Table tennis gear donated to elementary schools

CIC

Guam Table Tennis and CTSI donated tables to elementary schools this morning. Students will be there for demonstration and hands on play with Olympian Michal Hyatt. Liguan, Wettengel and Maria Ulloa Elementary all received tables today to help with getting the kids active and promoting the sport around the island to our youth.

Hyatt told KUAM Sports, “Guam Table Tennis Federation and Mr. Ji has done is donate some table tennis tables to several elementary schools this past week. Today we have been visiting all of these elementary schools and donating the tables officially to the principals, the student body and the students have been having a lot of fun. Our sponsors for the event is CTSI who graciously helped with the delivery and paying for all of the trucking expenses, set up and the logistics of the tables. The kids have had a wonderful time and each school we have gone to we have got the commitment of the principal and the P.E teachers that they are going to continue the program.

“We have given away rackets and have given away balls so it’s been an exciting day and an exciting week as far as getting the tables to the elementary schools across Guam.”

This article was written by Dave Delgado and originally appeared on www.kuam.com on June, 2015. Ownership of, and credit for this article belongs solely to www.kuam.com and Mr. Delgado.

CIC checks on their clients on Rota after typhoon

CIC
Century Insurance Corp. recently visited its clients on Rota to check up on them and implement its latest initiative called CIC Risk Management Solutions.

CIC Saipan general manager Gol Corpuz met with, among other clients, Julian and Lydia Calvo at their home and made sure that they were okay in the wake of Typhoon Dolphin, which hit the islands in mid-May.

The CIC visit, which took place on May 25, 2015, had them going to Songsong Village, Sinapalo 1 to 3, Teneto Village, and Sabana Mountain.

Corpuz said the visit was part of their CIC Risk Management Solutions, which anticipates the needs of their clients.

“CIC’s visit of its clientele on Rota signifies its commitment the ensuring the safety of the public, especially in times of calamity like typhoon,” Corpus said. “CIC wants to make sure that its [clients] on Rota are assisted properly and timely.

He reported that most of the more than a dozen customers of CIC on Rota were spared by Typhoon Dolphin.

“Certain customers incurred significant damage to their house. Others did not incur damage but were more than happy to welcome the CIC representatives,” he said.

Julian and Lydia Calvo, who also own a small hotel on Rota, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to CIC for visiting them and checking on their condition in the typhoon’s aftermath, Corpuz said. (CIC)

This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on June 5th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

2015 Taste of Marianas Chefs’ and Best Decorated Booth Competition

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Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan took home the 17th Taste of Marianas Chefs’ Competition 1st Prize of $500.00

Chef Ed Gabito & Chef Nestor De Vera joined forces in preparing the award winning recipe ‘Tamales Beef Almondigas with Noni Salsa Sauce’. The Fiesta Team edged out six other hotels in Saipan to win the 1st prize.

Fiesta Resort also won the Best Booth Competition. Fiesta’s food stall was made out of bamboo, coconut fronds, woven mats and decorated with fresh local fruits and vegetables.

It was a great back to back victory for Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan. Kudos to all the hard working and dedicated staff of Fiesta Resort who all worked together to make this possible.

Guests with discriminating palates lined up to taste Fiesta Resort’s best barbequed chicken and ribs and delicious dishes.

Join us again next year for the 18th Taste of Marianas.

Fiesta Rockers and Cheering Squad Joined the Annual Saipan Chamber of Commerce ‘Corporate Challenge’

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It’s a family fun day for the Fiesta Rockers Team, cheering squad, and family members! This year’s Corporate Challenge was held last Sunday, May 24, at the Minachom Atdao Susupe. 14 teams from different companies vied for this year’s Coconut Trophy. The theme was about ‘Tourism’. There were 4 games which included ‘Jingle Song’ contest that should represent Tourism and should represent the theme “Entrepreneurship’; how many can one player transfer small marshmallows from one container to the other; how many cotton balls can one player transfer from one container to the other; how much water could one team collect using a bath towel from one container to the other. We didn’t win the coconut trophy but our team and families had a wonderful time. Fiesta donated 3 gift certificates with lunch for 2 and 20 Fiesta Sketchers bags.

