For Kagman High School, scholarships went to Mebric S. Navisaga and Rugina Flores Olupomar. Scholarships for Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School went to Neri Bles B. Jingco and Elvie Anria Mesngon.

This article was originally authored by Dennis B. Chan of the Saipan Tribune and published on June 23rd, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

BlueBay donates $10,000 to Palau Conservation Society Corporate Partners for Conservation Program

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BlueBay Petroleum donated $10,000 to the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) Corporate Partners for Conservation (CPC) this past Monday, June 8, 2015.

Bluebay Petroleum’s yearly donation shows its deep commitment to Palau’s beauty and natural resources, and its recognition of the efforts of the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) to continuously protect Palau’s ecosystems and natural environment, and in educating the community at-large.

Ralph Moses, BlueBay General Manager said, “In our line of business, we have this greater obligation to be an integral part of such a cause. And we take seriously our stake in the welfare of Palau’s ecosystems and natural environment.” “There are less and less places in the world that can still boast of natural beauty such as that of Palau, and we must all be stewards for our environment and protect what we have,” he added.

Members of the CPC program show their support in many forms above and beyond their direct financial contributions. Their contributions enable PCS to fund programs quickly and respond to community needs with a high degree of independence.

Mario Katosang, Director for the Palau Conservation Society said, “We are grateful to companies like BlueBay Petroleum, who truly support our advocacy and reach out to the community in different ways. My staff and I are sincerely thankful to BlueBay for their help.” He added that, “It is imperative for everyone, whether as a business or individually, to commit themselves to protecting what is left of our wildlife and natural resources. Every little effort goes a long way.”

To inquire about PCS’s upcoming Fundraising Gala on June 18th and the Corporate Partners for Conservation Program please call 488-3993 or 488-4716.

Fiesta Resort Guam Donates to Ayuda Foundation

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Fiesta Guam launched a fundraiser to help victims in Chuuk and Yap who were affected by Typhoon Maysak. 62 employees donated a total of $1200.00. The funds were turned over to the Ayuda Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian aid to Micronesia through organized medical missions and urgent relief efforts; enhanced regional health care services by organizing and coordinating the delivery of medical specialists, materials and pharmaceutical supplies; and providing support to regional health care providers through specialized training and education. The money will be used to buy needed supplies.

Tan Holdings Guam joins Relay for Life 2015

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Tan Holdings affiliate companies in Guam participated in the recently held Relay for Life last May 29-30, 2015. Many team members
joined this year’s relay, with Fiesta Resort Guam leading the pack with 50 volunteers plus their family members. The other Tan Holdings companies that participated are Asia Pacific Airlines, Blue Bay Guam, CTSI, Century Insurance, Unity Development Corporation, Cosmos Distributing, Tango Theatres, and Dickerson & Quinn.