GUAM BBQ BLOCK PARTY CROWNS 2016 CHAMPION GRILL MASTER

Estimated 10,000 attend GVB signature event

(Tumon, Guam) – The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is proud to announce the winners of the fourth annual Pleasure Island Guam BBQ Block Party Competition on Saturday, July 2nd. Ten teams competed in three categories – chicken, beef and pork – but only one has earned the title of the 2016 Champion Grill Master. The Guam Community College (GCC) Team, led by Chef Paul Kerner, walked away with this top honor and also placed in the top three in all categories.

GVB congratulates Chef Paul and the GCC team, as well as the winners in the following categories:

CHICKEN:

First Place: Ohana Hawaiian BBQ (Team captain: Jen Santa Maria)

Second Place: GCC (Team captain: Paul Kerner)

Third Place: Guam Barbecue Company (Team captain: Joe Okada)

PORK:

First Place: Team Meskla (Team captain: Peter Duenas)

Second Place: GCC (Team captain: Paul Kerner)

Third Place: Ohana Hawaiian BBQ (Team captain: Jen Santa Maria)

BEEF:

First Place: GCC (Team captain: Paul Kerner)

Second Place: Team Meskla (Team captain: Peter Duenas)

Third Place: Sea Grill Restaurant (Team captain: JR Kaminaga)

 

The Micronesian Chefs Association partnered with GVB to conduct the BBQ competition and gave away more than $4,000 in prize money.

“This is one of our favorite GVB signature events, because it showcases Guam’s unique BBQ culture and the talent of Guam’s best chefs and pit masters right here in the heart of Pleasure Island,” said Nathan Denight, GVB President and CEO.  “With an estimated 10,000 people in attendance, I was pleased to see an even larger crowd this year made up of residents and visitors who came out to enjoy this family friendly and fun event. Si Yu’os Ma’ase to everyone for supporting this GVB signature event.”

Domingo Ocampo was also named the winner of the first-ever Hot Diggety Dog hot dog eating contest after he devoured four 10-inch hot dogs in five minutes. Additionally, the Guam BBQ Block Party featured a Classic American Car and Bike Show coordinated by Local Girl and powered by Shell. Uncle Sam and the Firecracker Girls also made an appearance at the event to add to the festive atmosphere while the Phoenix Stage Band, Phoenix Stars, Those 2 Guys and Step Up Dance entertained the crowd. Various food and beverage vendors also lined the block to cater to the crowd of thousands who walked Pleasure Island with their families and friends.

GVB thanks the Office of Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio and the Guam BBQ Block Party presenting sponsors The Plaza, Sandcastle, Dusit Thani Guam Resort, T Galleria by DFS, and Outrigger Guam Beach Resort for their continued partnership in growing the event year after year. GVB would also like to recognize the supporting sponsors Hot Diggety Dog, Monster Energy, Miller Lite, Pepsi, Hanom, Triple J Fivestar Wholesale, Pacific Daily News, Deloitte, Shell, Foody's, and the Stations of KUAM.

Special thanks is also given to the Guam Police Department (GPD), Guam Fire Department (GFD) and GVB’s Visitor Safety Officers (VSOs) for keeping the public safe.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer