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Hyatt lights Christmas tree to celebrate 36 years
Hyatt Regency Saipan lit a giant Christmas tree last Thursday as part of an annual tradition but the occasion also served as a commemoration of the hotel’s 36 years of operation on island.
Garapan Elementary School children served as the guests of honor during the event.
Nick Nishikawa, general manager for Hyatt Regency Saipan, said, “Every Christmas we set up a Christmas tree for the public to celebrate together.”
“We just want to thank everyone in the community for supporting us in the past 36 years on this island,” Nishikawa said. “Our lease is actually until 2021, so five more years left. So we hope the government can give us an extension so we can celebrate even more tree lighting ceremonies. These kids present, hopefully, can still see the Hyatt when they grow older. The CNMI is home to Hyatt and among any other international hotels, we are the only ones that have stayed here.”
Along with remarks made by officials of Hyatt, a student from Garapan Elementary School, Justin Tubera, was asked to step to the front and sing several Christmas songs.
Peachy Quitugua, 2016 Miss Marianas, said, “I think tonight is a great event not only for Hyatt, but for the community as well. It’s nice to see everyone gathered in one area and just have a good time, especially during the holidays.”
Also on site for caroling was the Hopwood Junior High School Choir. Festive holiday singing began at 5:30pm.
Jasper Ramos, a child attending the event, said, “I really want to see the tree get lit. It’s so big and I can tell it will look so cool.”
