Tinian Hot Pepper Fest: A taste of both worlds

The 2nd Annual Tinian Hot Pepper Festival took place on Tinian last Sept 17 and 18 and showcased various food booths and beverages, various competitions and live entertainment provided by guest performers on island and from Guam.

With the assistance from the Tinian Mayor’s Office and the Marianas Visitors Authority, the event was filled with fun and excitement for the entire family and all visitors alike.

The winners of the two-day festival were the following:

Hot Pepper Eating Contest (First event)
1st place Ryan M. Evangelista ($100)
2nd place Napu Aldan ($75)
3rd place Guang Ron Li ($25)

Hot Pepper Eating Contest (Second event)
1st place Albert Gadad ($100)
2nd place Adam Sanchez ($75)
3rd place Brian King ($25)

Hot Pepper Eating Contest (third event)
1st place Napu Aldan ($100)
2nd place Sylvia Biz ($75)
3rd place Anthony Reyes ($25)

Coconut Husking Competition:
1st place Kerat Mony ($100)
2nd place Godfrey Mendiola ($75)
3rd place Joe John Reyes ($25)

Talaya Throwing Competition
1st place Henry S. King ($100)
2nd place Anthony Reyes ($75)
3rd place Jerome San Nicolas ($25)

Talaya Throwing Competition-Junior Division
1st place Joseph Mendiola Jr. ($20)
2nd place Nick Ayuyu ($10)
3rd place Ray Pangelinan Jr. ($5)

Treasure Dive Competition
1st place Heinz Cabrera ($100)
2nd place Napu Aldan ($75)
3rd Aaron Gruchow ($25.00)

Hot Dog Eating Competition
1st place Paul John Borja ($100)
2nd place Leo Pangelinan ($75)
3rd place Jeffrey Baleto ($25)

Katdun Pika Cooking Competition
1st place Melvin Castro ($100)
2nd place Christina Masga ($75)
3rd place Ronnie Masga ($25)

Karaoke Competition
1st place Leo Pangelinan ($100)
2nd place Maricel Baldueza ($75)
3rd place Sebastian Camacho ($25)

Booth Competition
1st place M & F Corp. ($100)
2nd place Ritalyn’s Restaurant ($75)
3rd place Sabina Aldan ($25)

Costume Competition
1st place Hipolito Duque Jr. (only one entry)

Bailan Chalan/Survival Dance Competition
1st place Peter Manglona ($100)
2nd place Paul Borja ($75)
3rd place: Jennifer Borja ($25)

“Wherever you find yourself in the Marianas, we are sure you will enjoy the ‘Hafa Adai’ hospitality of our local people,” said MVA managing director Vicky Benavente.

For more information on the festival, contact the MVA Office (Saipan) at 664-3200/01 or the MVA Office (Tinian) at (670) 433-9365. (PR)