(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority is looking for five more food fighters to join the Sukiyaki Eating Contest at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden this weekend in Saipan.
This festival returns for a second and final weekend on June 24, 25, & 26, at Garapan Fishing Base from 5-10 p.m. The Sukiyaki Eating Contest will challenge up to 10 contestants on Saturday (June 25) at 8 p.m. to be the first to finish five lbs. of the noodle dish within 30 minutes. Contestants may register in-person only at the Marianas Visitors Authority office on Beach Road in San Jose.
The annual signature event of MVA has 29 food and four drink vendors this year, live entertainment, arts and crafts sales, and more.
“With a successful kickoff of ‘Taste’ last weekend, we are looking to an even better three days of ‘Taste’ this weekend,” said MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Don’t miss out on all the nonstop entertainment and contests we have in store for you.”
The cooking demonstration of potu (sweetened steamed rice buns), apigigi (sweet young coconut grilled in banana leaf), and titiyas (tortillas) will be held on Friday (June 24) and Marianas Jr. Chef Challenge will also be held on Sunday (June 26).
The Kadun Pika (spicy chicken) Cooking Contest on Saturday (June 18) and the Eskabeche (Fried Fish with Coconut Milk and Vegetables) on Sunday (June 19) were topped by the same trio of winners. The Pika Me to Win duo of Donald Mendiola and Alex Standish won 1st place and $500 in both contests. In 2nd place was Manny Borja, winning $250 in each contest, and in 3rd place was Andrew Songsong, winning $150 in each contest. Additional prizes were awarded to other competitors. Entries were judged on taste, tenderness, ingredients, and presentation.
The entertainment lineup for Friday includes Tom Basa (5 p.m.), Groove Theory (6 p.m.), Talabwogh Women (7 p.m.), Uraali (7:30 p.m.), Simiyan Marianas (8 p.m.), Saipan Music & Dance Studio (8:30 p.m.), and Flores Sinser (9 p.m.). The entertainment lineup for Saturday includes Unshakable (5 p.m.), Saipan Studio (6 p.m.), WD40 (6:30 p.m.), High Tide (7:30 p.m.), Sukiyaki Eating Contest (8 p.m.), High Tide (8:30 p.m.). and Teivi Maori (9 p.m.). The entertainment lineup for Sunday includes Marv & Jay (5 p.m.), Da Kine (6 p.m.), Ben San Nicolas (6:30 p.m.), South Korea K Music Star (7 p.m.), Songsong Mami (8 p.m.), Petlas (8:30 p.m.), Talabwogh Warriors (9 p.m.), and Neber Mind Band (9:30 p.m.). Entertainment is subject to change.
For more information, visit the MVA office or contact MVA community projects specialist Ray Villagomez at [email protected] or (670) 664-3200.
Dignitaries and guests cut a “ti” leaf ribbon to officially open the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base on Saipan. From left, Rep. Leepan Guerrero, Pacific Mini Games delegates from Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, acting Gov. Jude Hofschneider, Marianas Visitors Authority Board Chairwoman Viola Alepuyo, Saipan Mayor David Apatang, Rep. Joe Flores, and MVA Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo.
Marianas High School Poksai Guma Chamoro performs at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base on Saipan.
Cup Bab and 28 other food vendors welcome patrons at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
Herman’s Modern Bakery roasts a pig at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
The entry of Pika Me to Win wins 1st place in the Kadun Pika Cooking Contest at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
The Pika Me to Win duo of Donald Mendiola, send left, and Alex Standish, fourth right, win 1st place in the Eskabeche Cooking Contest at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 19, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base. The team also won 1st place in the Kadun Pika Cooking Contest the previous evening.
Samples of roasted pig and cow are served by the Tinian Mayor’s Office at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
Lynn’s BBQ and 28 other food vendors serve patrons at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 18, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
CAB Dancers perform at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 19, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
Tasi and the Alli’s perform Polynesian dances at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 19, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base.
Tokie Mojica, right, sells jewelry and handicrafts at the 23rd Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on June 19, 2022 at Garapan Fishing Base. In addition to food, drinks, and live entertainment, the festival features a wide variety of arts and crafts for sale.
