Torres, Dela Cruz, Jones win Most Badass Awards

Three out of 12 nominees won the most badass people 2023 title during Tyler’s Gelatte Stone’s first Most Badass People award ceremony on Nov. 17 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan in Garapan.

Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr., Run Saipan president and ARFF firefighter Edward Dela Cruz Jr., and makeup artist and “LP Beauty” brand founder and owner Lara Torres were three of the 12 trailblazing nominees that were recognized as the Marianas’ most badass in 2023.

Jones Jr. was unable to be present at the event as he is in the Solomon Islands for the 2023 Pacific Games, so his wife received the award for him. Jones Jr. did send a previous video thanking the people who nominated him.

In his remarks, Dela Cruz extended his warmest thanks to the sponsors and staff of Tyler’s Gelatte Stone. “I know how much hard work it is to coordinate this…,” said Dela Cruz. In addressing his fellow nominees, he said, “Your hard work is so amazing and inspiring, so thank you, guys, for all your hard work…,” adding he’s already excited to see what his fellow nominees will do next year.

Along with being awarded as one of the most badass people, Torres was also the recipient of the People’s Choice Award. The makeup artist was surprised and touched at the same time. In addressing the audience, she said, “I was so blown away when I saw the nominees list. I’m badass? I mean I’m just doing what I love to do, honestly. …I’m at a loss for words, but I’m very grateful.”

“This is amazing, I’m just excited to put this at my shop. There are so many things I’m planning for 2024, I’m just getting started. But honestly, everybody is badass. I feel like they all won tonight regardless of who got a trophy or not. …We’re all winners,” she added.

The other nominees were Rep. Joel Camacho (Ind-Saipan), Juan Camacho, Palm Trio, Jocelyn Itibus, Cherese Palacios, Bonny Grow, Samantha Salamon, Ashley Pangelinan, and Elina Chhetri.

The event was the very first of its kind.

Tyler’s Gelatte Stone’s Ben Babauta Jr. said they wanted to recognize the CNMI’s hardworking professionals “to keep them motivated, to keep them passionate, to keep them moving our community so we can grow and prosper together.

“As I see how hard these people work, I see the behind-the-scenes effort that they are putting in to get things done…,” he added.

Babauta noted that, while celebrating these individuals, profits made from the event will go toward funding scholarships at Northern Marianas College and Northern Marianas Technical Institute.

He said they had originally received over 40 nominations for the award and they narrowed it down to 12. The public was then encouraged to vote for the nominees online.

“I am so happy for all the nominees and they are all deserving their nominations.” said Babauta.

He also thanked the event’s 38 sponsors “All of them are small businesses and we want to keep our small businesses growing,” he said.