Two families off to HK Disneyland

With an extra bounce in their steps and profound excitement visible in their faces, the Manalili and Pamintuan families checked in early Friday morning at the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport for a flight to the former Crown Colony where they will spend the next three days as part of Coca-Cola’s Hong Kong Disneyland Family Trip promotion.

The Manalilis—parents Edward and Lily, twins Eddie and Lina, and Ainkie Boy—were the first to arrive at the terminal followed by the Pamintuans—Angelito, Maria Zenaida, 12-year-old Angel Mar, and two-year-old Henin Zea.

Almost in unison, the Manalili twins and Ainkie Boy said they were very excited about their trip to the Magic Kingdom.

Their mother also thanked her sister, Rita Sablan, for donating the prize to them after the Education associate commissioner begged off from the trip because of an upcoming job interview.

“We want to thank Coca-Cola for the trip and my sister and my brother-in-law—Rita and Frank—for donating it to us. She can’t make it so she donated the tickets to yours truly, her favorite sister,” she said while laughing.

Mrs. Manalili also said the trip was a sort of reward for the kids after they did well in school and excelled in sports.

“We plan to relax and enjoy. Our special thanks go to Kathryn Barry and Coca-Cola for this opportunity. The kids were also doing well in school and that’s the reason why Rita awarded it to us—they are all good students,” she said.

Eddie Boy, who, like Lina, goes to school at Hopwood Junior High School, won the MVP of the recent 12-and-under division of the 2006 Northern Youth Basketball Association, while Ainkie Boy, who matriculates at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, was part of his brother’s champion Garapan Rollers II.

Edward Manalili’s stepson and CNMI National Men’s Basketball Team member Oscar Ada was on hand to send them off.

Angelito Pamintuan, meanwhile, said the Hong Kong getaway would be a much-deserved vacation for himself, his wife, and his two young daughters.

The accountant at Megabyte earlier said the trip could also serve as a third honeymoon for him and Maria Zenaida.

He said it will be their first time in the former British territory and that he would like to thank Barry and Coca-Cola for giving them the chance to spend their family vacation in Hong Kong.

Angel Mar studies at Garapan Elementary School, while Maria Zenaida stays at home and looks after two-year-old Zea.

Coca-Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia), Inc. sales and marketing director Kathryn H. Barry drove all the way to the airport to send the two families off to their fun weekend and rendezvous with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

“Seeing the families smile makes all of the hard work worth it,” she said. “I absolutely love this part of my job. Seeing the smiles, especially from the children, is always very special. Although at Disney, everyone can actually be a kid!”

Aside from the all-expense paid three-night stay in Hong Kong Disneyland, Coca-Cola also gave the Manalilis and Pamintuans a $1,000 Visa gift card.

Barry said the third winner of the Coca-Cola’s Hong Kong Disneyland Family Trip promo, Pat Leon Guerrero and her party, will avail of her prize next month.

Aside from the softdrink giant and Hong Kong Disneyland, the promotion was also sponsored by radio stations KZMI and KZNM and Saipan Tribune.