By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
NUMBERS International Inc. opened its Marianas Bingo on Friday, on the second floor of Afetna Building in San Antonio.
Operations Manager Grace Vendiola and Technical Assistant Manager Joey Algenio led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance of Marianas Bingo at 5 p.m. Friday, even as customers were already arriving for their favorite pastime. Vendiola said the hall has been accepting customers since the dry-run games began in October.
She added that throughout the dry-run period, Marianas Bingo has been accommodating community organizations that raised funds through bingo games, mostly for medical referral patients.
“Marianas Bingo is open every day,” Vendiola said. From Monday to Friday, the bingo hall opens at 5 p.m., with games starting at 6 p.m. On Saturday, it opens at 10 a.m., with games starting at 11 a.m., and on Sunday, it opens at 1 p.m., with games starting at 2 p.m.
The company, owned by Agatha Cyril Marasigan, was awarded the exclusive bingo license by the Saipan Mayor’s Office earlier this year following a lengthy bidding process. According to the mayor’s office, “Each bid was thoroughly reviewed and verified in consultation with the mayor’s legal counsel to ensure a fair and impartial pool of potential licensees.”
Saipan Local Law 20-16, or the Saipan Bingo Act of 2017, authorizes the Saipan Mayor’s Office to issue an exclusive bingo license and promulgate reasonable and necessary rules and regulations to carry out bingo activities on the island. The law requires that bingo operations be under the direct management and supervision of the sole bingo licensee.
Other officials and staff of Marianas Bingo include accountant Arlene Domingo, bingo caller Bhoy Escarlan, marketing assistant Chari Dabney, security officer Garry Mills, and volunteers Jude Pineda, Rose Lantin, and Kim.
For organizations and families that want to raise funds through bingo, contact Arlene Domingo at (670) 285-0521.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
