THE deadline for the Bridge Capital 11th Annual Art Competition is on April 3 as organizers continue to encourage artists of all media to compete for over $15,000 in total prizes.

Julie Duenas, Bridge Capital office manager, said their company hopes to highlight all the ways Marianas residents can be creative. 

“We invite everyone to participate — photography, painting, drawing, wood carving, sculpture and digital art as well,” she said.

According to the official competition rules, eligible participants can submit up to two works of art.

All artworks must be physically delivered to the Bridge Capital office at 1057 Micro Beach Road by 5 p.m. on April 3, Wednesday. The Bridge Capital office is located adjacent to Marianas Creations and Everest Kitchen. 

Submissions should be in the form of traditionally accepted artistic materials and techniques, including 2-D art such as painting, drawing, collage and photography, and 3-D art, which includes sculpture, metal work, carving, modeling, casting, pottery, glassblowing, etc. 

Digital artwork must be printed and framed on canvas or photo paper. 

The contest is open to any person who has resided continuously in the CNMI for at least a year prior to Feb. 26, 2024. 

Every artwork entered in the competition is eligible to win three prizes: the Best of Show Award, the Governor’s Choice Award, and either 1st or 2nd prize in the category in which the artwork was entered. 

The rules stipulate that “although one person may submit up to two artworks to the competition, only one artwork can win prizes.” 

Prize categories are as follows: 

Best of Show wins $2,000; painting and drawing, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; photography $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; open category, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 12-17, $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place; age category, 11 and under, $750 for first place and $500 for second place; and the Governor’s Choice Award, $1,000. 

Duenas said in the five years she’s been at Bridge Capital, the annual art competition has highlighted the “magnitude of talent” present in the CNMI. 

“We definitely have a lot of talented individuals,” she said. “I’m really impressed by the talent that we have in the CNMI.”

In January 2024, Julie Ann M. Duenas, Office Manager at Bridge Capital, along with Alex Palacios, Community Relations and Property Acquisition Specialist, joyfully presented a $3,000 donation to the Marianas Visitors Authority, solidifying Bridge Capital as a gold sponsor for the Saipan Marathon 2024. Joined by an enthusiastic team from MVA, including Community Projects Specialists Ray Villagomez and Ed Diaz, Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion, Community Projects Manager Martin Duenas, and Special Assistant to the Managing Director Zenella Sablan, the occasion was marked with camaraderie and support. The marathon, set for March 9, 2024, promises an exciting event ahead.

Over the weekend, MADFLEX and Prospects 1 emerged as champions in their respective divisions, capping off the three-day Matty D’s 3×3 Youth Tournament at the Ada gym.

In the U16 championship match, Madflex demonstrated their exceptional skills, defeating Rollers 2 with a score of 13-4. The Madflex team, comprised of Jezpher Navarro, Jonne Navarro, Onick Ragbonshe, and Christian Lucero, showcased impressive teamwork and played to their strengths.

Lucero, utilizing his power and height, smoothly finished at the rim, while Jonne Navarro’s three-point shots, combined with contributions from Jezpher Navarro and Rogabonshe, quickly established a commanding 10-point lead. Despite Rollers 2 gaining confidence later in the game, Madflex secured a decisive victory with a final score of 13-4.

In the U13 division, Prospects 1 triumphed over their sibling team, Prospects 4, with a score of 18-10. Prospects 1, consisting of Leon Duenas, David Apatang, Liam Wilson, and Jairus Pangilinan, displayed unstoppable offensive prowess. Duenas, in particular, dominated the offensive lane with no-look passes and versatile finishes, securing a comfortable lead for Prospects 1. Despite Prospects 4 putting up a fight, Prospects 1 emerged victorious with a final score of 18-10.

Tournament host Matt Duenas expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This tournament is for the youth. Originally planned as a Christmas tournament, we opted for this 3×3 format instead. I selected the U13 and U16 age groups to showcase the talents of the youth and provide them with positive alternatives amidst the challenges they may face.”

Duenas extended gratitude to the 104 players who participated, making it a successful event. He also thanked sponsors, including Bridge Capital, Priority Care, Saipan Ice & Water, and Ada gym, for their support in making the tournament possible.

