Beach Road Magazine - November

Road to FestPac NMI preps its delegation

Thanksgiving feast Family recipes and healthy tips

Against the grain

Woodcarver reconnects to cultural roots

November 2015

ABOUT THE COVER CNMI Salvation Army minister Pastor Wayne Gillespie is flanked by his wife, Pastor Annie Gillespie, right, and Salvation Army volunteer Annie Lizama (seated).

Photo by Racel Cuaresma

6 Family feasts Recipes for the holidays

9 Healthy holidays Tips for a healthy Thanksgiving celebration

12 Carving an artform Maria "Lia" Manalo

14 From the NMI to the silver screen Florencio “Ren-Ren” C. Santos

15 Where it’s all good Paradise Dental Center opens in Saipan

20 On the Road Event photos

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Glimpses Publications include Guam Business Magazine, Marianas Business Journal, Beach Road Magazine and R&R Pacific

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita MANAGING EDITOR Jackie Hanson ASSISTANT EDITOR Joy White REPORTER Thomas Johnson PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Rosanna Dacanay SENIOR DESIGNER Vikki Fong DESIGN & PRODUCTION Michele Blas Conrad Calma Jr. SALES MANAGER Annie San Nicolas ACCOUNT MANAGER Minda Castro MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

Beach Road Magazine, November 2015. Entire contents copyrighted 2015 by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. Beach Road Magazine is published monthly by Glimpses of Saipan, Inc. P.O. Box 502080, Saipan, MP 96950 • 2/F Transpac Business Center Gualo Rai, Saipan • Tel: (670) 235-7645 • Fax: (670) 234-1801 • E-mail: saipan@glimpsesofguam. com. All rights reserved. No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

CULTURE

EYES TOWARD

FESTPAC

By Joy White

In May, cultural practitioners from all over the Pacific will be traveling to Guam for the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts. The Northern Mariana Islands FestPac Organizing Committee is hard at work preparing the delegation that will represent the NMI in the festival. The deadline for applications was on Oct. 30 and since then the committee has conducted its first meeting with participants.

The festival has been held every four years since 1972, with a different island nation hosting the event each time. The NMI FestPac Organizing Committee is a non-profit, non-government organization created to act as a liaison between the NMI and the FestPac host country. The NMI has participated in the festival since 1976.

Known as the “Olympics of culture,” the festival is an eye-opening experience for all involved. The event features cultural performances, demonstrations and exhibitions by each delegation.

“Gratefully some of us in the Organizing Committee participated in prior FestPacs, which we consider a lifetime opportunity [in which] to immerse and reconnect with our fellow Pacific brethren in the Olympics of culture through purposeful sharing and resounding celebration of our unique cultures, traditional knowledge, and traditions that have lasted to date since time

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immemorial,” says John DLR Gonzales, chairman of the committee.

In between the performances, demonstrations and exhibitions, members of the delegations also have the opportunity to socialize and share stories.

The committee hopes to bring together a delegation of 250. “Above anything else [we look forward to] the deeply moving and immersive empowering experience we gain from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally meet, connect, witness and congenially — not competitively — share as extended families our rich, colorful, alluring and enduring languages, cultures, traditions and oral histories of our Pacific Islands,” Gonzales says.

As the committee prepares to showcase the islands' cultures, Gonzales says the community can help preserve the culture by keeping it in practice at home.

Gonzales says that the Chamoru and Refaluwash cultures and traditions set the NMI apart from the rest of the world and should be seen with pride.

“By virtue of this fact, all of us ought to maximize and capitalize on this phenomenon in opportunities to brand and market our islands and people as a globally competitive tourism destination,” he says.

THANKSGIVING

CREAM CHEESE MARBLED CHOCOLATE BROWNIES Contributed by Mary Ann Lizama

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (62% cacao, broken into pieces) 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar, divided 4 large eggs at room temperature, divided 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄3 cup butter, softened 1⁄2 cup milk

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Grease 9-inch square baking pan.

• Beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar in small mixer bowl until smooth.

• Beat in 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

• Microwave chocolate pieces uncovered in medium microwave-safe bowl on high for 45 seconds. Stir.

• If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave for additional 10 to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature.

