Deadline approaches for Bridge Capital art competition

Deadline approaches for Bridge Capital art competition

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Deadline approaches for Bridge Capital art competition

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.”

Reference: Marianas Variety

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Bridge Capital Named Gold Sponsor for the 2024 Saipan Marathon

Bridge Capital Named Gold Sponsor for the 2024 Saipan Marathon

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Bridge Capital Named Gold Sponsor for the 2024 Saipan Marathon

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.
Reference: Marianas Variety

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Madflex and Prospects 1 Shine in Matty D’s 3×3 Youth Tournament

Madflex and Prospects 1 Shine in Matty D’s 3×3 Youth Tournament

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Madflex and Prospects 1 Shine in Matty D’s 3×3 Youth Tournament

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.

Reference: Marianas Variety

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Bridge Capital donates 50K to nonprofits

Bridge Capital donates 50K to nonprofits

BRIDGE Capital LLC made a $50,000 donation to various non-profit groups through the First Lady Wella Foundation on Tuesday in the governor’s conference room.

Present to receive their donations were Crime Stoppers, the NMI Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Friends of Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, the Saipan Senior Advisory Council, the Center for Living Independently, Tasi to Table, Talaya Club, 500 Sails, Salvation Army, Autism Society of the CNMI, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, and the Marianas Alliance of Non-Government Organizations.

Bridge Capital Vice President Bart Jackson said the majority of the funds are for the non-profits with the remaining going to the  First Lady Wella Foundation.

“We’re going to distribute probably 60% of it today and the rest will remain with the foundation for good work and support throughout the year,” Jackson said.

John Baldwin, co-founder of Bridge Capital, said the donations came as part of the gift-giving season.

“It’s a real joy to us to be here today and see all of you. We’re very happy to be able to make these donations and help. It’s a wonderful thing to do during the holiday season,” he said.

The first lady was grateful for the donation.

“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Bridge Capital for their generous donation to the various nonprofits through the First Lady Foundation,” Mrs. Palacios said. “As we all know, Bridge Capital has been with us for many years helping our community in providing different services as donors.”

Source: http://tinyurl.com/nh5nxchn

Kensington to Host CNMI’s Got Talent with a Prize Pool of $15,000

Kensington to Host CNMI’s Got Talent with a Prize Pool of $15,000

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Kensington to Host CNMI’s Got Talent with a Prize Pool of $15,000

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.

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Bridge Capital donates to CNMI Domatsuri dancers

Bridge Capital donates to CNMI Domatsuri dancers

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Bridge Capital donates to CNMI Domatsuri dancers

BRIDGE Capital LLC on Tuesday donated $2,500 to the CNMI Domatsuri dancers.

Gordon Marciano, CNMI Domatsuri member, said the funds will help pay for the five-member dance troupe’s upcoming appearance at the Nippon Domannaka Festival in Nagoya, Japan.

According to its website, the Nippon Domannaka Festival “welcomes 210 dance teams with 23,000 performers from inside and outside Japan.”

Various dance groups will “prepare original dances and music that give a sense of their local culture,” the website stated.

Marciano and the CNMI Domatsuri dancers have been attending the festival since 2003. He said previous festivals included representatives from Russia, Korea, Taiwan, and China.

This year’s event will take place on Aug. 25-28.

Marciano said although there is a competition element to the Nippon Domannaka Festival, the CNMI Domatsuri dancers will be there for a different reason.

He said their trip is “a goodwill cultural exchange that builds friendships and connections through cultural dances.” An important component of their travel is the promotion of the CNMI as a destination, he added.

Bridge Capital LLC General Manager Bart Jackson appreciates the link between culture and tourism.

“These kinds of cultural exchanges really benefit tourism so much more dramatically than 20 years ago or 30 years ago,” he said. “You really need to have that additional component to be successful as a destination.”

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