(TSLF) — The Tan Siu Lin Foundation has donated $5,000 to the Marianas Visitors Authority to support the 18th Annual Tinian Pika Festival that will be held from March 11 to 13.
TSL Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino turned over the donation to MVA community projects specialist Ray Villagomez in a brief ceremony last Monday to affirm the TanHoldings charitable arm’s commitment as exclusive sponsor of the Pika Fest. The festival is one of the signature events of MVA, showcasing Tinian’s local culture, music and dances, and food, particularly the island’s pika (spicy) “donne sali” or hot peppers. The Pika Fest will be held at the Fiesta Grounds in San Jose, Tinian, adjacent to Jones Beach.
“The Tan Siu Lin Foundation joins the Marianas Visitors Authority and the people of Tinian in celebrating the Pika Fest, which is one of most popular events in the NMI. We hope to see Tinian residents sharing a weekend of fun and learning experience with Saipan and other off-island visitors,” Tolentino said.
Villagomez thanked the TSL Foundation and TanHoldings for their continued support to the Pika Fest and other MVA events that promote the Marianas as an integrated multi-island destination with a unique culture and tradition and a very welcoming people.
Villagomez said MVA is expecting hundreds of visitors on Tinian, including 300 military personnel, several tourists, and Saipan residents, as the festival will also feature live entertainment, competitions, and arts and crafts sales.
He added that MVA and the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan will allow people to camp at the Kammer Beach, Taga Beach, and Tachogna Beach during the weekend festivities. Portable toilets, indoor and outdoor showers, and BBQ pits will also be available at the three camping sites.
For more information about the festival, contact MVA community projects specialist Jack Aranda at (670) 664-3200 or email jaranda@mymarianas.com or Tinian field operations supervisor Vida Borja at (670) 433-9365 or e-mail at vborja@mymarianas.com
Marianas Visitors Authority Community Projects specialist Ray Villagomez, third left, receives a ceremonial check donation for the 18th Annual Tinian Pika Festival from Tan Siu Lin Foundation executive director Merlie Tolentino, second left, assistant manager Raymond Zapanta, left, and administrative officer Rina Robles, right, Monday in the TanHoldings conference room in Garapan.
