It was the first time for the festival to hold the competition since the annual event’s inception 11 years ago.
The table skirting competition was held simultaneously with the live entertainment on the main stage.
Guevarra, who finished an intricate table skirt design within the 35-minute time slot and gained the judge’s nod with 200 points, bested second placer Saipan World Resort’s Jimmy Maclang and third placer Mar Santiago of Aqua Resort Club.
Guevarra said he has been employed in the hotel industry for the past 16 years and has won bartending competitions before but it was his first time to join a table skirting competition.
“I have had practice in table skirting in my work but I also practice at home to hone my skills,” he said.
Maclang, who has only six months experience in table skirting, finished his entry within the 35-minute time frame and came up with 175 points, while Santiago finished in 24 minutes with 160 points.
Master of ceremony John Hosono said the competition was a good opportunity for the contestants to show their talents and skills.
He said he is hoping for more participation from other hotels and restaurants in the coming years.
“We are inviting the community to support and continue to watch out for the incoming competitions like the burger flipping and grilling contest set for next Saturday, bartending contest and more for the remaining Saturdays of the month,” Hosono said.
The Marianas Tourism Education Council chaired by Ed Chozo spearheaded the collection of funds for the competition.
He said William S. Reyes Elementary School collected the most cash, followed by Garapan Elementary School and Hopwood Junior High School.