• Combine flour and salt in small bowl.

• In medium mixing bowl, beat remaining 3/4 cup sugar and butter until creamy.

• Add remaining 3 eggs, milk and remaining teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until well mixed.

• Beat in melted chocolate.Stir in flour mixture until blended.

• Spread into prepared baking pan.

• Drop tablespoons of cream cheese mixture randomly over chocolate mixture.

• Swirl mixtures deeply with spoon, pulling chocolate mixture up to surface.

• Bake for 33 to 38 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.

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THANKSGIVING

Rose “U” Potato Salad Contributed by Rose Ulloa

INGREDIENTS

1 small bottle chopped relish 1 medium jar pimentos 1 small can chopped olives 2 dozen eggs 1 32-ounce jar of mayonnaise 10 lb. bag of potatoes Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

• Boil eggs until fully cooked.

• Boil potatoes until done to your liking ­—­ do not over-cook as it should be chunky and not crumbly.

• Cut eggs and potatoes to bite sizes as desired.

• Drain relish, olives and pimentos and add to your potatoes.

• Add salt and pepper to taste.

• Add eggs.

• Mix thoroughly and then add mayonnaise.

• Decorate and serve. Mannge! (Delicious)

Chicken Galantina Contributed by Mary Ann Lizama

INGREDIENTS

1 whole chicken, dressed and deboned except for the legs and wings 250 grams ground pork 1 cup sweet ham, chopped 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish 1 cup cubed cheese 1/4 cup green peas 1 white onion, minced 1/4 cup raisins 1 small can liver spread 2 eggs

DIRECTIONS

1 can sausage 4 large eggs, hard-boiled 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon white pepper Lemon juice 1 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoon ketchup String 100 grams butter

• Marinate chicken in lemon juice, soy sauce and pepper.

• In a pan, sauté onion in oil. When the onion gets translucent, add ground pork and cook until it changes color.

• Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, green peas and ham slices. Cook until the peas are soft.

• Season with salt and pepper.

• Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl.

• Add the cubed cheese and ham to the meat mixture.

• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and add to the meat mixture.

• Close the neck portion of the chicken to secure the meat inside.

• Put the mixture inside the chicken tightly.

• Insert two hard-boiled eggs under the wings and legs and sausages inside.

• Close the chicken and tie the legs with string.

• Butter the whole chicken and place it in the oven or turbo broiler on low heat.

• Once cooked, slice the chicken and serve.

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HEALTH

Tips for a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving meal When it comes to eating healthy during the holiday season, health and cooking website EatingWell.com provides these tips for healthier dishes that won’t sacrifice flavor for a joyful, delicious and healthy Thanksgiving feast.

1. Add flavor, not fat.

Many recipes suggest rubbing the bird with butter before roasting. If you roast a turkey without overcooking, it won’t dry out — there’s no need to rub it with butter beforehand.

Skip it and avoid adding extra saturated fat. Try chopped fresh herbs and garlic mixed with a little heart-healthy olive oil instead.

2. Avoid added salt.

EatingWell.com has found that conventional turkeys with added salt solution do stay moister, but if you’re watching your sodium intake, avoid them.

3. Skip the skin.

A 3-ounce portion of light meat without skin has only 132 calories and 3 grams of fat. With the skin, that jumps to168 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Continued on page 11

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

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THANKSGIVING

Yema Cake Recipe Contributed by Cher Lapid

INGREDIENTS

50 grams butter 250 grams cream cheese 110 mililitre milk 1 vanilla pod (optional) 60 grams all purpose flour 20 grams cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 egg yolks 1 teaspoon calamansi (or lemon) juice 6 egg whites 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 140 grams sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling or icing 2 cans condensed milk 6 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup grated cheese

DIRECTIONS

• In a small pan over simmering water, melt together cream cheese, butter and milk. If you opt to use vanilla beans, scrape the beans from the vanilla pod and add to the pan.

• Once melted, cool to room temp.

• Using a mixer, add in flour, cornstarch, salt. Then add in egg yolks and lastly the lemon juice.

• Set aside.

• In a separate bowl, mix egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy (or frothy).

• Add in vanilla then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.

• Fold in the egg whites to the cream cheese mixture.

