Lipa rules Grand Marnier bartenders challenge

Bartender Charlton Lipa of Aqua Resort Club bested 11 other bartenders to reign supreme at the 2004 Northern Marianas Bartenders Association Grand Marnier Challenge held Tuesday night at a jampacked Madonna Discotheque of the Saipan Grand Hotel.

With his special cocktail creation called Gentle Spears and electrifying dance moves that brought the crowd to its feet, Lipa received a competition-best 90.25 points en route to claiming the championship trophy and medal, a round trip ticket to Manila, $150 in cash, and a cellular phone.

Lipa went on to also claim Best in Taste award and shared the Best in Showmanship award with fellow bartender Ray Macalintal of Dai-ichi Hotel Saipan Beach.

Bagging first runner-up recognition was Marvin Salamat of Pacific Islands Club, who, despite being the last bartender to take the stage, managed to impress with bottle-spinning tricks that amazed the crowd. Salamat and his cocktail Island Twister got away with $100, a trophy, and a medal after racking 89.75 points.

Besides sharing the Best in Showmanship award, Macalintal cruised to a second runner-up finish with 87.58 points behind his cocktail, La Postolles. He received $50, a trophy, and a medal.

Third runner-up honors belonged to Raymond Tolentilio of PIC, who had 84.42 points with his Deep Blue Sea cocktail.

Other participants included Tammy Torres of Tambayan Bar and Restaurant, Pedro Teregeyo of Hafa Adai Beach Hotel, Joseph Weindl of Coffee Care, Mavro Sabate of Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Joseph Solmarin of Abyss Bar and Restaurant, Loranzo Divilio of Hotel Nikko Saipan, Cesar Ramos of Aqua Resort Club, and Ramil Eustaquio of Hafa Adai Beach Hotel.

All competitors lived up to the hype expected from the competition and had their fair share of taking the spotlight, each earning applause and cheers from the crowd during their presentations.

“This is so cool,” said spectator Jason James. “We have loud music, each bartender comes out dancing and electrifying the crowd with their moves on the table; it’s a good time to have fun and be entertained at the same time. I’m here supporting a friend’s friend, and I am definitely looking forward to another one.”

Judges for showmanship were music producer and artist Pete Magofna, TITAN Imports managing director John Antenero Cruz, pageant choreographer and director of the Miss CNMI Beauty Pageant Ernie Molina, and CNMI regional manager of Triple B Forwarders Glen Manglona.

Judges for taste included Creative Thinking Solution consultant manager William A. Morelli, Ming Li Wholesale Corp. sales manager Alex Escober, and Pacific Trading Co. liquor salesman Alex Guanco.

The competition was intended to build self-confidence, pride and professionalism among the islands’ bartenders and to develop a more competitive attraction to tourists.

“The NMBA is not only another association but a helpful and productive one in the tourist community,” said NMBA president Lito Espino. “The NMBA participates in most tourist attracting affairs. We even strengthen the bond between fellow bartenders, enhance their skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and competitions like this.”

Sponsors for the competition included TITAN Imports, Marianas Visitors Authority, Pacific Trading Co., Ming Li Wholesale, Western Sale Trading Co., Angel International Dance School, Elite Printing, Marianas Electronics, Salon de Manila, Pro Photo, Aqua Resort Club, United Filipino Organization, Madonna Discotheque, Awie Rent-A-Car and Scooters, Tambayan Bar and Restaurant, Credence Wholesale, Marianas Music Video, and Triple B. Forwarders.

“I would like to thank our sponsors, our friends, those who believed in us. In return, we promise to work harder and participate more in all that we can in the tourism industry,” said Espino. (With reports from Cassie DLG Fejeran)