Salamat wins Bottle 2 Battle competition
“Salamat” is a Filipino word for “thank you” but for Pacific Islands Club bartender Marvin Salamat, his last name speaks for what he felt when he won Monday night’s GIG Bottle 2 Battle, Bartenders’ Competition.
Salamat bested nine other topnotch contenders from different hotels and restaurants on Saipan with his own mix called Land Cruiser. He also bagged the Best in Showmanship award after he wowed the panel of judges’ with his flair with wine bottles, glasses and shakers.
First runner-up honors went to Michael Lim of Hotel Nikko Saipan with his Cruiser Delight concoction, while the second place went to Joseph Solmarin of Hafadai with his mix called Pines Cruiser.
World Resort Saipan’s Marivic Agno swept the judges’ discriminating palates after she won in the Best in Taste special award. Agno’s concoction, “World Splash,” was a mix of vodka, fresh milk, triple sec and a secret ingredient.
Salamat will vie for the upcoming GIG Battle of the Champions in December.
Other contestants that night were: Day-Ann De Leon, representing the soon-to-open bar located at Century Hotel, the Tribes; Hotel Nikko’s Roland Fernandez; Capricciosa’s Cleve Allan Torcita; Aqua Resort Club’s Jaymar Torres; Magic Lamp’s Ramil Eustaquio; and Tijuana Mexican Grill’s Arnel Cruz.
Vodka Cruiser presented the event. Sponsors for the event were Budget Car Rental, Island Apparel, Coca Cola, Saipan Advertising, Tattoo World, Digital Motion, Gold’s Gym, Glooay Mai Thai Spa, and Club Rage. DJ Love hosted the event.