Russian-style Christmas fête rocks PIC

 Some 230 Russian guests at the Pacific Islands Club took part in the Orthodox Christmas Party at The Magellan Restaurant on  Saturday. Guests were treated to a conventional festive menu and entertained with songs, games, quizzes, and raffle draws fit for  the holiday celebration.

The restaurant itself was decorated in traditional Russian style called “gzhel.” Hotel staff also wore traditional Russian shirts and dresses “to ensure that they suit the party’s folk theme,” according to Elly Stoilova, PIC marketing manager for Web/Russia/CIS.

“It was for sure a party to remember. A Russian repeater guest complimented the hotel management for organizing such an excellent event,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Russian celebrities MC Pospelov, his son Roman, and DJ Vitaliy Rogozin, who provided live entertainment, were also garbed in a handmade costume with gzhel figures and gzhel-themed t-shirts.

Ded Moroz, the Russian relative of Santa Claus, and his granddaughter Snegurochka also surprised the guests and gave away Saipanda backpacks from the Marianas Visitors Authority.

According to Stoilova, the party’s success can be attributed to the beautiful setup, delicious food, exciting gifts and giveaways, and professional entertainment.

Among the exciting raffle prizes were optional tours at SandCastle, Stars and Stripes, Saipan Sunset Cruise, Saipan Sea Venture, submarine, go-karting, sightseeing tours with Belka Tours, and massages at Mandi Asian Spa. Other guests received gifts from Joeten Shopping Center, LA TAX, Tasi Tours, Lollipops, Made in Saipan, Marianas Coffee, and PIC Saipan and Guam.

Over $1,000 worth of raffle tickets sold at the event will benefit the orphans at the Children’s Hospital #3 in Vladivostok, Russia as part “Sharing Seeds,” the hotel’s charity project. The hotel began helping the young orphans in 2009 and has already installed new windows and doors, building partitions, purchasing diapers, food, and other necessities. PIC aims to change the hospital’s old doors for their next project.

“The Orthodox Christmas Party for sure created a lot of unforgettable memories which Russian guests will bring back to Russia and share with family, relatives, friends and coworkers,” added Stoilova.

Local businesses that donated items for the party included DFS, King’s Jewelry, Hertz, Microl Toyota, 360 Restaurant, Hyatt, Tony Roma’s & Capricciosa’s, Truong’s, Islander, Gold’s Gym, and the MVA.

PIC is scheduled to celebrate the Russian Orthodox New Year this Saturday.