MCDONALD’S of Saipan on Wednesday unveiled a special mural at its Middle Road restaurant that celebrates the 2022 Pacific Mini Games and welcomes the region’s athletes to the CNMI.
“McDonald’s is proud to highlight the Mini Games in a creative, vibrant and artistic way,” said company vice president Marcia Ayuyu.
“We also wanted McDonald’s to become a part of the social conversation surrounding the upcoming Pacific Mini Games. By featuring this unique artwork at one of our restaurants, we get to be a part of that conversation,” she added.
“We also recognize that, for some, this may be their first time visiting our McDonald’s restaurants and we want to do our part in showcasing our hospitality and the artistic talents that we have on island.”
The artwork was envisioned, created and brought to life by local artist Yolani Camacho.
It features a blend of the different sports that will be featured during the Mini Games.
“When creating this piece around the Mini Games, I was searching for the ways in which we are all united, other than the sports themselves,” Camacho said. “The first thing that came to mind was that we are all connected by the sea, and so I used that as a focal point of the mural. After finding that focal point, it was a matter of incorporating the sports, other elements related to our islands, and of finding the right mix of colors for each element.”
The mural took nearly 2.5 weeks to finish and has been the largest project that Camacho has completed to date.
“It has been an amazing experience painting this piece and I truly hope everyone enjoys it,” Camacho said.
“On behalf of McDonald’s of Saipan, we’d like to thank Yolani for teaming up with us on this special project,” said Mable Ayuyu Glenn, executive assistant to the president of McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan.
“It turned out beautifully and we are excited to share this with our entire community as we come together in celebration and support of the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games,” she added.
Games Organizing Committee Chairman Marco Peter said: “We’ve always appreciated the support of McDonald’s, and we’re excited to host the games.”
Organizing Committee CEO Ben Babauta said “it’s really truly amazing that you guys [of McDonald’s] have gone the extra mile for our visitors and locals, for that matter, to have the opportunity to see this mural and take pictures.”
The mural will be displayed at the main entrance of McDonald’s Middle Road restaurant from June 15 to 30 for a limited time only.
Stop by to take a selfie or group photo with the mural. Hashtag #MCDxNMPMG
About the artist
Yolani Camacho began her passion for art at an early age and was inspired by her mother. Her interest peaked when her mother helped her draw a hummingbird for one of her first-grade science projects.
Intrigued with how beautifully her mother drew, Yolani discovered a whole new world of art.
She considers art as an escape from reality and a form of expression for her emotions and thoughts. “It holds a great importance in my life and has helped me through some of the toughest times of my life,” she said.
Yolani said the support of her family, friends and strangers alike has allowed her to find purpose in her passion. She uses art as a form of connecting with people and sharing peaceful feelings with others through the art that she creates.
About McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan
McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan, locally owned and operated by franchisees Joe & Marcia Ayuyu, is the leading food service restaurant chain in the Mariana Islands.
First opened in 1993, the organization includes eight McDonald’s restaurants: two in Saipan and six in Guam.
In 2016, the Ayuyus acquired all McDonald’s restaurants in Guam and has remained one of its largest employers.
Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022 CEO Ben Babauta, left, and Chairman Marco Peter, right, pose for a photo with McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan Executive Assistant to the President Mable Ayuyu Glenn and Vice President Marcia Ayuyu at McDonald’s Middle Road. In the background is a mural that celebrates the 2022 Pacific Mini Games.