United Airlines Plane Pull

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The Fiesta Resort Guam and its affiliate companies under Tan Holdings, participated in the United Airlines Plane Pull on April 25, 2015, in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Event. Two teams were entered, one under the men’s division and one under the co-ed division. The men’s team came in 7th place out of 10 teams with a best time of 5.47 seconds, beating last year’s time of 5.60 seconds. The co-ed team came in 19th place out of 26 teams with a best time of 5.92 seconds, underperforming last year’s time of 5.59 seconds. Of significance, Tan Holdings was recognized during the event for supporting the Plane Pull since it first began 10 years ago.

Administrative Professional’s Day

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The Fiesta Resort Guam, together with other Tan Holdings affiliates, celebrated Administrative Professional’s Day on April 22, 2015, with a special luncheon at the Fiestan Tasi Banquet Room. Fiesta administrative personnel received a handwritten thank you card from their respective managers, certificate of recognition, carnation flower, and a monetary gift as a token of appreciation for contributing to the success of the Resort.

Fiesta Resort Saipan upgrades entertainment and dining offerings

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Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan relocated its dinner show to a custom-built stage. The new show relocated in December along with a yakiniku-style dining concept.

BY THOMAS JOHNSON
Journal Staff
Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan has experienced a series of upgrades over the past several months, most notably in its dinner show and Restaurant Plaza offerings.

According to General Manager Abner Acosta, the dinner show has been relocated to a custom-built stage on the previously vacant left side of the property, and the Restaurant Plaza has been altered to keep World Café and Mai Teppanyaki separate. In addition, the concepts and menus for each venue have been altered.

“We moved the dinner show because we wanted to free up the center of the property,” Acosta said. “The show was facing the building and now faces the sunset.”

The custom-built location has increased the show’s seating capacity from about 180 to around 300. It makes use of the property’s former French fine dining venue, which provides guests easier access to the bar and restroom facilities while easing the operations of the staff.

The show’s dining concept has changed from a buffet-style meal to a yakiniku-style dinner in which guests cook at their tables while enjoying the show.

The new show launched in December after approximately five months of construction of the stage.

In renovating the Restaurant Plaza area, Acosta said Fiesta retained RIM Architects to design the layout of the now-separated World Café and Mai Teppanyaki restaurants.

The World Café has now an additional 100 seats, bringing its capacity to 300. Additional outside seating and a private room have also been added as well as a live cooking station.

“Our goal was to make the restaurants bigger and more upscale,” Acosta said.

In addition to the World Café renovations, Acosta said Fiesta also arranged for a chef from Japan to upgrade the menu at Mai Teppanyaki.

“We brought him in to fix the menu and train our staff,” he said, “and we’re now using very different kinds of ingredients than your typical teppanyaki restaurant.”

As an example, Acosta said the restaurant now serves higher end alternatives, such as Wagyu beef and foie gras, in addition to its popular live lobster.

Acosta said that the hotel will be working on developing the central area of the property and will also be updating the outdoor grounds and commencing lobby renovations in the near future.


This article was originally authored by Thomas Johnson of the Marianas Business Journal and published on May 18th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Marianas Business Journal.

Fiesta Resort Supports 10th Saipan Marathon

April 25, 2015 marked the 10th Saipan Marathon.

Neither pouring rain nor the hot sun deterred the 18 Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan Volunteers’ spirit as they assisted in handing out water, omeboshi, cold sponges, and fruits to more than 450 runners from different countries who competed in the race.

The hotel’s first aid/water station was the turn around for 10K runners while competitors of the half marathon, full marathon, and the 50k events all passed by on their way to PIC’s turn around station.

Fiesta itself fielded 12 runners, 10 for the 10k event and 2 for the 21k or half-marathon.

The annual Saipan Marathon is hosted by Marianas Visitors Bureau.

Awards night and opening of Tan Holdings Bowling League

Last April 8th, Tan Holdings awarded the winners of the 7th season of the Tan Holding’s Bowling League and began the 8th edition of the league. There are a total of 12 teams comprised of employees of Tan Holdings companies and affiliates.
Champions for the 7th season of the bowling league were Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, followed by CTSI Logistics in second place and Century Insurance/Finance coming in at third.
Tan Holdings has continued its support for sports as a means to promote fitness, leisure and camaraderie within the company.

Typhoon Maysak Relief Efforts

In support of relief efforts for victims of Typhoon Maysak, various SBUs of Tan Holdings pulled together to donate food and other items.

D&Q donated a total of Total 35 cases x 72 pcs of bar soap and 40 cases x 12 peanut butter. Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan donated 2 bed sheets, duvet covers and 200 pcs. bath towels. Fiesta staff also donated clothes and toys for the people of Chuuk and Yap who were affected by typhoon Maysak.

