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Performers dazzle in Chinese group’s Lunar New Year party
The hosts of the Chinese Association of Saipan?s party welcoming the Year of the Horse are on stage at the Hibiscus Hall of the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan last Saturday. (Photos by Mark Rabago)
Food was overflowing, more than 100 children received their hong bao, and performers were dazzling during the Chinese Association of Saipan’s party welcoming the Year of the Horse last Saturday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.
While guests dined on all-time Chinese favorites such as steamed fish and fried noodles, entertainment was provided by a gamut of performers that enthralled the crowd with their showmanship.
Students of the Chinese Education Center were regal and graceful with their performance of Chinese traditional dances, while students of tai chi master Kevin Wang wowed everyone with their expertise in the martial arts.
Lovely dancers Guo Xuan and Yang Yang also performed belly dancing and Mongolian dance. Not to be outdone, the Rose Dance School also sashayed on the stage with their Zumba and Samba routines.
Acclaimed singer Liu Yang and Tracy Tian were also well received by the audience, especially the former’s rendition of My Heart of China, which Chinese association director Rose Chan said is a popular Chinese folk song.
But hands down the performance that moved everyone to their feet was that of professional violin player Melody Li. A very accomplished violinist from mainland China who honed her skills in Europe, Li captivated everyone with the magical tunes coming from her stringed instrument.
Chan said over 300 ethnic Chinese and other guests attended the grand occasion at the spacious Hibiscus Hall of the Garapan landmark.
VIP guests included Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman and association directors Johnny Fong of Coca-Cola Beverage Co. Micronesia and Ta Bun Kuy of Micro Beach Hotel and Dollar Days.
While 95 percent of guests are long-term Saipan residents hailing from mainland China, Chan said a number in the crowd are Chinese who hail from other countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Chan herself is from the former British Crown Colony.
Chan also read a message from former Chinese Association of Saipan president Tan Siu Lin and his son, Jerry, who is the group’s current president.
She said the two wished everyone in attendance “Kung Hei Fat Choy” and hopes 2014 or the Year of the Wooden Horse brings everyone more success.
