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Cook coming home after 20 years of toiling on Saipan
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Posted on Dec 18 2005
After 20 years working on Saipan, 16 of which spent at Saipan Grand Hotel, veteran cook Jerry Mallorca is finally coming back home to his family in the Philippines.
Mallorca said he began work at the hotel when it was still under its previous Japanese owners.
Now 51, Mallorca said the years he had spent on Saipan have all been fruitful, but he felt it was now time for him to return home and finally spend more time with his beloved family.
Being in the kitchen and catering department, he said, has honed his skills throughout the years. He has already mastered how to prepare the best skewers on island.
He will be leaving Saipan on Dec. 20. Executive chef Chris Adams said he had to admit that he is not happy with Mallorca’s decision to leave him and his kitchen. He said Mallorca has been a valued asset in the hotel.
“You can’t replace him. He’s been very reliable and he’s one of the best employees we ever had,” Adams said.
Food and beverage manager Anita Go agreed with Adams. She said Mallorca’s exit from the hotel is such a great loss but all of them in the hotel are happy with his decision.
“I guess it is indeed time for him to be with his family,” Go said, adding that Mallorca is one “big factor” in the success of her garden barbecue specials.
Go also said Mallorca has been a good role model for Saipan Grand Hotel’s employees. She said the veteran cook has always taken the initiative in taking care of the hotel such as the beautification of its trees in the gardens.
Mallorca was recognized during Saipan Grand Hotel’s monthly employees birthday bash held at the Coral Restaurant on Thursday.