Cosmos Distributing donated Gen Mills Nature Valley Granola Bars Variety pack, and fancy soap. Their employees personally donated clothes, towels, socks, toys & back packs.

The Kanoa resort team came together and made a generous donation to the “Container of Love” which will be shipped out to the islands affected by the recent Typhoon.

CTSI Logistics provided hauling services for the container to be shipped out.

Supporting links:
http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/relief-drives-for-typhoon-maysak-this-saturday/
http://www.saipantribune.com/index.php/public-urged-to-give-aid-to-victims-of-maysak/
http://www.mvariety.com/cnmi/cnmi-news/local/75611-administration-endorses-typhoon-maysak-relief-drive

POI conducts Customer Service and Team Building Workshop

Last April 1st, POI Aviation conducted two key training sessions for the staff and management of the company.

Aurelia Kretzers, GM of POI Aviation said, “Training can improve business performance, profit and staff morale. Training our staff can result in better customer service, better work safety practices and productivity improvements as well as demonstrate to our workforce that we value them enough to invest in them, improving loyalty and staff retention.”

The Customer Service and Team Building Workshop (Managing for a “New Dawn”) was conducted by Jim Arenovski of Island Training Solutions.

The workshop highlighted the importance and benefit of working together for the good of the company through team activities and a lecture.

The group tackled the importance of working together to maximize customer sales or customer satisfaction and how that, in turn, helps employees.

Specific focus was placed on effective communication and discussed how this is used to manage a culturally diverse workplace, manage conflict and give feedback.

A Special Feature on Giving Back to the Community

The Marianas Variety, a local news publication, recently ran a special feature on Tan Holdings President Jerry Tan and his advocacy for sports and the value of giving back to the community.

The feature story, entitled “Giving Back to the Community for a Healthier CNMI,” was published last April 6th and written by Marianas Variety staff Emmanuel Erediano. The article focused on Tan’s love for football and sports in general, and how he is committed to not only developing football in the CNMI, but also in using the popularity of the sport itself as a means to give opportunities to less fortunate kids and help in values formation for the younger generation.

We are reprinting the said article below and acknowledging with heartfelt thanks the writer, Emmanuel Erediano as well as the Marianas Variety management, for commissioning the story for the ultimate benefit of sports and the youth in the CNMI.



Giving back to community for a healthier CNMI
06 Apr 2015
By Emmanuel T. Erediano – emmanuel@mvariety.com – Variety News Staff

SPORTS, to many, is competition of strength, speed and other physical abilities, and to some, simply playing for fun.

But for Jerry Tan, the president of the company that has the longest commitment to sports here, it is more than just competition and playing for fun.

“Sports really, is an important part of healthy lifestyle,” Tan said in an interview.

Tan Holdings Corp. did not just support and sponsor sports events on the island. The company has organized many sports organizations and leagues that take things seriously. They continue to bring up local athletes not only for island events but for international competitions, as well. Aside from the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association and the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, Tan Holdings has also nurtured other organizations, teams and leagues like the Saipan Bowling Association, Tan Holdings Tennis Championships, Tan Holdings baseball teams, and many basketball tournaments.

Obviously, Jerry Tan who loves sports since he was a child has a vision for the sports in the CNMI.

Tan who grew up in Guam, and now made Saipan his home, said that as he grew older, “I start to realize that sports is more than just playing for fun.”

“Sports, as an important part of healthy lifestyle is something our island badly needs because we have a lot of different types of illness,” Tan said.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos has issued a non-communicable disease emergency directive noting that seven out of every 10 deaths in the CNMI are due to NCDs and/or NCD risk.

The Non-Communicable Disease Alliance has recently stated that the top five leading chronic diseases in the CNMI—all of which causes death and disability—are cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal disease, and diabetes.

World Health Organization official, Dr. Cherian Varghese who visited the island last month said, “NCD such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and lung diseases are a major problem for all Pacific islanders and CNMI is facing the brunt of these diseases.”

When asked about his vision of the sports in the CNMI, Tan said, “I feel that through sports, by maintaining an active lifestyle we can improve the overall health of the people here in the CNMI. So I look at sports, really as more on a healthy lifestyle.”

Tan used to play soccer in Guam and in Hong Kong. He stopped playing soccer for many years but he said “I never stopped loving sports.”

“Sport is a big part of my life,” he said.