• Make sure everything is well combined.

• Pour batter into an 8-inch round cake pan covered with parchment paper.

• Bake the cake in a water bath for one hour and 10 minutes or until done at 325 F. • To make the icing, open two cans of condensed milk and pour it over a pan.

• Add in egg yolks and cook on low heat.

• Add in vanilla and almond extract.

• Cook until it thickens enough to spread. Add in butter.

• To assemble the Yema Cake, divide cake into two. Add the filling then cover it with the other half of the cake.

• Cover the rest of the cake with icing.

• Top with grated cheese.

Annual Community Thanksgiving dinner to be held

By Joy White

In addition to giving thanks, Thanksgiving and the holidays also embody a sense of charity and giving back to the community.

One of the many faces of giving in the Northern Mariana Islands is the Salvation Army, a church and nonprofit organization that will be holding its annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner this Thanksgiving at its facility.

Pastor Wayne Gillespie, ministry leader of the CNMI Salvation Army, says that everyone is welcome. This year the Salvation Army expects the dinner to be fuller than usual, considering the recent hardships caused by Typhoon Soudelor.

The Salvation Army is overseen by Gillespie and his wife, Anna, known as “Sister Annie.” The couple started the CNMI Salvation Army

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in 2005. Wayne Gillespie has been with the Salvation Army for 16 years and had been serving in Guam before coming to Saipan. Anna Gillespie is originally from Saipan.

“God called us in to do the work and called us to do the work in Saipan,” Wayne Gillespie says.

In addition, members of the community volunteer with the Salvation Army to help those less fortunate. At a non-disaster feeding event, close to 30 volunteers assist.

The Soup Kitchen is located on Beach Road and is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays. The Salvation Army also operates a thrift store next door to the Soup Kitchen.

HEALTH

Continued from page 9 4. Broth is better.

Many traditional stuffing recipes call for butter. Use a bit of chicken broth instead to keep it moist without the added fat or calories.

5. Hold the sugar.

Sweet potatoes are already sweet, so why load them up with brown sugar and marshmallows when just a touch of maple syrup or honey accentuates their great flavor?

6. Forgo the butter.

The key to tasty gravy is using all the drippings from the roasting pan (with the fat skimmed off ). This gives plenty of flavor without the added fat or calories. Forgo added butter, which really bumps up the calories and fat.

Side notes: Dark meat has more calories but also more iron: 3 ounces of dark meat supplies 15% of the recommended daily intake of iron; white meat has 8%.)

For a healthier stuffing, crisping the prosciutto and toasting the nuts adds a powerful punch of flavor to the turkey stuffing without going overboard on fat. Packaged chopped hazelnuts are available in most supermarkets.

Have a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

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ART

By Thomas Johnson

While she’s done her share of wandering, local wood carver Maria “Lia” Manalo has always considered herself a “child of the Marianas” in all things, especially in her art. It wasn’t until after graduating high school in Saipan and spending two years in Japan studying Zen Buddhism and various cultural arts, however, that she really began to take that cultural role — and her woodcarving — seriously.

Manalo spent two years at Shogen Junior College and the Shogenji temple learning Buddhist practices and wood carving, as well as zazen, translated as “seated meditation”; flower arrangement; tahe tea ceremony; pottery; calligraphy; aikido, a Japanese martial art; temple cooking; and gardening.

“When I returned home from Japan in 2009, I was in a cultural crisis,” Manalo says. “Studying another country’s culture is one thing, but it’s another thing when you don’t know much of your own. It wasn’t until October 2011 when I finally found a mentor willing to teach me something related to the islands.”

That mentor was Michael Finey.

Finey, who first learned wood carving from his father growing up in Yap, has established a reputation for himself as one of Saipan’s finest wood carvers, and has several pieces on public display, such as the 3’x4’ mahogany carving on display at the Saipan Grand Hotel.

“If I didn’t study under a mentor like Mr. Finey, my carvings wouldn’t have developed as quickly,” Manalo says. “I guess you can say my educational background in cultural arts related to the Pacific Islands really started in 2011. Although I have some knowledge of the Japanese traditional arts, I can’t turn around and make it to [fit] local culture. It wouldn’t sit right with me.”

