Rabago leads winners in magazine’s mom contest

Maxine Rabago, a 13-year-old eight grader at Saipan Community School, submitted the essay entry that won her first place in Beach Road magazine’s Best Mom 2017 contest.

As part of her prize, she and her mom, Melanie Rabago, are featured in the magazine’s May edition, just in time for the celebration of Mother’s Day.

The contest was launched in mid-April. The deadline was set on April 14 so the winners can be featured in the magazine’s May 2017 issue.

Students aged 12 to 15 years old were challenged to write short essays of 50 words or less, telling us why they think their mom is the best. Poems were also accepted. By doing this, students had the chance to win great prizes for their mothers and make this coming Mother’s Day, May 14, truly special. Although some of the schools were not able to join because they were on Spring break, the magazine still drew 178 entries from the following schools: Dandan Middle School, Tanapag Middle School, Hopwood Junior High School, Saipan Community School, Northern Marianas International School, Marianas High School, and Saipan International School.

A panel of judges trimmed the 178 entries down to 13 finalists, after which the three winning essays were selected by major sponsors.

Second place went to Anhkiet Milad Huynh Jr., 13, 8th Grade, Tanapag Middle School, and his mom, Grace Milad Brooks.

Third place went to Lesly Ibarra, 15, 9th Grade, Marianas High School, and her mom, Florentina Ibarra.

The presentation of prizes to the winners was held at the Transpac Business center conference room in Gualo Rai last April 20.

Prizes include gift baskets from Marpac, bouquets from Island Touch by Philip, dinner and lunch buffet certificates from Fiesta Resort & Spa and Kanoa Resort Saipan, meal vouchers from KFC-Taco Bell, waterpark passes from Pacific Islands Club Saipan, gift bags from Coca-Cola and Foremost, gifts from T-Galleria (DFS and L&M Enterprises), gift certificates from Makeover Beauty Salon and National Office Supply, coupons from Scoops, barbecue grill from Alicia Barbo, and three cases of Mogu-Mogu drinks from Islander Mini-Mart.

“We truly appreciate the students’ sincere efforts to ‘tell’ the community how they feel about mom. Joining the contest alone proves how much they love their mothers, and you are all winners in our hearts,” said Minda Castro, event coordinator. (PR)