So he also decided to build a sports complex in one of the company’s property in Gualo Rai — the Tan Siu Lin Sports Complex that houses the NMBA, the Saipan Soccer School and the futsal events, and accommodates basketball leagues ran by many different organizations on Saipan.

It is a multi-purpose gym, he said, and one of his company’s commitment to the island community.

That is something through which I see myself committing into sports and try to do whatever I can to influence people whether you are the young or the adult. Because we do want to see people grow healthy by playing sports and the TSL Sports Complex is another advantage especially during rainy season when people can still continue to do sports and keep themselves active,” he said.

With all these facilities, organizations and leagues that Tan Holdings have built and continue to run for many years now, one would wonder how much the company has invested for people’s healthy living through sports.

“Because I connect sports with health, and honestly, you cannot put a price on health, so it is worth every penny that we spend or invest in sports here,” he said.

DQ Saipan launches Environmental Promo

In celebration of Environmental Awareness Month, DQ Saipan, in cooperation with Joeten Stores, a local grocery chain and the environmental NGO, MINA recently launched the “I Choose To ReUse – Plastic Bag Challenge.

For every reusable bag a customer uses, he or she will be given a chance to win an eco bag filled with $100 worth of DQ products.

DQ Saipan General Manager Max Kretzers said “This is a simple promo whose main goal is to encourage our consumers to use eco-friendly bags instead of plastic, which can last for a thousand years and wreak havoc on the environment and wildlife.

JoeTen’s 4 stores on Saipan are participating in this promo, along with the environmental group MINA. Draws are held every Tuesday afternoon, with two winners per week, and six more winners for the month of April.

Kretzers added, “All businesses in Saipan need to help out in whatever way they can, in protecting our environment. Saipan is a beautiful island, but without everyone’s participation in a sustainable effort to keep it clean, it will lose its natural beauty.”

Tan Holdings joins Earth Hour

For the 7th straight year, Tan Holdings and Strategic Business Units participated in the annual Earth Hour celebration, held on the last Saturday of March, from 8:30-9:30pm.
This year was especially notable in that the activity has spread amongst many families that make up the 700+ employees under Tan Holdings and its SBUs.
Lina Dimaano, Vice-President said: “This is a welcome surprise. We have always given importance to the environment, but to see individual and family-based participation like we have this year, is a testament that our team members are themselves becoming stewards of positive change.”
The local newspaper, the Saipan Tribune came out with an article featuring images of Tan Holdings families enjoying different activities during the one hour Earth Hour celebration.
Jerry Tan, President of Tan Holdings said: “This is what Earth Hour is all about. We are part of a global community that has resolved to help lessen the impact of climate change. And our goal is to go beyond the “hour.” We want the stewardship of our environment to be a daily habit for each and every team member under Tan Holdings.

Fiesta Resort joins 1st Hospitality Expo at World Resort

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The 1st CNMI Hospitality Expo held at the World Resort opened to the general public shortly after lunch on Friday, March 27th. At least 25 vendors participated in the event.
Short welcoming remarks were given by Marianas Visitor’s Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio and Saipan Chamber of Commerce President, Alex Sablan. Tenorio reminded everyone “that tourism is every body’s business.”
This was followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Expo.
Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan joined this pioneering event and manned their booth throughout the afternoon.
They displayed their products and services through slide shows on three (3) laptops set up on their booth and handed out brochures of their restaurant outlets and hotel room accommodations.
There were many inquiries about their products and services as well as career-related inquiries from interested members of the community.
There was entertainment, plenty of raffle prizes, and giveaways from vendors participating at the Expo. There was also some food tasting as some vendors offered samples such as wine, tea, ice cream, cookies, barbecued beef and hotdogs.

Fiesta Resort staff volunteer for 26th Tagaman Triathlon

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A team of volunteers from Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan came out in full force to support the 26th year of the Tagaman Triathlon held last March 22nd.
Armed with cold water, power drinks, and oranges, the team from Fiesta Resort manned their station from daybreak until the last runner passed through at 2:30 pm. There was plenty of sunshine, enthusiasm and encouragement as the volunteers shouted words of support to the athletes and handed them cold drinks to quench their thirst.
“It’s both tiring and exhilarating,” said Cleo, one of the volunteers. “And it’s our little way of helping the community keep such a big event as successful as it is,” she added.
“It gives us a good feeling inside knowing we took part in an international event,” said Elena Soll, Public and Employee Relations Manager of Fiesta Resort
The hotel supports the international event by setting up a water station along Beach Road, where portions of the bike and run legs of the triathlon pass through.
This is the 6th consecutive year that Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan has actively supported the Tagaman Triathlon.

