Community Briefs – November 1, 2017

MVA membership meeting on Nov. 9
The Marianas Visitors Authority will hold its semi-annual general membership meeting on Nov. 9, 2017, at the Royal Taga Ballroom of the Saipan World Resort at 10am. Registration will begin at 9:30am.

Guest speakers will be from the MVA’s offshore offices and will provide a recap of fiscal year 2017 projects and the MVA’s marketing plans for fiscal year 2018.

Speakers will be the respective in-country managers: Irene Lee, Korea market; Shirley Zhang, China market; and Takashi Ichikura, Japan market.

The meeting cost is $16/person for MVA members and $20/person for non-members. The cost includes light refreshments and lunch. RSVP should be made by Nov. 3, 2017.
The MVA also welcomes new businesses, agencies and individuals who want to actively participate in the Marianas’ top industry as MVA members. Membership is $100 annually. To RSVP, to request a membership application, or for more information, contact MVA Community Projects administrative assistant Demalynn Pagarao at dpagarao@mymarianas.com or call 664-3200. (MVA)

JIL Church Saipan to mark 20th anniversary
The CNMI community is invited to attend the Jesus is Lord Church Saipan’s 20th anniversary celebration on Nov. 5, 3pm at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort. The JIL Church Saipan congregation hosts its members at their sanctuary in San Vicente.  There are three services available every Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, and 6pm. For more information, call 670-235-8053 or 670-989-8053. (PR)

VA benefits counselor visiting Saipan
A U.S. Department of Veterans Benefits Administration benefits counselor will be at the Saipan VA Outreach Clinic on Dec. 15, 2017, from 9:30am to 3:30pm. The benefits counselor will be available to answer benefits questions, and assist with the claim process. The Saipan VA Outreach Clinic is located at the MH II Bldg. Suite 206, Marina Heights Business Park in Garapan. To request an appointment, contact Ruth Coleman at 322-0035. (PR)

CNMI Next Top Chef competition
The CNMI Next Top Chef 2017 invites interested chefs to register for the competition on Nov. 9, 2017, at 6pm at Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan. Tickets are now on sale for $50/person including the live cooking competition, full buffet dinner, and raffle. For a chef entry form or tickets, contact Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation at 235-2340 or emptyvesselministry@gmail.com. Jointly organized with the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, the event will benefit the Empty Vessel Ministry. (PR)

Limited tickets for ‘Ultimate Drag Queen’ on Nov. 4
In celebration of their 25th year anniversary in the CNMI, the Saipan Fil-American Lions Club will a host a fundraiser called “The Ultimate Drag Queen 2017” on Nov. 4, at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort. VIP tickets cost $25 and general admission is $15. Proceeds from the event will be used for the club’s community projects. For more details, call club president Annamae Adaza at 285-4388, vice president Lourdes Ortiz at 785-2306, VP Leony Mendoza at 287-7563, secretary Mario Mayuga at 285-1021, or Ernie Molina at 789-8212. (PR)

Marriage Encounter Weekend set

The next CNMI Marriage Encounter Weekend will take place at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan on Nov. 17-19 2017. It is open to husband and wife couples of all denominations and mixed faiths. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100. If couples are unable to fund the $100, M.E. will find sponsors to pay the fee. To participate, email cnmime@gmail.com or call Joe and Linda Muña at 287-2102. Space is limited to the first 15 couples only. (PR)

PH consulate to hold NMI outreach
The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Office of Honorary Consul Eli Arago, will conduct a mobile consular outreach in the CNMI from Nov. 13 to 17, 2017 (Monday to Friday) at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, from 9am to 6pm. Those who wish to renew their passport, submit your application at the Finasisu Terraces, Apartment Building D, second floor (top of the Mini-Mart Store), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (12pm to 1pm, break time). For any inquiry about passport renewal. call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)

Renewed PH passports now being released
The Philippine Consulate General in Guam, in coordination with the Office of Honorary Consul Eli Arago, is releasing passports to those who renewed their passports last Sept. 8, 9, 10, and 11, 2017. You can pick up your new passports at Finasisu Terraces, Apartment Building D, second floor, at the top of the Mini-Mart Store, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm (12pm to 1pm is break time). Please bring your old passport and receipt. For more details, call Mel Santos at 233-6293. (PR)