CNMI businesses rush preparations as Bavi approaches

Panda House Waffles is offering a buy-one-get-one promotion on its ice cream beginning Friday as the business races to sell off its remaining inventory before Tropical Storm 09W threatens the Marianas this weekend.

Co-owner Adrien Ocampo said the promotion is intended to avoid a repeat of the heavy losses the business suffered during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, when prolonged power outages spoiled nearly its entire ice cream inventory.

"We lost almost all of our ice cream," Ocampo said. "So this time we're trying to finish our ice cream inventory by tomorrow or Saturday. So we're just trying to give out to the public and not waste any ice creams."

Under the promotion, customers who purchase one cup of ice cream for $4 will receive another cup free. Ocampo said Panda House still has about 22 gallons of ice cream in stock.

Beyond the promotion, the business is taking many of the same precautions it used before Sinlaku, including boarding up windows and doors, safeguarding important business documents, and protecting its inventory. Panda House expects to remain open through Saturday but will likely close Sunday and Monday while monitoring government advisories.

"My prayers go out to all of our customers and I hope that everybody takes care and stays safe," Ocampo said. "Especially since we're still trying to recover after Typhoon Sinlaku. So, God bless and take care."

Other businesses and institutions across Saipan were also making last-minute preparations Thursday.

At Fork & Spoon: House of Sizzling, cashier-waitress Mary Joy Cabrera said employees were installing shutters and clearing outdoor areas before the storm's arrival. The restaurant plans to close Sunday and reopen once conditions are safe.

"Stay safe to everybody and let's all prepare for the upcoming storm, and once it's all clear, we'll be back and open to serve everyone again," Cabrera said.

At Green Meadow School, president Glenn Songcuan said Friday classes for its summer camp and daycare programs had been canceled to allow staff time to secure classrooms at all three campuses.

Teachers will move materials away from windows, elevate items vulnerable to leaks, and protect equipment from possible water damage. Nearly 170 students, including about 100 school-age children and 60 to 70 preschoolers and infants, are expected to be affected by the temporary closure.

"Please do take your preparations very seriously," Songcuan said. "If your house is damaged still because of the storm, please consider relocating to a shelter."

Meanwhile, The Trove is securing valuables inside its vault and preparing its storm shutters while awaiting a final decision on whether it will operate Sunday, according to sales representative Monique Mendiola. The clothing retailer is also offering 30% off selected merchandise.

"We hope everyone stays safe throughout the typhoon," Mendiola said. "If you guys are in need of any clothes afterwards, we have a lot of clothes in stock and there are some that are 30% off."