SCHOOL is out, summer is here and Covid-19 restrictions are slowly easing. If you want to find more ways to spend some quality time with family and friends, check out the following to-do list:
Watch the games
The 2022 Pacific Mini Games start on June 17, Friday, with an opening ceremony at the Oleai Track and Field. Bring friends and family and show your support to the athletes competing in nine sporting events: Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Triathlon, Va’a, and Weightlifting. The Mini Games will run until June 25, Saturday. View the full schedule at https://northernmarianas2022.com/schedule
Have fun at festivals
On June 12, Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe, the United Filipino Organization brings back “Pistang Pinoy” in celebration of the 124th Philippine Independence Day. There will be live entertainment, raffle prizes, games, food and other items for sale.
At the Garapan Fishing Base, the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden is happening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority, the festival will feature various affordable dishes from local hotels and restaurants, along with live entertainment as well as arts and crafts and other merchandise.
On Rota, the 4th Annual Gilita Chamorro Festival is happening on June 20-21 at the Chamorro Village Learning Center in Songsong. It will feature local food, music, and handicrafts inspired by Chamorro culture.
Join the parades
Join our LGBTQIA+ friends, families, the Pride Marianas Youth, Pride Marianas, T-Project and other community partners in celebrating Pride Month at the Strides for Pride & Pride at the Park on June 28 at the NMI Museum. Pride Marianas Youth is also holding various activities throughout June: Read Out Loud on June 11 and 18; the Pride ISA Art Contest which is open to elementary, middle/high school, and college undergraduate students; and social media challenges every Tuesday and Thursday. Follow them on Facebook @PMY670 for more information.
On the Fourth of July, Monday, the 2022 Liberation Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. The parade, which will feature a float competition, begins at National Office Supply on Beach Road and ends at the Garapan Public Market. The best floats can win up to $5,000. Application forms are available at the Saipan Mayor’s Office or at saipanmayor.net. No entry fees are required.
Get colorful at color fun runs
On Saturday, June 11, the Luta Pride Month Color Run starts at 6 a.m. at the Tun Kindu Baseball Field on Rota. It is hosted by PSS Mental Health with the support of partnering community agencies. Participants can register on-site on the day of the event and the first 75 registrants will get a chance to win incentives.
On Saipan, the Achai’ikak Kulot 5k at Laulau Bay takes place on July 9, Saturday, while the Hafa Adai 5k Color Run of the Pacific Islands Club will be held on July 30, Saturday. Registration is free for the Achai’ikak 5k run and free t-shirts will be given out to the first 100 applicants at the check-in. Participants can register at bit.ly/5KLauLauBay
For the Hafa Adai 5k Color Run, the registration fee is $10. Those signing up on or before June 30 will receive a free T-shirt and a giveaway. Proceeds for the Hafa Adai 5k will go to the E-Land Community Fund. For registration and inquiries, interested parties can contact the PIC Saipan Front Desk at (670) 234-7976.
Plant a tree
Be part of the efforts to strengthen and enhance coastlines. Join the Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance tree-planting event on June 10 at Paupau Beach, and on June 20 at Kilili Beach. Both activities begin at 9:30 a.m. and community members are encouraged to just drop by on-site. Supplies will be provided. For more information, contact Jolly Ann Cruz at (670) 233-7333.
Bring the kids to a water park adventure
In Susupe, Saipan World Resort’s Wave Jungle has 12 different slides, pools, and other amenities. In addition, it offers water sports, a trampoline, kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing, among other fun activities. Kids will also have a great time at the Kid’s College, Poporo Park, and Oasis Lounge. Rates start at $60 for adults and $42 for children. Visit World Resort Saipan or call (670) 234-5900 for more information.
In San Antonio, tourists and locals alike can enjoy the Pacific Islands Club water park which has crystal clear pools and giant water slides up to 60 feet long. The water park opens at 10 a.m. and rates start at $25 for adults and $18 for children. Guests can also enjoy sailing, water aerobics, archery, the golf range, and a climbing wall. For more information, visit PIC or call (670) 234-7976.
In San Roque, Kensington Hotel Saipan has an Aqua Park for swimmers of all ages. It has a 1.2-meter-deep family pool, a 0.6-meter-deep kids’ pool, water slides, splash pool, and an infinity pool. Walk-in guests are welcome. Visit the hotel or call (670) 322-3311 for inquiries.
