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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tinian Hot Pepper Festival more colorful despite economic crisis

TINIAN — Tinian’s Hot Pepper Festival turned out to be more colorful and livelier this year despite the economic crisis and the government’s austerity measures.
Host LJ Castro, front right, leads Tinian Mayor Ramon Dela Cruz, center, and other residents during a square dance at the Hot Pepper Festival on Saturday night. Photo by Raquel C. Bagnol Marianas Visitors Authority representative Vida Borja from Tinian told the Variety that compared to the past years, more people showed up for the festival on Saturday and Sunday.
“We have more tourists this weekend, and more community involvement which is really our main target,” Borja said.
JC Café restaurant manager Lot G. Bunao said  business was good for the establishments that put up booths for the two-day event.
“The first day was good but I was a little worried that there will be fewer people on the second day. I was wrong because more people turned up on Sunday, especially at night,” Bunao said.
Businesswoman Susan Cruz said the austerity measures did not hinder residents and guests from enjoying all the contests and activities.
Children and adults had a great time at the different games and contests at the festival which was hosted by LJ Castro.
A cooking show highlighted Saturday’s events as participants prepared different dishes using Donni Sali, Tinian’s world famous hot pepper.
Even the slight drizzle on Saturday night did not deter the people who kept on dancing to the live beat of the band and musicians from Guam. (published HERE)

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