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said she continues to mimic her mentor’s style of carving but added that, like every artist, she wants to show her own character in her pieces. “I’m fortunate to have a mentor with deep knowledge in the arts,” she says, “And he encourages me to be innovative with designs that are fitted to who I am as an artist.”

Because of her time spent studying in Japan, Manalo says that there is still a definite Japanese influence on her artwork, but when it comes to wood carving, her inspiration mostly comes from the material being used.

“In my mermaid carving, for example, there are natural characteristics already there,” she says. “For a carver, it is easier to work with the grain than against the grain. In general, though, my inspiration is mainly anything related to nature, such as floral, landscapes and organic patterns.”

In addition to her mentor, Manalo says that she is a fan of other local artists who are working to revive cultural arts in the Marianas, and adds that they have her utmost respect. She is also a great fan of the Renaissance artist Michelangelo, who sculpted the statue of David when he was 26 years old. “For any young artist who wants to be inspired in taking on a big project, they should really read how the David project got into Michelangelo’s hands,” she says.

Manalo hasn’t been without her share of challenges, however. In addition to the challenges presented by being a female woodcarver, she says that her biggest challenge has been acquiring the right tools.

Most of the finer tools, such as the Swiss-made tools used by her mentor, can be slightly out of the price range of an artist just starting out.

But she enjoys her work and doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon.

ART

The Art of Beauty Hair and Make-up Artist makes waves internationally

By Joy White

Contributed photos

As a budding hair and make-up artist, Florencio C. Santos, known as Ren-Ren, completed his client’s make-up only to realize the arcs of the eyebrow were not even. It was an honest mistake for the then-novice make-up artist. Santos has come a long way since then, specializing in wedding and runway make-up, opening his own salon and working with celebrities.

Santos was born in Cainta, Rizal in the Philippines to Andres and Luzviminda Santos. He attended and received his diploma from the Saloon Creative Hair and Make-up Class at Vidal Sassoon Academy in Shanghai. He worked in Saipan at Genoveva’s Salon in Garapan and now he owns Ren-Ren Santos Salon in Rizal.

With singing divas Eva Eugenio & Claire dela Fuente

With popular movie star Ruffa Gutierrez

Through a good friend, he came to know local show-business people in the Philippines, which opened the door to the entertainment industry.

Ever since he was a young child, Santos had a gift for creativity and artistry, especially in make-up, which cultivated his passion and opened the path for him to pursue it professionally.

Over the years he worked in different types of make-up artistry, including avant garde and fantasy, before creating and mastering his own brand in wedding and runway make-up and developing an in-depth understanding of its technical side.

“I focused on learning shapes and what is the appropriate strokes and which brushes best fit. More importantly, I think what I developed more is to become an enhancer — I don’t change the looks, but just enhance the beauty and natural features 14

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the make-up industry as a whole is competitive and can be a tough industry to be in.

“Make-up artistry is fashion, and it keeps evolving continuously. I think the biggest challenge of all make-up artists is how to keep updated on what is the trend, on what’s new and the latest,” he says.

To overcome this, he equips himself with the latest trends by continuous learning through seminars, trainings, reading make-up blogs and by joining different make-up artists’ associations and groups.

To remain in the business, one must stay at the top of his or her game. “Once you’re in, you have to ensure to execute the artistry in a flawless manner. Professional-

Ren-Ren Santos salon in Cainta, Rizal

that my clients have through the power of make-up,” he says.

Santos tries to tailor each of his clients’ looks to match their individual features and style. “Not all make-up styles fit everyone. I strongly believe that as a make-up artist, it is my responsibility to educate my clients,” he says. When a client requests a look that does not match him or her , he is ready with tips and suggestions.

Santos does work for TV personalities, which he says is glamorous but has its own challenges. “I think the main challenges are the stress and pressure, especially if some of their handlers or managers are interfering during the make-up session even if there is a peg that needs to be followed. The challenge in TV commercial shoots is that sometimes the lighting affects or changes the blending of the make-up,” Santos says.

Outside of the day-to-day challenges,

Ren-Ren with model Maria Corazon Abalos

ism is the key,” Santos says. When it comes to getting work in the entertainment business, networking and building and maintaining connections is just as important as skill.

