Hyatt Regency Saipan welcomes 2023 with a bang

From left, Hyatt Regency Saipan marketing and communications manager Bea O’Malley, general manager Guillaume Delemarle with his son Arthur, F&B director Hani Min, and iPhone 14 Pro Max winner Natasha Salas.(MARK RABAGO)

Thumping island music, overflowing drinks, thousands of dollars in raffle prizes, and an eight-minute fireworks display made the New Year’s countdown party at the Hyatt Regency Saipan one for the books.

In all, nearly 300 guests trooped to Skipper’s Bar where they enjoyed live music performed by the Hide Tide Band with DJ Ken taking over when the band needed a break.

About 30 minutes before it struck midnight, Hyatt general manager Guillaume Delemarle, F&B director Hani Min, and marketing and communications manager Bea O’Malley picked winners of the New Year’s countdown party raffle with Natasha Salas winning the grand prize, an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Nearly 300 took part in the New Year’s countdown party at the Hyatt.(MARK RABAGO)

All in all, everyone had an absolute grand time welcoming the new year in Saipan’s first international brand hotel. 

Dante Suarez Conlu, who won a one-night stay at the Garapan landmark, said he’s already looking forward to welcoming 2024 at the Hyatt.

“It’s our first time celebrating the New Year’s countdown at Hyatt. At first we were planning to do dinner at Hyatt but since I have to work in the night shift and I’m off at 9pm, we decided to go for the countdown and grab their package which is $180 for six pax,” he said.

The High Tide Band performing at Hyatt’s New Year’s countdown party.(MARK RABAGO)

Conlu said winning in the raffle was just a bonus.

“The funny thing is we were positive in winning the raffle. It’s a good New Year’s gift winning the one-night stay. It was fun and exciting!” 

Trench Tech Gym owner Cuki Alvarez said aside from Hyatt’s proximity to their house at Mihaville Estate, his family always goes to the Hyatt New Year’s countdown because it’s “always fun.”

“The No. 1 reason why we love Hyatt so much is because it’s super close to our house! Secondly, they always raffle out great prizes. Third, the ambiance is awesome because of fresh air, grass and sand, which always feels good. We brought our own chairs and relaxed with friends and family and enjoyed the countdown!”

Alvarez said the fireworks this year also weren’t too shabby.

“Last but not least—the fireworks are always a great grand finale, especially for the kiddos.”

CNMI National Triathlon Team member Kathy Pagapular Ruszala said there was no doubt in their mind that they will celebrate New Year’s Eve at Hyatt.

“New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Everything always seems to come alive and celebrating it at the Hyatt with family and friends made it an even more spectacular time. The kids were running around the grounds with their friends and only checked in when they were hungry or thirsty. I truly enjoyed listening to the High Tide band, DJ Ken, and the gorgeous emcee. They kept the energetic vibes going while we waited for the firework display to bring in the new year,” said Ruszala, whose husband Brad, served as the New Year’s countdown party host.

Delemarle said he’s happy with the turnout during the New Year’s countdown party, but ultimately downplayed it.
“We’re very happy. We don’t really care about the number [of the crowd] but what’s important is keeping Saipan alive again. It’s really having people together and making sure they have a good time,” he said.
O’Malley thanked the following sponsors for the event: Hyatt Regency Guam, Marianas Southern Airways, IT&E, Docomo Pacific, Triple J, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters Inc., and Current CNMI.