De Ramos is Saipan’s Next Top Chef

Melquiades De Ramos from Fiesta Resort & Spa was crowned Saipan’s Next Top Chef at the fundraiser event for Empty Vessel Ministry on July 16, 2011, at the Pacific Islands Club.

De Ramos beat out five other contestants to win the grand prize of $200, a stainless steel chef’s pan from Taro Sue Store, and a $200 Delta Air Lines travel voucher.

Jin Woo Lee of Saipan World Resort won second place, bringing home $175, a cell phone from Docomo Pacific, and a coffee and tea set from Kevin’s Department Store.

Rommel Villaviza of Saipan World Resort won third place, winning $150, a tool set from Taro Sue Store, and buffet lunch gift certificate from Pacific Islands Club.

The other contestants were Chuzi Rios Pacific Islands Club and Benjamin Babauta of Hyatt Regency Saipan.

Culinary students from Kagman High School and Rota High School helped the contestants peel and cut vegetables and meat. Javil Manglona of Rota High school assisted De Ramos, Vincent Maratita of Rota High School assisted Lee, while Vannah Hocog of Rota High School assisted Villaviza.

Certified Angus Beef donated by Triple J Five Star Wholesale was the main ingredient for the competition.

The competition judges were Dr. Florence Schenker of the Commonwealth Health Center, Maria Salas of the Public School System and Brian O’Laughlin of the CNMI Law Commission, while the tabulators were Nhing Reyes from Ernst Young and Damiana Arkoh, a volunteer for EVM.

Among the guests present during the contest were PIC general manager Hiro Sugie, Public Health Secretary Joe Kevin Villagomez, AA Enterprise president Aaron Choi, Pastor Dan Basaldua, United Movement president Rabby Syed, Kevin’s Department Store owner Wayne Kevin, and Ranger Susan Fishman of the American Memorial Park.

Prizes donated by sponsors were also raffled off, including cell phones, lunch buffets, a romantic dinner for two, special lunches, hotel packages, body massage and facial spa, cookware, fancy umbrella, McDonald’s certificates and many more.

The program included intermission numbers featuring Dr. Esther Kanayjorn and her dance partner, Allen Cuyugan of Body Movers.

Empty Vessel Ministry extends a special appreciation to organizers Vicky Benavente, executive assistant of Pacific islands Club, and attorney Shelli Neal for helping organize the event.

Empty Vessel Ministry plans to hold “Saipan’s Next Top Chef Competition” next year. Funds raised will be used to care for children by providing school supplies and other basic needs, not just in the CNMI but also in Kenya, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.[I] (Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation)[/I]