Northern Marianas Bartenders Association president Lito Espino told the Variety that the Battle of Champions will be between Jaymar Torres of Aqua Resort Club and Jay Santos of The Flair.
Torres is the champion at the Bar Wars Bartenders Cocktail competition and the Taste of the Marianas 2008 Bartenders Cocktail Competition “Malibu Coconut Rum Challenge.”
Santos was the winner of the Best in Showmanship in the 2008 Taste of Marianas Bartenders Cocktail Malibu Coconut Rum Challenge.”
Espino said a bigger crowd who will watch the competition will give the contestants more inspiration to showcase their talents.
He added that the bartending competition is one way to attract more tourists, create a stronger bond between fellow bartenders and enhance their skills and knowledge through seminars and competitions.
“The competition tomorrow night is intended to build self-confidence, pride and professionalism among the bartenders in the island and to develop a more competitive attraction to tourists,” Espino said.
Brad Ruszala of IT&E will be the host, and three judges will decide the fate of the contestants.
Espino said 14 contestants from different hotels, bars and restaurants will entertain the crowd in the Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Challenge.
Attractive prizes are up for grabs in the competition.
Espino said the scores of the contestants will be based on originality, taste, showmanship, neatness and audience impact.
Espino said the grand prize winner will bring home a trophy, a cellular phone, $75 plus gift from DFS, and an overnight stay at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.
The first runner up will win a trophy, $50 and a gift from DFS. Second runner up will win a trophy, $25 and a gift from DFS. The third runner up will win a trophy and a gift from DFS.
A trophy, $25 and a gift from DFS will be given to the winner of the Best in Show and Best in Taste, while the Best in Props and Costume will win a trophy and a gift from DFS.
“We are inviting everybody to be there to cheer for our contestants, and be part of the colorful celebration of the Taste of the Marianas 2009,” Espino said.
For information contact Espino at 323-1135 or 287-3723