“I think my consistency and professionalism is the key reason that local celebrities are maintaining my services. These two traits are the main ingredients [for success] regardless if you are a rookie or a veteran make-up artist in the entertainment industry,” Santos says.

Five years from now, Santos hopes to be traveling and working with the big names in hair and make-up. “I would love to go to London, Milan, Tokyo and New York, where make-up, make-up products, hairstyling are at its best. I want to be a part of that world,” he says.

Saipan’s newest dental clinic welcomes the community to its family

BUSINESS

Contributed by Friends First Marketing Inc.

Paradise Dental Center, Saipan’s first brand new dental office in almost a decade, opened for business Nov. 9.

Paradise Dental Center is a state-of-the-art general and cosmetic dental clinic located on Middle Road in Gualo Rai, next door to EZ Mart. To celebrate its grand opening, the clinic is offering all new patients a complete dental exam, a full set of digital X-rays and a consultation for free.

The offer is a $200 value.

The clinic’s digital X-ray technology offers 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays, and they do not use any materials containing mercury. The dental team, led by Dr. Nelson Krum, has more than 50 years of combined dental experience, and they are passionate about serving the dental needs of Saipan’s families.

“We have a commitment to hiring from our local workforce wherever possible. All but one of our current team members is local,” Dr. Krum says. “Our desire is to be a truly multicultural dental office, with a team whose backgrounds reflect the diverse nature of our island.”

In addition to the digital X-ray technology, the office will be completely digital and paperless. The office will be using the Dentrix software, which has been the top-rated dental software package for the past eight years.

The public is welcome to stop by for a tour of the allnew 3,200-square-foot facility, meet the team, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the free Wi-Fi. The Paradise Dental Center team wants their patients to feel like family. The new reception area comfortably seats 15 people.

“I will provide the same type of caring and concern for you that I do for my family. You will be provided the best that dentistry has to offer in a warm, fun, caring atmosphere. Welcome home,” Dr. Krum says.

When deciding to build a new dental clinic here, a major goal for Dr. Krum was to bring the best technology available in the states to Saipan.

Paradise Dental Center accepts Hawaii Dental Service, Take Care and Stay Well Insurances. It has also agreed to be the Network Provider for the new Island Smiles Discount Dental Plan. Details of this new dental plan can be found at www.IslandSmilesDentalPlan.com, or call the plan administrator, Friends First Marketing Inc. at (670) 234-4040.

“Welcome to Paradise, where ‘It’s All Good!’”

Dr. Nelson Krum received his bachelor’s from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., in 1975 and his doctorate of dental science degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry in 1979. He has been on Saipan since February 2013. Dr. Krum has been practicing dentistry since 1979 and is married with four grown children.

Dr. Krum has always loved being a dentist and helping people experience the improvement in their overall health that good dental health makes possible. Being able to practice on Saipan with the beauty of both the island and its people is the highlight of his dental career. He is so excited to bring the best of “all things dental” to Saipan with the opening of Paradise Dental Center.

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

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COMMUNITY

Social media displays how residents

Live, work and play in the CNMI Photos from the Instagram photo stream @wearecnmi

By Joy White

The Northern Mariana Islands lifestyle has made it onto the social media platform with the creation of a community Instagram account. Instagram is an online photo- and video-sharing service and social network. The @wearecnmi Project, created by the Commonwealth Development Authority, has the objective of documenting what life is like in the NMI through photos and videos.

“In doing so, the project also hopes to encourage community involvement, celebrate diversity, build community pride and increase reach and visibility of the CNMI as a place to stay, visit and do business,” says Carline B. Sablan of the CDA. Each week a new resident, business or organization takes control of the account to share photos and videos of how residents “live, work and play” in the CNMI, with the hope that hosts open up and share different aspects of life in the NMI for followers from the community and

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across the world to see.

The CDA developed the idea after representatives attended the 2014 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference, where the success of the I Love Anchorage rotation curation account was presented.

“We found the concept so interesting we wanted to create a similar account/ project to help market the CNMI as a great place to live, work and play,” she says.

The @wearecnmi project was launched in early January and has had more than 30 hosts, more than 900 posts and more than 4,000 followers.

