Bridge Capital LLC’s Art Competition this year not only highlighted the creativity and artistic skills of many of the CNMI’s homegrown artists, but also rewarded 13 artists whose work topped the tilt. The announcement of winners and presentation of prizes were made last Friday at the Flame Tree Arts Festival on the Civic Center Beach Park in Susupe.

Over $13,000 in total cash prizes were given to artists who topped the competition. For artists 12-and-up, each first place winner received a monetary prize of $1,500. Artists Jia Yi Li and Kim Jiyun tied for first place in the 12-17 age group category, and in the painting and drawing category, Joseph Weaver took first place. Vlad Melnik’s shot on one of the Northern Islands landed him first place in the photography category, and Gregorio Bacnis Jr.’s multimedia piece topped the open artwork category.

Coming in second place was Elaine Pagaduan, for the 12-17 age group category, Nhorleen Lilles in painting and drawing; Jeromalyn Santos in photography; and Veronica Arriola in open artwork. Each second place winner was also awarded $1,000.

For the 11-and-under category, Victoria Huang was first taking home $750, while Lydia Xian came in second, receiving $500. The Governor’s Choice Award and $1,000 went to Christian Apolonio.

Last but not the least, the Bridge Capital Community Choice award went to Von Derick Lauron.

Judges for the artwork included Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and first lady Wella Palacios, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), Rep. Marissa Flores (Ind-Saipan), and Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho.

Bridge Capital principals and CEOs John Baldwin and Sean Scott shared their remarks after the prize presentation

“We have amazing talents here in the CNMI and we are happy to be a part of rewarding the artists,” shared Baldwin. He encouraged the artist to continue to work hard in their field.” Art is important, it expresses who we are.”

He also acknowledged their staff, “Our Bridge Capital staff is quite amazing. You know the work they put into the art show, Flame Tree and the CNMI got talent is really above and beyond the call of duty, you know, they work for Bridge, but they do this work because they want to, and because they want to help And because they also appreciate the community.”

Scott also took the opportunity to thank the audience.

“Thank you for supporting all the artists…We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in all this.” He also thanked the first lady and governor for their efforts and support as well.

“Ten years ago, Bridge Capital looked for a way in which we could participate in the [Flame Tree] Arts Festival And we came up with our own competition,” said Bridge Capital vice president Bart Johnson

These artworks will be displayed at the T-Galleria in Garapan from now until Aug. 6.

ridge Capital LLC, which bought interest on the La Fiesta property in March 2007, is the only entity that responded to the government’s request for proposal involving the lease, development or revitalization of the vacant La Fiesta Mall in San Roque.

The government, however, has yet to disclose whether a contract will be awarded to Bridge Capital LLC or the RFP will be re-issued.

“Only Bridge Capital LLC responded to the RFP in question,” Herman S. Sablan, director of the Division of Procurement and Supply, told Saipan Tribune yesterday, in response to an Open Government Act request in connection with the result of RFP09-SOF-051.

Since the former La Fiesta Mall shut its doors in 2004, the building has become a wasteland, yet it costs the government at least $200,000 in annual lease payment to Bridge Capital LLC, a lending company.

Bridge Capital LLC is a different entity from Bridge Investment Group, which plans to operate a casino on Tinian. Bridge Capital LLC owned the now defunct Guam Greyhound Park racetrack.

Jon Anderson, loan officer for Bridge Capital LLC, yesterday said they have not received a formal notification from the government about the result of the RFP, although they already heard last week that they were the only one that submitted a proposal.

He said until they get a formal acknowledgement from the government, they wouldn’t be able to disclose their specific plan for La Fiesta.

Back in December 2007, there were stories from the community that Bridge Capital LLC may have a role in efforts to get gaming legalized on Saipan and a possible gambling operation at La Fiesta. Bridge Capital LLC was vague about it, saying they are interested in any opportunity that comes up.

In March 2007, Bridge Capital bought interest on the La Fiesta Mall property from the Japanese-owned Coco’s Lagoon Development. The CNMI government, which acquired the building in 2004, is now paying Bridge Capital about $200,000 a year for the lease of the idle property.

The Fitial administration earlier said it wants to make the former La Fiesta mall, located across Palms Resort in San Roque, “productive again.”

The RFP said special consideration will be given to proposals that will develop the La Fiesta property “into a promising and sustainable tourist attraction and entertainment complex,” and the lease, redevelopment and revitalization of the La Fiesta property includes upgrading and renovating all existing facilities within the commercial complex.

The deadline for submission was Feb. 27 but off island entities had until March 10 to submit their proposal.

At one point, La Fiesta housed the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., and was eyed as a site for the Pacific Gateway education project, which did not materialize. Last year, it was also proposed as a site for adult businesses because of its isolated location.

Bridge Capital, LLC, in a letter to the Guam Economic Development and Commerce Authority, said it would be willing to consider purchasing a $20 million bond to help the Guam Government meet a federal court order.

“Bridge Capital, LLC would be willing to consider purchasing a bond or bonds secured by the full faith and credit of the Government of Guam with a specified source of repayment revenue for that amount,” the letter states.

The Guam Government was ordered to come up with the $20 million needed for a dump closure and landfill projects by Jan. 5, 2009. A financing plan must be agreed upon by Dec. 5, according to Guam’s Pacific Daily News.

Bridge Capital, LLC, is an international lending and financial services firm headquartered on Saipan.