Awit extends kudos to supporters

Last Sunday’s opener for the 2006 HANMI Cup Inter-Hotel Basketball League was such a big hit that no less than its commissioner, Ramon Awit, has sent thanks and praises for everyone who contributed in making the kickoff a success.

Awit first extended his gratitude to all nine general managers of participating hotels for allowing their staff to take part in the competition.

He singled out Aqua Resort Club’s Hiro Sigue, Fiesta Resort and Spa’s Jackson Yang, Hafadai Beach Hotel’s Nishihiro Kitami, Hotel Nikko Saipan’s Hideo Nishigoro, Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Michael von Siebenthal, Marianas Resort and Spa’s Yoshihiro Y. Kitami, Pacific Islands Club’s Kieran Daly, Saipan Grand Hotel’s Ed Cho, Saipan World Resort’s B.K. Park as instrumental in making the basketball competition among the big players in the island’s hospitality industry possible.

Awit also thanked Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands chairwoman Lynn Knight for sanctioning the event and her fellow opening day special guest, Philippine Consulate General Wilfredo Maximo, for gracing the event.

Northern Marianas Bartenders Association, led by its president Lito Espino, was also acknowledged by Awit for signing on to organize the competition.

MARPAC’s Jojo Camacho, Coca-Cola Beverage Co. Inc.’s Rusty Loyola, Luen Fung Ent.’s Rebecca Wong, Danielle’s Massage and Beauty Salon, and Yuichiro Printing were also thanked by Awit for donating generously not only for the HANMI Cup opening but for the duration of the league as well.

Father Charlie Borja, league referees led by Abner Venus and Arnold Mesa, table officials led by chairman Andrew Mesina, and MDX Amateur Radio Club led by president Boy Ching were also given thanks by the HANMI Cup commissioner.

Awit also recognized Division of Sports and Recreation director Joe Lizama and Division of Parks and Recreation director Tony Benavente for allowing the use of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium and the Oleai Sports Complex.

Awit was also extended his appreciation to performers during the HANMI Cup kick-off ceremony, namely Hapi D’ Clown, Club Jama Angels (through owners Thelma and Jack Strange), Aqua Resort’s Trio (Through F&B manager Manny Barcial), and the person who gamely donned a Batman outfit.

The Inaugural HANMI Cup, organized by the NMBA endorsement from HANMI, is expected to last three months with the champion crowned by early next year.

For more information in the revived HANMI Cup-Inter-Hotel Basketball League, contact coordinator Mark Rabago at 235-2440 local 134 or email him at makyo73yahoo.com or mark_rabago@saipantribune.com.