To host the account, candidates must reside in the NMI or be a local company or organization and must post once a day.

Posts must be in English and be appropriate, abiding by the Terms of Use of Instagram.

Posts include photos or videos that reflect the diversity of the NMI, from its

natural beauty to food to the giving nature of its people, as well as a few selfies.

Photos include snapshots of Banzai Cliff, the KFC Let’s End Hunger Campaign, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing at Managaha, the giant canopy of monkey pod trees at American Memorial Park, bayogu seeds, boating at Rota’s East Dock, hikes to Forbidden Island and Old Man by the Sea, Tinian’s Pika Fest, plumeria leis, sunsets, Nanchan’s burger in a squid ink bun, the 32nd Annual Saipan and Northern Islands Agricultural Fair, brick ovens, the devastation brought by Typhoon Soudelor, post-disaster relief efforts, the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Walk and Sunday barbecues.

“Our hosts have done a remarkable job featuring everything CNMI. Our hosts are the heart of our success and we are so grateful for their contributions to this project,” the CDA says.

COMMUNITY

A night to remember

By Joy White

Photos courtesy of Stellar Marianas

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Representing Saipan, 2015 Miss Marianas Jian Joyner competed at the 55th Annual Miss International Pageant on Oct. 5 at the Tokyo Grand Prince Hotel.

Although 2015 Miss Venezuela Edymar Martinez won the crown with Miss Honduras Jennifer Valle as first runner up and Miss Kenya Eunice Onyango as second runner up, Joyner says she left with cherished memories and friends.

“This experience has really opened me up, challenged me to go out of my comfort zone — I may have stumbled a bit, but I have really become more confident in my choices and know that it is my hard work and determination that will get me far,” Joyner says. “Thank you all, once again, it was my honor representing our CNMI.” Laila Boyer, president of Stellar Marianas; Stellar Marianas Secretary Claudine Camacho; Logistics Director Laurence Boyer; Jian’s mother, Yasuko Joyner; her grandmother, Toyoko Harada; and a few close family friends attended the pageant to give encouragement and support.

“It was amazing and inspiring to see Jian on an international stage carrying herself so well and representing our islands with grace and beauty — we are

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so proud of her,” Boyer says.

Joyner is a private tutor and plans to pursue a degree in psychology in the fall of 2016. Now back in her hometown, Joyner is working on her community projects and hopes to make the connections she made with the other international delegates part of promoting the NMI to different parts of the world.

One of Joyner’s goals was to improve the NMI relationship with Japan, and fortunately she was roomed with Miss Japan Arisa Nakagawa during the pageant.

“Now I have a great friend and we can help each other and our island nations reach out to one another and build on the relationship we share. We are the largest generation in the world, even changing the face of the travel industry forever,” she says.

For more updates, please visit Stellar Marianas on Facebook or follow Jian on Instagram @missnorthernmarianas.

Sponsors of the event included Delta Air Lines, Triple J Motors, Marianas Visitors Authority, Pena House Boutique, IT&E, Marianas Variety, D&Q International Distributors, MarPac Distributors, Pacifica Insurance, Gold’s Gym Saipan, DFS Galleria and others.

Island Talent. 2015 Miss Marianas Jian Joyner is all smiles while performing on the ukulele for her fellow delegates during orientation at the 2015 Miss International Pageant in Tokyo. Jian was one of the few delegates chosen to perform.

2015 Miss Marianas Jian Joyner gracefully walks the evening gown competition wearing a design from Pena House Boutique during the 2015 Miss International Pageant in Tokyo.

2015 Miss Marianas Jian Joyner tears up after seeing her mother, Yasuko, for the first time after the 2015 Miss International Pageant in Tokyo.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Family health fair a success Contributed by Michelle Villacrusis

MarPac Inc.’s 2015 Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (and Daddies too!)

Fair was well attended by vendors, such as Children’s Developmental Assistance Center Early Intervention, H.O.M.E. Visiting Program, the Department of Public Safety, the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Program, Joeten Kiyu Library, American Red Cross - NMI Chapter, Commonwealth Cancer Association, the Division of Public Health-Oral Health Program, Marianas Eye Institute, Division of Public Health Immunization Program, Green Meadow School, Golden Harvest International School & Day Care, Smart Start Daycare, Northern Marianas International School, NMC Nursing Club and Island Smiles Dental Plan.