Arago has compatriots ‘in his heart’

By Dennis B. Chan on March 27, 2015

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Recently confirmed Philippine honorary consul Eli Arago will look to the wants and needs of his countrymen in the CNMI.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guam announced Wednesday that Arago has been confirmed by the U.S. State Department as honorary consul.

In an interview, Arago said that Consul General Marciano De Borja pushed his appointment, passing on his selection to the U.S. State Department for confirmation.

He said Borja told him that there are formalities to be done first before he assumes the responsibilities as honorary consul, which includes processing reports of birth and other documents, not including passports.

This could be done as soon as in May or June.

Arago said he believes his office at JP Center is “enough to handle the job,” noting that he thinks his Tan Holdings family will support him.

“It’s about utilizing the resources that you have, the people. And as I’ve said, leadership will count. If you know how to lead, it’s easy,” he said.

He said he would try his best to exercise what is expected of him as honorary consul. “I know I can help my kababayans [compatriots]. I believe people will share with me what they need and what they want. I can’t promise anything at this time but one thing I’m sure of is, I will really help our kababayans because it’s in my heart.”

Right now the CNMI has no Philippine consulate. Arago, who is the senior vice president of Tan Holdings, becomes the Guam consulate general office’s representative to the CNMI.

This article originally appeared on http://www.saipantribune.com

Tan Holdings Inter-company Basketball and Volleyball Leagues Now Open

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The Tan Holdings Inter-company basketball and volleyball leagues opened last March 20 at the TSL Sports Complex. The event was organized by the Saipan Soccer School.
Dave Sablan, known affectionately as “Uncle Dave,” Tan Holdings’ Corporate Consultant, graced the opening activities.
“We must always exercise and never neglect good health. While you are young, always find time to exercise and have some fun,” Sablan said. Uncle Dave, who turns 83 on April 2nd and is the most senior of Tan Holdings Executives, then bent over to touch his toes, showing all of the players and participants that he is still in the ‘pink of health’. His liveliness was well received by the teams present.
There are a total of 12 teams participating in this year’s leagues. Six teams for basketball and six teams volleyball.
Basketball Teams: Lowerbase Warriors (CTSI, DQ, Cosmos, Saipan Shrimp), POI Aviation, The Chief’s (Tribune, TSL Plaza, CIC, Ctravel), Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Fiesta Rockers, Kanoa Kylin.
Volleyball teams: Fiesta Rockers, Sets in the CT (Ctours, POI, 880 Duty Free), Unvolleybabelles (Takecare, TSL Plaza), Mixed-up (Kanoa, Century Hotel, DQ, Cosmos, CTSI), Pinkie Spikers (Tribune, SSS, L&T), Volleyptuous (TSLF, CIC, Ctravel, L&T, RMS)
Games are scheduled every Friday and shall culminate on June 12, 2015.

Fiesta Resort Guam Awards Top Performers

fiestaThe Fiesta Resort Guam held an Employee Fiesta on February 24, 2015, to recognize employees for special accomplishments during 2014.
Fourteen team members were recognized for receiving the Most Positive Guest Survey Comments, thirty team members for completing Online Training Courses, and 1 team member for receiving an Outstanding Performance Review.
The awardees were:
1. Ella Baladad, Front Office Agent – Most Positive Guest Survey Comments, Rooms Division, 1st Place
2. Jessica Vilante, Wait Staff – Most Positive Guest Survey Comments, Food & Beverage Division, Tied for 1st Place
3. Randelson Agustin, Restaurant Supervisor – Most Positive Guest Survey Comments, Food & Beverage Division, Tied for 1st Place
4. Sofia Figueroa, Reservations Supervisor – Most Positive Guest Survey Comments, Admin & General Division
5. Rosemarie Delos Santos, Housekeeping Supervisor – Most Online Training Completed, 1st Place
6. Marivic Bailey, Engineering Administrative Assistant – Outstanding Work Performance
These team members received prizes in addition to the recognition from management and their peers. Prizes included gift cards and gift certificates, with higher value prizes going to the top performers.
Jeffrey Schweizer, Fiesta Resort Guam’s General Manager said, “It’s important for our organization to recognize and reward our people for jobs well done. And we want this enthusiasm to spread, because at the end of the day, it helps bring more smiles into our guests faces.”