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Tenorio presented with Japan’s Foreign Minister Commendation
Perry John Pangelinan Tenorio, sixth from left, is presented with the Foreign Minister Commendation Award by Japanese Consul Kazuhiko Ono, third from right, yesterday at the Aqua Resort Club Kevin’s the Prime Rib and Seafood Restaurant. They are joined in this photo by Tenorio’s family members and some Japanese Consulate staff. (NEIL FAMA)
Perry P. Tenorio, a former managing director of the Marianas Visitors Authority, was presented yesterday with the Foreign Minister Commendation by the Consular Office of Japan on Saipan, making him the first local resident to receive this award in the past five years.
Japanese consul Ono Kazuhiko, who presented Tenorio with the award yesterday at the Aqua Resort Club, said that Tenorio is among 152 individuals and 54 groups who were presented this award this year around the world.
In a later interview Tenorio said he is grateful and honored to have received this award and acknowledged the countless individuals, companies, and organizations who have shaped the relationship between Japan and the CNMI.
“There are countless individuals, companies, and organizations both locally and abroad, past and present, that have continued to promote the bonds of friendship, as well as mutual understanding, between our islands and Japan,” said Tenorio.
Tenorio said the people before him who helped mold the strong relationship between Japan and the CNMI is a reflection of the people of the CNMI. “It’s not just about me. Through consul Ono, this is a reflection on the people of the CNMI, or the travel industry in general, promoting goodwill and friendship between the CNMI and Japan,” he said.
Kazuhiko stated that Tenorio has participated in many of the memorial services that were held by various organizations from Japan, while also contributing to enhance the CNMI’s goodwill with Japan.
“As everyone may be aware, Mr. Tenorio established and organized the ‘Taste of the Marianas,’ which has become an annual signature event on Saipan. This event is not only about Japanese cuisine but it’s also an event that shares the culture of Japan in a form of the Awaodori [dance group] and Kendo [martial arts],” said Kazuhiko.
It was Tenorio’s 13 years of service as MVA director and his achievements in those 13 years that enabled his selection for this commendation, Kazuhiko added.
According to him, Japan’s Foreign Ministry selects the recipients every year and conducts an awarding ceremony in July. However, due to COVID-19, the announcement was delayed to Dec. 1, 2020. Tenorio didn’t receive the award until yesterday.
