UFO lines up activities for 2012 Pistang Pinoy

The United Filipino Organization is putting together several activities to build up interest for the 2012 Pistang Pinoy celebration on June 10 at the Civic Center grounds in Susupe.

The theme for this year’s event coinciding with the Philippine Independence Day commemoration is “Pananagutan ng bayan para sa tuwid na daan.”

UFO secretary Annamae Adaza said yesterday that there will be other activities on top of a whole day’s worth of live entertainment by various performing groups and individuals.

“We’re bringing the Pistang Pinoy event to the people of our island next month as our way of giving back to the community for the support they have given us in all our events,” said Adaza.

She said that they will be having the Panlasang Pinoy food contest, which will be participated by at least six establishments.

Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Top Cuisine, Sandjuvy Restaurant, Jologs, Chalan Kanoa Beach Hotel, and Connie’s Diner will compete and prepare five dishes on the spot: Beef Steak Tagalog, Pork Adobo, Sweet & Sour Mahi-Mahi, Ginataang Puso ng Saging, and Sizzling Squid.

Chefs of various hotels and restaurants will serve as judges. All contestants will receive certificates of participation and the top three winners will win $300, $200, and $100, respectively.

For information about Panlasang Pinoy, contact Peter Crisostomo at 989-1892.

At this year’s Pistang Pinoy, the Tau Gamma Phi – Triskelion will also conduct a medical health fair so that all festival-goers can take advantage of free medical services, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

Adaza said the celebration will also feature basketball games for different age groups. The games for the youth division for 14 and under will start at about 8:30am while games for 20-and-under will begin at 2pm.

Throughout the day, UFO officers will be selling raffle tickets for $1 each for a chance to win exciting prizes donated by generous sponsors and donors, including hotel overnight stays, lunch and dinner buffets, as well as spa and waterpark passes.

Businesses are encouraged to become sponsors by contacting president Bong Malasarte at 287-5525, Bok Enano at 287-9756 or Adaza at 483-5237.

Highlighting the festivities is the “Deal or No Deal” game in the evening, wherein one contestant will have a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize if he or she chooses the right briefcase. Joel Vallega will be choreographing the briefcase ladies, which will include the Pusong Pinoy Valentine beauty pageant contestants.

“We are excited about it because it’s our first time to have a huge game show during the Pistang Pinoy. We hope things will fall into place,” Adaza told Saipan Tribune.

Adaza disclosed that they will be at the Garapan Street Market on Thursday, May 31 to encourage vendors to set up booths at their event.

Rental fee for 10×10 tents for the vendors is $40 for food and $30 for non-food vendors. For inquiries, contact Paul Madriaga at 287-4501 or Anna De Guzman at 788-5016.

Performers are still welcome to take part in the event. For information, call Minda Castro at 989-0604 or Olive Yana at 483-5237.

“We are inviting everyone to join us in celebrating our 114th Philippine Independence Day,” said Adaza. “Without the support of the CNMI community, this event will not be a huge success.”