Cultural dance

Members of the Taotao Taga Dance Academy entertain hotel staffers and guests with their performances at a  recent gathering at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.

Tinian talents shine in first Showtime Challenge

THEIR talents varied from singing, dancing, sketching, drawing and other skills. They all did their best as they vied for the top prizes in the first ever JC Café’s Showtime Magpasikat (Be Famous) Challenge on Tinian last week.

Before the night was over, three contestants got the nod of the judges and grabbed the top three places.

Marilyn Papio went home $150 richer for winning the first place with her rendition of “The Power of Love.” Erwin Carlaje’s rendition of “Paano ang Puso Ko” (What About My Heart) won him $100 for  second place, while Jaylo’s on-the-spot graphic sketch of a lady model won him $75 for third place.

The event, which was JC Café’s pre-Valentine presentation, was held on Feb.11, 2011 at JC Café-Tinian. It turned out to be an evening of fun and entertainment   for everybody, even those who claimed having no special talents. JC Café’s staffers opened the show with a dance performance.

The judges for the contest who were not spared from showing their individual talents on stage were Elvira Morgan of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, Julian Hofschneider of Tinian High School and Joey Lenteja of Tinian Health Center.

Lucky individuals who joined the audience talent showdown and whose performances rocked the house with loud laughter also went home with various prizes such as stuffed toys, gift certificates, grocery items, and personal accessories.

An intermission of non-stop music — trance, hiphop, techno, chacha-reggae, Palauan R&B, Electric Slide, New Wave and Pinoy beat — set everyone in a party mood.

Julio and Estenza Mojica, owner of 3K’s Market, were chosen as this year’s 2011 Couple of the Year, a traditional award given by JC Café each year. Couples also received fresh roses during the night.

As its newest feature, a search for “Face of the Night” was held and Aida Juma-oas of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino emerged as the winner.

Cellphone cards were also given out to the guests who texted their comments about the food and services at JC Café.

With the success of the first Showtime Challenge, JC Café manager Lot G. Bunao said they will be holding monthly contests set for March 12, April 9, May 7, June 4 and the grand finals on July 9.

Monthly prizes will be $100, $75, $5 for the first, second and third placers.  Grand Finals prizes would be $250, $100 and $50 for the top three places.

Sponsors for the event were Pacific Amusement, Pacific Quick Print, Triple J Saipan, Truong’s Restaurant, H-Mart, Dolphin’s Wholesale, Taro Sue, Island Florals & Gifts, Gizelle Salon, Crystal Clear-Tinian, Huang Shun Corporation, Lucky Qiang, Johnson’s Airconditioning, M/M Bill Cing, Sallyfin Catangay, Vannesa Talavera and Leny Marcelo.

Event hosts were Barnard Maraon and Isabel Barrios.

Published HERE