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

Vocalists Reign Supreme in 2023 CNMI’s Got Talent

Vocalists Reign Supreme in 2023 CNMI’s Got Talent

News

Vocalists Reign Supreme in 2023 CNMI’s Got Talent

Vocalists stole the spotlight at Bridge Capital LLC’s 13th Annual CNMI Got Talent, held at the Kensington Hotel in San Roque last Saturday.

Jessel Antonio, 30, and Francis Peter, 10, clinched first place in their respective categories, also securing the “Most Christmas” award and each taking home $3,000. Antonio’s rendition of “O Holy Night” and Peter’s medley of “Hallelujah” and “Auld Lang Syne” won over both the audience and judges in the adult and 16-and-under divisions.

Touched by her win, Antonio expressed gratitude, stating, “I feel so grateful and I will thank God for this opportunity. This prize is for our kids and our family.”

Peter, aiming to spread joy, shared, “Win or lose, it was for fun.”

In the 16-and-under category, Juliana Kai Ortiz won second runner-up and the Governor’s Choice Award. Cousins Kayden Manglona and Kassidy Garcia claimed first runner-up and the Best of Rota award.

For the adult 17-and-up category, Heaven Murphy secured first runner-up with an original composition, while acapella group DYNMX took second runner-up and the Founder’s Choice Award, moving Bridge Capital CEO John Baldwin emotionally.

Baldwin commended the night’s exceptional talent, stating, “Tonight’s show is the best ever… it never ceases to amaze me the amount of incredible talent that is available in the CNMI.”

Bridge Capital Vice President Bart Jackson expressed satisfaction with the event, welcoming performances from Rota and Tinian, emphasizing, “We had a great event, great performers, and a great crowd.”

The event surpassed expectations with 320 attendees, making it a memorable night for all involved.

Reference: Saipan Tribune

Want new articles before they get published?
Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.

2 + 6 =

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

News

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.

Want new articles before they get published?
Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.

14 + 1 =

Bridge Capital, JTM Saipan earn wins in Eagles caging

Bridge Capital, JTM Saipan earn wins in Eagles caging

News

Bridge Capital, JTM Saipan earn wins in Eagles caging

Bridge Capital and JTM Saipan earned wins in the open division of the Inaugural SMEC-SMLEC Invitational Basketball Tournament 2023 last Thursday and Friday night at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court.

Bridge Capital steamrolled the 670 Rollers, 95-77, last Thursday, while JTM Saipan bounced back to win a close game against Choju, 85-79, last Friday.

Michael Aparte of Bridge Capital allowed his team to come out of the first quarter with a 10-point lead as he made 8 of the team’s 24 points. Bridge Capital still had the upper hand in the second quarter as the 670 Rollers made only 15 points due to Bridge Capital’s tight defense.

Want new articles before they get published?
Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.

13 + 4 =

Bridge Capital donates to CNMI Domatsuri dancers

Bridge Capital donates to CNMI Domatsuri dancers

News

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.”

Want new articles before they get published?
Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.

3 + 3 =

CWA Bingo Bonanza this Friday

CWA Bingo Bonanza this Friday

News

CWA Bingo Bonanza this Friday

The CNMI Women’s Association is grateful to Bridge Capital LLC for its silver sponsorship donation, and TSL Foundation for its gold sponsorship donation to CWA’s bingo fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 11, starting at 6 p.m. at Saipan Vegas. Right photo shows Linda Cabrera, CWA board member and Bart Jackson, general manager of Bridge Capital. Photo below shows Cathy Attao, Tan Holdings executive; Linda Cabrera, CWA board member; Merlie Tolentino, TSL Foundation executive director; Anna Mae Adaza, CWA board member; and Rina Robles, TSL Foundation administrative assistant.

Want new articles before they get published?
Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter.

15 + 13 =