Rota and Saipan highlighted on China’s Ergeng

China’s Ergeng video crew takes in a sunset after a day of filming in the Northern Mariana Islands in October 2016, assisted by Marianas Visitors Authority marketing specialist Laura Hsiao, second from left. (MVA)

Award-winning online media Ergeng recently visited Rota and Saipan with the assistance of the Marianas Visitors Authority to film four short videos that will air to its estimated 5-million viewers this month.

Ergeng was founded in 2014 and posts an original 3- to 4-minute “soul-healing” documentary film each night at 9pm that attracts millions of fans from China’s largest cities. The videos cover lifestyle, indigenous people, history and culture, with a main character narrating the story about his or her life and hometown.

The first two videos will feature Saipan’s natural beauty above and below the water, tourist attractions, and island lifestyle. Featured subjects will include scuba diving at Grotto, Laulau Beach and Obyan Beach, free diving, yachting, Mt. Carmel Cathedral, Mt. Tapochao, sunrise at Bird Island, and sunset at the beach. The video features interviews with a PADI dive instructor and a Best Sunshine Internatiol, Ltd. yacht crew member.

The third video will highlight Chamorro and Carolinian life, including traditional navigation, a family segment, dance with FESTPAC Warriors and Pacific Flowers dance troupe, and the 2ndAnnual Ukulele Festival. The video will feature Ricardo S. Marciano, Anthony Hosono, and Phatima Tasi. On Saipan, the group lodged at Serenti Hotel.

The final video will highlight Rota, including the Rota Swimming Hole, Mochong Latte Site, Chamorro Village, Teteto Beach, Tweksberry Beach, I Chenchon Bird Sanctuary, the island’s famous hospitality, and local delicacies at Badilles Rota’s BBQ Restaurant, As Paris, Tia’s Café, and Tokyo-en. The group lodged at Rota Resort & Country Club.

“I had a lot of fun filming on Saipan. People here are so nice, friendly and helpful,” said Ergeng director Poppy Zhu. “But I wish I could stay in Rota. It is so peaceful and beautiful, no wonder you call it the hidden treasure! I love it! I really want to come back for vacation and visit my new friends here. It’s a great vacation destination for us city people.”

“In particular, we’d like to thank Gordon Marciano of PDI and Thomas Mendiola of the Rota Mayor’s Office for helping with the coordination and interviews about Chamorro and Carolinian culture for these videos, which will reach millions of people in China,” said MVA marketing manager Bruce Bateman. “Through the support of our MVA members and other community groups, the MVA is able to make these kinds of promotional videos which help spread dynamic information and exciting options to potential visitors. We couldn’t do it without our partners.”

The estimated ad exposure of the video is $500,000. (MVA)