(Press Release) — On Dec. 10, 2025, McDonald’s of Saipan hosted its 2025 Annual Employee Appreciation Party at the Crowne Plaza Resort, bringing together more than 100 employees for a night of celebration, gratitude, and recognition. This year’s Masquerade Ball theme created an elegant backdrop for honoring the outstanding contributions that continue to drive the brand’s success in the CNMI community.
Employees enjoyed team performances, themed activities, and raffle prizes totaling more than $3,000, highlighting McDonald’s commitment to fostering a positive and rewarding workplace environment.
“We are deeply appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our team. Their resilience and commitment have led us to a successful 2025, and this celebration is a token of our appreciation for the McFamily in Saipan,” said Vice President Joe Ayuyu Jr.
Recognizing excellence
Crew of the Year honorees were awarded certificates, cash prizes, gifts, and gift certificates.
• The 15 Years of Service Award was presented to Angelica Darlucio and Ruthzel Perez, recognizing them as employees who have dedicated a decade and a half of service to McDonald’s of Saipan. They are long-tenured team members honored for their loyalty, consistency, and continued contributions to the organization’s growth and success, serving as role models for newer generations of employees.
• The 30 Years of Service Award was presented to Joseph Achas and Charlie Achas, whose remarkable three decades of service reflect extraordinary commitment and leadership. Their contributions have helped shape McDonald’s of Saipan’s culture, standards, and legacy within the CNMI community.
• The Excellent Attendance Award recognized Rowena Ulu, an employee who demonstrated exceptional reliability and dependability throughout the year. She was acknowledged for her consistent presence, strong work ethic, and commitment to supporting her team and delivering dependable service to customers.
• The McDonald’s of Saipan 2025 Shift Manager of the Year Award recognized Joseph Achas, a shift manager who demonstrated strong leadership, operational excellence, and team development throughout the year. He was acknowledged for maintaining high standards, motivating team members, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• The McDonald’s of Saipan 2025 Department Manager of the Year Award was presented to Angelica Darlucio, who excelled in strategic leadership, accountability, and performance management. This award recognizes her outstanding contributions to restaurant success through effective planning, team engagement, and operational results.
• The McDonald’s Garapan 2025 Crew of the Year Award was presented to Edson Yalung, an employee who exemplified teamwork, professionalism, and outstanding performance at the Garapan restaurant.
Yalung shared that the recognition is deeply meaningful to him, reflecting not only his dedication but also the strong support of his team. Having proudly served with McDonald’s for three years, he expressed gratitude for a workplace that motivates him to stay positive and disciplined each day. He credited his coworkers for fostering an encouraging environment built on teamwork and efficiency and shared that the opportunity has inspired him to continue growing both professionally and personally as he works toward his goal of returning to school.
• The McDonald’s Middle Road 2025 Crew of the Year Award honored Criselle Cacho, whose performance stood out for excellence, teamwork, and leadership within the Middle Road restaurant. The award celebrates her ability to support colleagues, engage guests, and consistently deliver high-quality service.
Being named Employee of the Year is deeply meaningful to Cacho, as it reflects being seen, valued, and appreciated for the work she does every day. She is motivated by the opportunity to serve customers with care, finding fulfillment in helping others feel satisfied and welcomed.
Cacho has been part of the McDonald’s family for over a year, including her return in 2024. She credits her managers and coworkers for helping her grow professionally and for teaching her how to handle customer concerns with professionalism and confidence.
What she enjoys most is the positive, fun, and supportive work environment. Having worked at McDonald’s both locally and in Las Vegas, Cacho feels a strong connection to the brand and looks forward to continuing her journey — learning, growing, and serving customers with pride every day.
• The 2025 Operations Excellence Award, recognizing the highest-performing restaurant across Guam and Saipan, was presented to McDonald’s Middle Road. The location earned the honor for its exceptional performance in operations, service quality, and guest satisfaction, setting the benchmark for excellence within the organization.
The evening also featured a high-energy dance competition showcasing team creativity, coordination, and spirit. Awards for Best Store Performance were presented as follows:
• 1st Place: McDonald’s Middle Road
• 2nd Place: McDonald’s Garapan
• 3rd Place: McDonald’s Office “Sessionistas”
McDonald’s of Saipan’s 2025 Annual Employee Appreciation Party reaffirmed the company’s dedication to recognizing the people behind its success. The organization looks forward to another year of growth, teamwork, and continued service excellence within the CNMI community.
About McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan
McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan, locally owned by Joe and Marcia Ayuyu and their son Joe E. Ayuyu Jr., is the leading food service restaurant chain in the Mariana Islands. McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan has served local communities for more than 50 years on Guam and over 30 years on Saipan and remains one of the islands’ largest employers.
