(MVA) — The 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden held in Saipan last month served up a full plate of delicacies, drinks, live entertainment, and more for visitors and residents, marking another step toward tourism recovery in the destination.
The annual signature event of Marianas Visitors Authority returned for its second year since the pandemic with 29 food and four drink vendors — more than ever — and catering to a growing number of South Korean visitors and representatives of over 20 Pacific island nations and territories who gathered on Saipan this month for the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games.
“The Taste of the Marianas was another incredible success this year thanks to the continued strong support MVA received from our supporters and sponsors and the tremendous enthusiasm of festivalgoers,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “The outcome of the Taste of the Marianas was a true testament that we are on the right track to recovery. The amount of people that supported the event indicated that we are also a safe destination, especially with the exciting reopening of Japan market in September with direct flights by United Airlines.”
The festival was held on June 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26, 2022, from 5-10 p.m. at Garapan Fishing Base.
On June 25, Japanese food fighter Sachiyo Masubuchi returned to the festival to earn another 1st place finish, besting nine local competitors in the Sukiyaki Eating Contest. Masubuchi finished five lbs. of the dish in 9:25 minutes, winning $500 cash while simultaneously livestreaming the event to her fans online. Masubuchi was followed by George Cabrera in 2nd place, Nilo Dino in 3rd place, and Regino Ben in 4th place.
In the 5 lb. Burrito Eating Contest sponsored by The Hut on June 26, Raymond San Nicolas finished 2.7 lbs. of his burrito to land 1st place and $200, followed by Gus Castro (2.86 lbs.) winning $100 and Christian Lucero (2.96 lbs.) winning $75.
A cooking demonstration of apigigi (sweet young coconut grilled in banana leaf), and titiyas (tortillas) as held on June 24.
This year’s festival was sponsored by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands, Dave’s Electronics, IT&E Saipan, Hawaiian Rock Products, Best Deal, E.S.T. Rental, Jonny’s Bar and Grill, Bistro Marianas, and New X.O. Market.
MVA’s next signature event will be the International Festival of Cultures in September 2022.
For more information, visit www.mymarianas.com
Japanese food fighter Sachiyo Masubuchi, second right, finishes 5 lbs. in 9:25 minutes in the Sukiyaki Eating Contest, besting nine other competitors on June 25, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
Representatives of the Rota Mayor’s Office offer free samples of sweet potato, hermit crab, and deer intestines on June 25, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
Weston Deleon Guerrero of The Hut prepares for the 5 Lb. Burritos Eating Contest on June 26, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
Raymond San Nicolas demonstrates his winning form in the 5 Lb. Burritos Eating Contest on June 26, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan. The contest was sponsored by The Hut.
Herman’s Modern Bakery offers a sweet welcome on June 26, 2022, to the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 athletes and fans at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
Talabwogh Warriors entertain on June 26, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
The indigenous Carolinian dance group Uraali entertain on June 25, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
Polynesian dance group Teivi Maori entertains on June 25, 2022, at the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden in Saipan.
