Malibu Rum Challenge on May 31

The 7th Annual Northern Marianas Bartenders Association Tournament will be held on May 31, 2008, at the American Memorial Park’s bell tower field.

According to NMBA president Lito Espino this year’s competition is dubbed Malibu Rum Challenge and will kick off at 7pm.

So far, Espino said NMBA has received 15 applicants—12 for the novice division and three for the Battle of the Champions.

The participants that have so far signed up hail from hotels and establishments like Palms Resort and Spa Saipan, Marianas Resort and Spa, Aqua Resort Club, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Capricciosa Restaurant, Saipan World Resort, Pacific Islands Club, Hawaii Bar & Grill, and Wonderful Bar.

Interested applicants must have the following requirements to be eligible to join the NMBA competition:

– The maximum participant from each company is two;

– Participants are not allowed to wear any uniform or company logos representing a company;

– They will be wearing a T-shirt with print Malibu rum and pants;

– All participants are allowed to use free pouring technique on alcohol ingredients;

– No non-edible garnish or decoration that will touch the drinks;

– Participants should not use concocted ingredients, such as ice cream, chocolate syrup, etc;

– There will be a five-minute time limit;

– Participants must prepare one for display and three for tasting;

– Participants will be numbered so the judges will not know the companies they represent;

– Participants must bring their own equipment for their presentation; and

– All recipes must include MALIBU RUM main base ingredients and COCA COLA product only.

The champion from the novice category will receive a perpetual trophy, medal, cellular phone, and a $75 cash prize. The first runner-up will obtain a trophy, medal, and PTI phone card, $50 cash prize. The second runner-up will receive a trophy, medal, PTI phone card, and gift prizes.

Best in Taste will win a trophy, medal, and PTI phone card, and gift prizes. Best in Showmanship will receive a trophy, medal, PTI phone, and a $50 cash prize. Best in props and costume will receive a trophy and a special award.

For the Battle of the Champions category, the winner will receive a trophy, medal and $100, PTI phone card, and a gift. Best in Showmanship will get a trophy, medal, PTI phone card, and a gift; and Best in Props and Costume will have a special award, trophy, and gift.

The judging criteria will be based on originality (20 percent), taste (30 percent), showmanship (30 percent), neatness (10 percent), and audience impact (10 percent), for a total of 100 percent.

Espino said all winners will receive a trophy and a medal, while all participants will take home certificate of participation.”

This event is sponsored by Malibu Coconut Rum, Marianas Visitor Authority, PTI, Coca-Cola, and Duty Free Shop Galleria.

Deadline for submission of application is on May 27. For more information about the Malibu Rum Challenge, contact Espino at 323-1135. [B](Jacqueline Dela Cruz)
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