(Gold’s Gym Saipan) — It was an afternoon to remember this past Saturday at the Gold’s Gym Saipan 2025 Challenge Awards Banquet, where members, friends, and fitness fans gathered to celebrate the incredible grit, gains, and goals crushed during the 12-week Challenge. And what a journey it was!
Out of 44 brave Challengers who kicked off the transformation contest, 34 powered through to the finish line. This wasn’t just about losing weight — it was about building strength, resilience, and a stronger version of yourself. The average Challenger dropped 12.8 pounds, with the biggest individual loss topping 30 pounds. Collectively, they shed 433 pounds—that’s the weight of 865 mangoes! Try lugging that around in grocery bags… and now it’s GONE.
The Challenge focused on transformation. Most Challengers focused on fat loss while preserving (and sometimes gaining!) lean muscle mass. The waistlines shrunk too: the average loss was 3 inches, and one person even trimmed a whopping 6.5 inches off their midsection.
Of course, the event wasn’t just about inches and pounds — it was about inspiration. Over $5,000 in cash, prizes, and downright delicious food was awarded thanks to generous sponsors/supporters: Michelob Ultra, Ghost, PHI Pharmacy, Brabu Pharmacy & Wellness Center, TurnKey Solutions and Spicy Thai.
And now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for…
Transformation Champion – Rosanna Lopez
Rosanna Lopez lost 28 pounds—an incredible 20% of her starting weight — along with 5 inches from her waist. But the real jaw-dropper? She maintained her lean body mass throughout the challenge. She also won the “Most Visits to Gold’s Gym” award, with 147 visits in 12 weeks. That’s right — early mornings, double days, and afternoon classes. If we had a frequent flyer program, she’d be platinum.
Transformation Champion – Dr. Michael Deary
Dr. Michael Deary wowed the judges with a 30-pound weight loss and the biggest waist reduction of the challenge—6.5 inches! But it wasn’t just about what he lost—it was about what he gained, including visible muscle definition and a renewed commitment to health.
Both winners walked away with $500 in cash, a 1-year gift certificate to Gold’s Gym Saipan, and some sweet swag from Michelob Ultra and Ghost.
Essay Contest Winner – Israel Laqueo
Israel Laqueo shared his heartfelt journey and reminded us all why we show up. “This journey isn’t just about losing weight,” he said. “It’s about gaining life. Your WHY should always be stronger than your excuses. And mine is unbreakable.”
Dr. Michael Deary added in his reflection, “The Challenge motivated me to take the steps needed to improve my diet and refocus my efforts in the gym. I feel I’ve already won the most valuable prize: reestablishing my health and reinvigorating my passion for fitness. Thank you, 2025 Gold’s Gym Saipan Challenge.”
Age Group Winners
Women 18–29
Melody Johnson – 1st Place
Men 18–29
Raymond Guanlao – 1st Place
Edward Cordero – 2nd Place
Women 30–39
Salve Bahillo – 1st Place
Men 30–39
Pomaikai Aldan – 1st Place
(3-way tie!) Patrick Tudela, Israel Laqueo, Jeffrey Bahillo – An incredibly close race!
Women 40–49
Mayuko Manglona – 1st Place
Men 40–49
Ronnel Mostales – 1st Place
Women 50–59
Deanna Sablan – 1st Place
Men 50–59
Philip Sablan – 1st Place
60–69 & 70+ Categories
No entries this year — but there’s always 2026!
General Manager Tyce Mister shared, “We are beyond proud of each Challenger. This isn’t just a contest — it’s a community. The energy, the encouragement, and the transformations we witnessed were inspiring. Thank you to everyone who showed up and gave it their all.”
Here’s to a healthy community —until next year, Gold’s Gym Saipan!
2025 Gold’s Gym Challengers
2025 female winner Rosanna Lopez (remote) with husband Bernard Lopez along with Gold’s Gym’s Tyce Mister and Michelle Masga.
Men 30-39 winners Jeff Bahillo, Kai Aldan, Israel Laqueo, Patrick Tudela with Gold’s Gym’s Tyce Mister and Michelle Masga.
Men 40-49 winner Ronnel Mostales with Gold’s Gym’s Tyce Mister and Michelle Masga.
Men 50-59 winner Philip Sablan with Gold’s Gym’s Tyce Mister and Michelle Masga.
Women 50-59 winner Deanna Sablan with Gold’s Gym’s Tyce Mister and Michelle Masga.
