Fiesta: We are committed to our man’amko

Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan hosts its annual Christmas luncheon for the island’s man’amko yesterday at the Hibiscus Hall. (KIMBERLY BAUTISTA)

Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan hosted its annual Christmas luncheon for the island’s man’amko yesterday, saying they are committed to hosting the event to bring Christmas cheer to the island’s elderly.

According to Wendi Herring, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan general manager, the event means more than just lunch but a commitment that Fiesta wants to fulfill every year.

“The most important thing is showing [the man’amko] that we sincerely care about them. It’s just so fun to have them here relaxing, enjoying the holiday season, and just sharing the blessings that we’ve all had this year,” she said.

Herring is happy about this year’s turnout, with a larger group of man’amko coming to the luncheon compared to the previous year. Over 100 senior citizens showed up for the Christmas lunch.

“There were more [man’amko] this year. Last year there were fewer people since we were recovering from [Super Typhoon Yutu]. This year, the numbers are back up,” she said.

Aside from the lunch buffet, Fiesta also hosted a raffle drawing for the man’amko, hired live entertainment, and even held a dance competition.

“We just want to wish them a very merry and happy Christmas and all the best for the new year to come,” Herring said.

Office of Aging director Walter Manglona confirmed that the number of senior citizens who attended the luncheon this year was much larger compared to last year, with nearly all of Office of Aging seniors attending the luncheon.

“Last year, because of the storm, a lot of our seniors didn’t show up because they were busy with their recovery efforts at home. But now, we’re back at 100% and we’re in full force, so everybody is here, enjoying a great holiday celebration,” he said.

Manglona thanked Fiesta Resort & Spa for always keeping the man’amko in mind during the holiday season and for always making them feel special.

“I’m actually very happy because, since the time we got here, the staff and management of Fiesta Resort have been very nice and very courteous and respectful to our elders. They’re just overall so great and we appreciate that. We also wanted to say ‘thank you’ because a lot of our man’amko shared with me how special they feel because of how the community members like Fiesta Resort are always thinking about them during the holiday season,” he said.