Man’amko and Best Sunshine dance together at Sweetheart Ball

The Office on Aging’s Man’amko Center celebrated Valentine’s Day with its first ever prom-themed Sweetheart Ball.

Complete with the bells and whistles of any glitzy prom, a gala livened up with entertainment, food and dance, and even their own photobooth, the exciting event was hosted by Best Sunshine International, Ltd. at the Taga Ballroom of Saipan World Resort Friday evening. The staging of the event was in honor of our elderly as they dressed up and danced the night away to live music and entertainment performed especially for them by the Saipan Sunset Islanders and the Corporatez.

The event drew around 135 attendees, including special guests of the senior citizens.

One of the regulars at the Man’amko Center, and crowned Prom Queen at the highlight of the event, Eden Liwag, says, “It’s the best prom ever. We have seen how the company takes care of us. Best Sunshine has went out of their way to really entertain us and to give us more life just by being so kind and generous.”

Best Sunshine Corporate Social Responsibility director Rita Chong, who spearheaded the concept of the Sweetheart Ball, comments, “Here in the Marianas, we value our man’amko. This is their night. CSR is very honored to have been a part of this beautiful event. With humble gratitude, we give thanks to Mr. Walter Manglona and his great team, most especially the man’amko themselves, for allowing the CSR team to help put this event together.”

Mike Manglona, CSR project manager, explains that the event is a continuance of giving value and unparalleled service to our elders after the welcome back banquet that BSI held at the Man’amko Center to welcome them back to the center after the typhoon. He says, “By throwing them a prom, it is a way of uplifting their spirits and is a contribution we are honored to do for our senior citizens. We hope to bring them joy little by little.”

“Some of them did not get a chance to go to a prom and we wanted to give them this chance to have a fun time,” said Chandis Cooper, CSR coordinator, who also performed and sang for the man’amko as part of their entertainment for the night. “Here at CSR, we always ask two questions before we pursue a project: Does it instill pride? And is there a need for it? The man’amko are a big part of our culture and we want to help give back to them, especially after Soudelor. With the man’amko being our pride, it also instills and extends pride in ourselves,” adds Cooper.

Minerva Managhoy, a multiple-award winner at the Sweetheart Ball, said, “I only have gratitude for everything that Best Sunshine is doing, not only for the man’amko, but for the whole CNMI. We’ve always wanted something like this in a wonderful hotel setting but never thought it was going to be given for free, including the service and smiles they put into it. This is really a big blessing for all of us.”

Aging Office director Walter Manglona extends his appreciation to Best Sunshine and the CSR team and all who had a hand in making the first-ever Sweetheart Ball a success.

“I would like to thank BSI for their extremely generous contribution to our elders and for making their Valentine’s Day meaningful and exciting. I am very appreciative and humbled by their kindness,” he said.