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Spongebob brings cheers to kids at pediatrics ward, clinic
Nickelodeon characters came to life at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. yesterday morning, with Spongebob Squarepants visiting young patients at the CNMI’s lone public hospital.
Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants visits the children’s clinic at the Commonwealth Health Center yesterday morning under the auspices of Docomo Pacific, which is hosting a Kids4Kids Carnival on the island. At left is DPH director Margaret Aldan calling the children. (Jayson Camacho)
The popular “Bikini Bottom dweller” brought much needed cheer and small gifts to the pediatric ward and the Children’s Clinic at the Commonwealth Health Center, including other areas of the hospital.
Children were happy to see Spongebob. Two youngsters, Debron Saures and Ian S. Padilla, who were both with their mothers, said the visit was a fun experience but they also looked for Patrick, one of the costars of the Spongebob Squarepants series.
Ian’s mother, Kim Sablan, said it was a great idea for Docomo to bring Nickelodeon characters to the hospital. She noted that her son watches Spongebob a lot.
Selfie sticks were given to some of the children who interacted with Spongebob.
Thomas Takeo Higa, chief commercial officer for Docomo Pacific, said the Nickelodeon character is on island for the Kids4Kids Carnival, a family-friendly event being hosted by Docomo.
The carnival kicked off on Sept. 28 and ended yesterday at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort, with performances by other Nickelodeon characters.
“We try to bring Nickelodeon out here every few years and we work with the company in the U.S. who’s authorized with Nickelodeon, because there is only one company. We do this under the Kids4Kids program,” Higa said.
“It has helped bring smiles for children both on Guam and Saipan. For Saipan, which is still suffering from the terrible devastation of the typhoon, we decided to sell the tickets at half price. We’re trying to do four shows so the kids get in time for bed,” he said.
Tickets on Saipan were sold for $3.50.
Higa noted that aside from Spongebob, Team Umi Zumi and Diego the Explorer are also part of the Kids4Kids Carnival.
CHCC’s Division of Public Health director Margaret Aldan said that Docomo does this almost every year, including during Christmas.
“They are very active with spreading the spirit of goodwill. Some of the kids are here for awhile and this lifts up their spirits and makes them happy,” Aldan said.
