M2 Fitness celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday, highlighting five years of “power, progress, and a sense of purpose” in the community.
More than 100 M2 Zumba dancers, joined by guest performers including the manamko’, filled Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall with non-stop fitness dance numbers, as electrifying as those in the past four anniversary celebrations.
In addition to the manamko’ who have been longtime participants in M2 events, the Marianas Powerhouse, another local Zumba group, also joined this year’s celebration.
“I am so amazed with these people because, as you know, we struggled a lot when I left for Guam. Still, they progressed — and that really inspired me. We have gone through many challenges, but we survived because of the support of everybody who believes in us and what we can do,” said co-founder Mary Grace Bautista.
Now based in Guam, Bautista continues to promote M2 Fitness there but returned to Saipan to celebrate the group’s five years. She said she was overwhelmed by the warm welcome of her M2 family and felt “loved, blessed, and so grateful” to the members who made the group’s success possible.
Asked about the secret to M2 Fitness’ longevity, Bautista said: “We have respect for each other, we don’t compete, we support each other.” She added that members are transparent and understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses. “We set aside differences and focus on our goal. And most importantly, we make God the center of our organization.”
M2 vice president and co-founder Mita Pelicano described five years as passing “[in the] blink of an eye” and called Saturday night the culmination of countless moments of hard work, passion, and perseverance.
“This journey would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of our Founder and President, Coach Grace, whose heart and dedication laid the foundation for everything M2 Fitness has become. Coach Grace, thank you for inspiring us all to dream bigger and push harder,” Pelicano said.
She emphasized that the anniversary was ultimately about the community: “Each one of you is part of the M2 story. Your support, your energy, and your trust have made these five years so meaningful. As we look ahead, let’s carry the same spirit of strength, unity, and passion into the future.”
In her closing remarks, Bautista said the celebration was “unforgettable” and that her heart was full.
“Even though I may be miles away, please know that my heart is always here — with each of you, with M2 Fitness, and with the family we’ve built together,” she said.
She recalled that when M2 Fitness was organized five years ago, it was just a dream: a vision of creating not just a fitness group but a family.
“You are the reason M2 Fitness is alive and thriving. You are the heart of M2,” Bautista told the members as she thanked instructors, leads, shadows, the technical team, and every single member for their energy, commitment, and love.
Aside from Bautista and Pelicano, M2 Fitness officers include secretary-treasurer Karen Tan, communications coordinator Filamer Escano, and coach Julie Harrison.
M2 Fitness members, their guests and families pose for a group photo during their fifth anniversary celebration at Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall on Saturday.
Photos by Emmanuel T. Erediano
M2 Fitness founder Mary Grace Bautista leads a Zumba round as co-founder Mita Pelicano, second left, captures it on video.
The Marianas Powerhouse Zumba dancers were M2 Fitness’ special guests.
As with past M2 Fitness anniversary celebrations, the manamko’ put on their own performance.