BRIDGE Capital LLC is buzzing with excitement as they prepare to host the annual CNMI’s Got Talent competition at the prestigious Kensington Hotel, offering an impressive prize pool exceeding $15,000. Bart Jackson, the Vice President of Bridge Capital, shares his enthusiasm for this upcoming event, expressing his anticipation for a spectacular night filled with remarkable talents. He commends the consistently high caliber of performers and highlights their extensive outreach efforts to engage a wide array of music and educational institutions, making this edition of CNMI’s Got Talent the most significant and impressive to date.

Set to take place on December 16, the competition invites aspiring talents to submit their audition videos and complete application forms. In-depth information, guidelines, and application details can be found on the competition’s official website, cnmigottalent.com. For further inquiries or information, interested participants can reach out to Bridge Capital at (670) 322-2222 or email them at events@bccnmi.com. It’s worth noting that all auditions must adhere to a “Christmas-themed” concept, and non-themed auditions will not be considered for the final performance. The submission deadline for audition videos is November 17.

One of the striking aspects of CNMI’s Got Talent is the freedom participants have to choose and showcase their unique talents. Previous editions of the competition have featured a diverse array of performances, including soccer ball juggling, tambourine bands, and various forms of dancing and singing. The competition warmly welcomes talents of all types, including singers, dancers, musicians, magicians, and more. To accommodate a wide range of talents and performers, there are two distinct categories: one for adults aged 17 and above, and another for children aged 16 and under.

After participants submit their application forms and audition videos, Bridge Capital’s dedicated team will thoroughly review all entries, a process scheduled for mid to late November. Invitations to the competition will be extended to selected performers around November 27, while those who do not progress beyond the audition phase will not receive notifications.

The main event, scheduled for December 16, will see contestants checking in between 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m., with the competition officially commencing at 6 p.m. To ensure that each participant can put forth their best performance, they are allowed to have one non-participating individual to assist in their preparations. However, this individual must be registered with the organizers to ensure a smooth and organized event.

In addition to the thrill of showcasing their talents and the opportunity to gain recognition, the competition offers enticing prizes, making it a “holly, jolly Christmas” for the winners. The grand prize for both the adult and children’s categories is an impressive $2,000. Those who secure the first runner-up positions will receive $1,500, while second runners-up will be awarded $1,000. The competition also features special prizes, such as the “Most Christmas” award worth $1,500, which will be presented to the most festive and captivating participant or group.

Furthermore, the Governor’s Choice Award, also valued at $1,500, will be bestowed upon a participant chosen by the CNMI governor. The event organizers have gone a step further to encourage participation by residents of Rota and Tinian, introducing the “Best in Rota” and “Best in Tinian” categories, each with its unique set of prizes.

One unique aspect of CNMI’s Got Talent is that participants have the opportunity to win across multiple categories. For example, a talented individual who secures the Grand Prize can also win the “Most Christmas” award, allowing performers to reap even greater rewards and recognition for their exceptional talents.

In addition to the competition itself, the event is set to feature performances by the renowned Marianas High School Rhythm ‘n Harmony Glee Club, known for their captivating and melodious presentations. To add an element of surprise and delight, additional performances are also being lined up, promising a night filled with diverse and outstanding entertainment.

The organizers at Bridge Capital have set a target of hosting around 300 guests at this invite-only event, which includes dinner and exciting giveaways. The expansive performance space at the Kensington Hotel provides an ideal backdrop for creating an authentic theater atmosphere for all attendees. Bart Jackson emphasizes the significance of this event, as it offers individuals at various stages in their careers an invaluable platform to showcase and refine their talents. He particularly enjoys witnessing the growth and dedication of returning performers who have consistently honed their skills, investing time and effort into their craft over the years.

CNMI’s Got Talent at the Kensington Hotel is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of talent, creativity, and the vibrant performing arts scene in the CNMI. The event promises a memorable evening, where dreams and passions collide on stage, and the audience is treated to a remarkable showcase of talent.

As the competition date draws nearer, the excitement continues to build, with the anticipation of a night that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both participants and the audience. With a rich history of remarkable performances and a commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talents, CNMI’s Got Talent at the Kensington Hotel is set to be a truly magical and unforgettable experience for all involved.

Visit www.cnmigottalent.com for more info.