NMBA bartenders challenge gets support

With its highly anticipated Grand Marnier Challenge approaching, the Northern Marianas Bartenders Association managed to obtain support from the Marianas Visitors Authority, which recently contributed $200 to the event.

In a letter to NMBA president Lito Espino, MVA acting managing director Martin F. Duenas commended the NMBA for its effort in hosting the event.

“We support the idea that competitions like this enhance the skills in our bartenders, which will result in a higher quality of service for our visitors and local community,” he said. “The [MVA] would like to thank you for your continuous efforts to promote a higher quality of service to our visitors, as we continue to promote the Northern Mariana Islands as the premier destination of choice in the Pacific.”

The Bartender Cocktail Competition-Grand Marnier Challenge is scheduled to unfold on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2004 at the Madonna Disco of the Saipan Grand Hotel, with an entrance fee of $10 per participant.

“The competition is geared toward building self-confidence, pride and professionalism among bartenders and to develop a more competitive attraction to tourists here in CNMI,” Espino said.

The competition, slated to begin at 8:30pm, includes over $400 in total cash prizes and other items.

Espino said each company will be limited to two representatives but participants will not be allowed to wear any uniform or logos that would disclose the company being represented. Instead, participants must be dressed in black pants and an island attire shirt.

Whoever emerges as champion will receive $150 plus a round trip ticket from Saipan to Manila and a cell phone, while first and second runners up will receive $100 and $50. Best in Show earns $100 plus a cell phone.

The top three winners will also receive a trophy and medal, while the Best in Show category winner will also be awarded a trophy.

All participants would receive certificates.

Aside from the NMBA, other sponsors include Grand Marnier, TITAN Imports, Pacific Trading Co., Western Sales Trading Co., Verizon, Triple B. Forwarders, Papago Island Charcoal, Tambayan Bar and Restaurant, and Elite Printing.

Already confirming participation are bartenders from Aqua Resort Club, Coffee Care and Restaurant, Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Abyss Bar and Restaurant, Hafa Adai Hotel, Tambayan Bar and Restaurant, Saipan Grand Hotel, World Resort, and Pacific Islands Club.

For more information, contact Espino at 286-9982 or email at nmba_Saipan@yahoo.com.