Performances for the event were provided by the groups from Saipan Music & Dance Studio, Golden Harvest International School, Green

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Meadow School, Smart Start Daycare and Uncle Ben’s Studio with a hip hop dance demonstration. There was also a CPR demonstration by American Red Cross - NMI Chapter.

Contests this year included the Huggies Baby Crawling Contest, Cottonelle Diaper Making, Pass the Huggies Diaper Contest and the ever-popular Huggies Baby Costume Pageant. Special appreciation goes to CNMI Books & Resource Center, Smart Start Nurturing Center, Early Intervention Service (CDAC), CNMI Motheread/Fatheread, Joeten Kiyu Library and Green Meadow School for the raffle donations, as well as to all the participants and vendors.

MarPac hopes that everyone who attended the fair left with a better understanding of the wonderful products we have to offer and the services out there that are readily available to assist families to live safer and healthier lives.

ENVIRONMENT

Turn the tide on trash Contributed by Jihan S. Buniag Photos contributed by Avra Heller

In a show of passion for the ocean, Saipan participated in the 30th Annual International Coastal Cleanup on Nov. 14. The island joined the global community to work towards trashfree seas by coordinating beach cleanups all over the Northern Mariana Islands. Rota and Tinian's cleanup took place on Sept. 20. Due to Typhoon Soudelor, Saipan’s coastal cleanup was delayed.

The trash along the NMI’s coast and in the waters endangers the health of residents, wildlife and coastal economies.

Last year, the NMI had 1,347 participants pick up 17,765 pounds of trash that included plastic bags, straw wrappers and cigarette butts. This year those numbers are expected to increase.

The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality encourages businesses, organizations, clubs and individuals to spend time cleaning up trash from the land, waterways and oceans throughout the year and to sign up for future events and to volunteer to host a cleanup with the agency’s help.

Let's turn the tide on trash. For more information or to sign up today, contact BECQ at 664-8500.

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ON THE ROAD

Townhouse Furniture & Appliances held its grand opening on Oct. 30.

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ON THE ROAD

The 2015 Halloween “Trunk O’ Treat” was held on Oct. 31 at the Joeten Kiyu Public Library grounds.

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

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ON THE ROAD

Contributed photo.

The CNMI Women’s Association held a wave on Oct. 31 in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Leidy celebrated her 18th birthday on Nov. 14.

Contributed photo.

Members of the community were invited to judge entries for the @wearecnmi photography contest sponsored by Best Sunshine International. (From left) Alan Chan, Best Sunshine International; Minda Castro, Glimpses Publications; Mark Rabago, Saipan Tribune; Mark A. Brown, CEO, Best Sunshine International; Laila Y. Boyer, Marianas Variety; and Tao Xing, Vice President-corporate services and communications, Best Sunshine International/Imperial Pacific Holdings

NMIS Queen Isabella with Dad Perry Inos Jr.

artwork Winning Julia Kim Ji Hae, a student at Grace Christian Academy, was named the category 1 winner in the Pacifica Insurance Underwriters art contest. (From left) Shirley T. Sablan, executive vice president, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters; Hae; Samantha Sikayun, underwriter, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters; and Beth Nunez, principal, Grace Christian Academy.

ON THE ROAD

Photo by BRM

Happy 23rd wedding anniversary, Rose and Jorge Soledad!

Nabi Supetran and Vic Formales'-front desk staff from Saipan Ocean View Hotel.

Contributed photo.

 Greetings from the lovely Kaipat family. (From left) Dora Kaipat Reyes; Cinta Matagolai Kaipat; Viola Matagolai Kaipat; Cil Kaipat Selepeo; and Frances Matagolai Kaipat.

Saipan Young Professionals  Member Chris Concepcion of Delta Air Lines joins Best Sunshine Marketing Manager Mary Mendoza (left) and Lt. Vice President for Corporate Services and Communications Tao Xing (far right) and his wife.

 The Saipan Young Professionals celebrated Halloween Eve at Best Sunshine Live Bar on Oct. 30.

Contributed photo.

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2015 2015

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