UFO: Paskong Pinoy affected by economic slowdown

The CNMI’s sluggish economy has crept into the annual Paskong Pinoy celebration of the Filipino community on Saipan, according to the president of the United Filipino Organizations.

“Due to the economic slowdown, some of our kababayans (countrymen) already went home because of the touchback. Our resources are already scaled down. That's why what we did was just to put up a backdrop and a platform, just for us to push through with the event. The economy is really affecting us also, just like any other business. We don't have much funding for the event. We just did what we have for us to continue our annual celebrations, which is the Paskong Pinoy,” said UFO president Carlito J. Marquez during the 2025 Paskong Pinoy event last Dec. 13 at the Marianas Business Plaza covered parking area.

He said he hopes 2026 will be better not only for the Commonwealth but also for the Filipino community in the CNMI, so the UFO can celebrate the Christmas season with a splashier Paskong Pinoy event.

Meanwhile, Joeten Ace Hardware’s Ruel Nava and Marc Raagas topped Paskong Pinoy’s “Kwarta-o-Kahon” and the belen-making contest, respectively.

“It feels so great, because I didn't expect [to win]. I was hesitant to join, but I think this is for me. That's why I didn't get this [participation] ribbon first. I got it last, but I just decided at the last minute to join,” said Nava, who beat dozens of participants to win the highlight contest of the Paskong Pinoy event.

Nava said he will use his $500 winnings to pay for his plane ticket to the Philippines for a vacation next March.

Raagas, for his part, was the lone participant in the belen-making contest and took home $200. He also won the top prize in last year’s parol-making contest, where incidentally, Nava finished second.

Using 100% recycled cardboard for his masterpiece, Raagas said it was unfortunate that he was the lone contestant. He said he will use half of his $200 winnings to treat friends.

Even with a scaled-down event, UFO and its sponsors were still able to host a full program for the 2025 Paskong Pinoy. After an invocation by Deo Manese of the MIFICPA, Marquez delivered his opening remarks, thanking everyone in attendance and sharing that, even amid the economic crisis, the Christmas season remains about hope.

The Paskong Pinoy 2025 schedule listed a special number by Naurine Jay Vergara, grand champion of the 2025 Savory Contest, followed by performances from Donnel Isip, Patrick Fieldad, Lou Guevera, Loida Olivar, and Baby PJ Mario Corpus, all two-time placers in the Savory singing tilt.

Cultural performances included Samahang Ilocano, followed by a song number from Princess Nicole Rigua. The program then called for a mix of music, raffles, and games, with performances by Playmates Band and Savory Sessionista interspersed with raffle draws.

Later performances on the schedule included Unshakable Band and the Marianas Rhythmix Band featuring Arceli G. Legaspi. The program also listed presentations by the Filipino Community Church, a song number by Juliana Kai Ortiz, and a performance by the Saipan Ballroom Dance Team with Ellen Vidanes.

The latter part of the program featured a song number by Mark Azarcon and a dance performance by Saipan Invincible LC. The event was hosted by emcees Birhen Martinez and Lois Manese.

Several vendors also plied their trade at the event, including JTM BBQ, Connie’s BBQ, Chelu Gift Shop, Lucy Catering, Maricel Gift Shop, Liz Snack & Clothing, Natasha (Anna Cabael), Ivy’s Kitchen, 5 P’s, and Dae Jam Kum Catering.