IT&E steps up as Extreme Pika sponsor

Rob Harrell, IT&E Executive director of Customer Operations, right, presents a check for the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival to the Marianas Visitors Authority on Feb. 9, 2018, at the IT&E office in Chalan Laulau, Saipan. From left are MVA Community Projects manager Martin Duenas, MVA Community Projects specialists Ray Villagomez and Ed Diaz, and Harrell. (Contributed Photo)

IT&E has joined Bridge Investment Group LLC as an Extreme Pika sponsor for the Tinian Hot Pepper Festival on Feb. 17 & 18, 2018.

IT&E executive director of Customer Operations Rob Harrell presented a sponsorship check on behalf of the company to the Marianas Visitors Authority on Feb. 9, 2018, at the IT&E office in Chalan Laulau.

The company’s sponsorship includes $2,000 cash, WiFi internet service at the festival grounds, and three cellular units as contest prizes: a Samsung Galaxy J5 Pro, a Blu R1 Plus, and a Figo Atrium.

“IT&E remains steadfast in its support of the Marianas Visitors Authority’s efforts in promoting tourism in our islands,” said IT&E general manager Rose A. Soledad. “We are particularly proud to participate as an exclusive major sponsor to echo our commitment.”

The Tinian Hot Pepper Festival is co-organized by MVA, Tinian Mayor’s Office, and the 16th Tinian Municipal Council and sponsored by MVA members. The road/off road 65K Pika Bike Race will be held on Feb. 17 at 6am. The festival will be held on Feb. 17 from 2pm to 11pm and on Feb. 18, from 10am to 11pm.

Activities on Feb. 17 will include a women’s hot pepper eating contest. Feb. 18 will also include an kadun pika (spicy stew) cooking contest at 12pm, arm wrestling, a men’s hot pepper eating contest, JC Café Burger Eating Contest, a cha-cha contest, children’s umang (hermit crab) race, tug of war at 3:30pm, sack race, and outrigger canoe race. Other activities include indigenous craft sales, live entertainment including cultural dances, and beach volleyball.

The available ferry slots aboard the Super Emerald ferry schedule are: Feb. 16, departing Tinian at 8:30pm; Feb. 17, departing Saipan at 9am and departing Tinian at 5pm; Feb. 18, departing Saipan at 9am; and Feb. 19, departing Saipan at 8am and departing Tinian at 12pm. Passengers will depart from the Commonwealth Ports Authority dock in Lower Base and must check in one hour before departure. Ferry round trip cost is $20 for ages 3-11, $35 for ages 12 and older, and free for children ages 0-2. For one way, the cost is $10 for ages 3-11, $18 for ages 12 and older, and free for children ages 0-2. Advance ticket purchase is required and will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Passengers are allowed up to 70 lbs of cargo, including bicycles. A $10 fee will be charged for additional cargo. Ticket purchases may be made at the MVA Office on Tinian and Saipan. Cash payments only will be accepted.

Star Marianas Air, in cooperation with the MVA and Tinian Mayor’s Office, will extend its normal hours of operation during the festival. On Feb. 17 and Feb. 18, scheduled flights will be extended, with the last flights leaving Tinian at 10:30pm.

In addition, the MVA will provide free shuttle transportation between Tinian International Airport, Port of Tinian, and the festival grounds, only. Hotels on island include Tinian Ocean View Hotel, Fleming’s Hotel, Lorilynn’s Hotel, Tinian Street Motel, and Green Lion House Hotel, and some hotels offer airport shuttle as well.

For more information, contact the MVA Tinian office at 1 (670) 433-9365, email MVA Field Operations supervisor Vida Borja at vborja@mymarianas.com, or visit The Marianas Events Calendar at www.mymarianas.com. (MVA)