Try a new hobby
500 Sails is a non-profit organization that aims to revive, promote and preserve maritime cultural traditions in the Marianas. They offer different training sessions and lessons, free and open to anyone. Their Sirena Project and Dolphin Club provide swimming lessons, marathon, and fitness swimming training to all levels at the Guma Sakman in Susupe. 500 Sails also offers lifeguard training for high school youth, sailing classes, cultural arts and dance instruction, as well as deep bottom fishing lessons. Those interested in deep bottom fishing can register online at https://tinyurl.com/peskantaddong to join the June 17 waitlist, while participants for the other programs can just drop by at the Guma Sakman and fill out a registration form.
If you’re into water adventures, you may want to look into FishGuyz Scuba & Charter’s diving packages and certification courses. Guided by PADI-certified instructors, you can dive from the shore or a boat. The diving sites include Dump Cove, the Grotto, Wing Beach, and Laulau Beach. Stand-up paddle, snorkeling, and boat charter are also offered. Go to https://fishguyzscuba.com or call (670) 989-7703 or (670) 989-5888 for more information.
There are also indoor and outdoor activities to try out. In Afetna, San Antonio, P&A Corp.’s amusement park offers horseback riding, an indoor water play zone, and an international roller-skating rink. They are open Tuesday to Sunday. Check out their Facebook page @rollersk8saipan for available schedules or call (670) 235-3313.
If you’re already at Kensington Hotel Saipan for a well-deserved staycation, you may want to check out their Kenny Play Deck which has various facilities to keep you active. These include a trampoline, indoor wall climbing, pool table, darts, and table tennis.
Create an exercise routine
Gold’s Gym offers a variety of fitness equipment and classes, as well as a selection of supplements, smoothies, and coffee. Group classes are held weekly, such as yoga, boxing, Pilates, and bootcamp, led by very patient and encouraging instructors. You can register online or visit the gym located across from Sugar King Park.
At Aqua Resort Club, join Yoga with Keri. Classes start at 8 a.m. for the Slow Flow session on Saturday, and at 8:30 a.m. for the Rise & Flow session every Monday and Friday. “A Class & A Glass – Yoga & Wine” is available on June 10 at 5:30 p.m. Rates start at $7 per class or $50 for 10 classes. Aqua Resort Club in-house guests can join for free.
There are also other various activities to try for free. The Beach Road pathway is always available for people who like to jog or stroll while enjoying a view of the Saipan lagoon as the sun sets. You can also explore American Memorial Park on foot or on a bike, or take free Zumba classes at the Marianas Business Plaza or at the TSL Sports Complex.
Visit the library and the museum
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday; 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The library holds various activities every week, including a scavenger hunt, a personalized sticker-making workshop, and other games. For those who want to use online resources and computers, visit JKPL’s Information Technology Center for various exercises and classes. Registration and a library card are required for the classes offered by the Information Technology Center.
Those who want to learn more about the islands’ history and culture can visit the NMI Museum of History and Culture on Middle Road, Garapan. It is open Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the exhibits from the Ancient Chamorro Period, the Spanish and Japanese Periods, and much more. The museum also has a small shop that features local books, art, and handicrafts.
Find a new restaurant or café
If you want to enjoy your meal while appreciating sunset and marveling at how the sky can turn from blue to orange to pink and purple, then you should dine at 360 Revolving Restaurant which is on the eighth floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe. Their menu provides diverse choices: Italian, TexMex, Asian, steak, burgers and sandwiches, among other delectable food items. They also offer daily lunch specials that come with soup, salad, and a choice of iced tea or lemonade. 360 Restaurant is open for dinners daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and for lunch, Tuesday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy 25% off on alcoholic drinks during happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For reservations, call (670) 234-3600.
Mariana Lighthouse is another destination where you can watch the breathtaking sunset in the Saipan lagoon. It is located on Fuetsa Loop, Upper Navy Hill, and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Lighthouse serves a variety of food, including sushi, pork and chicken barbeques. They also provide regular live entertainment and a weekly night market on Tuesday. Discounts are available for locals, PROA Perks, and seniors. For more information, call (670) 322-3353.
If you’re looking for a warm ambiance and a view of the ocean while taking a sip of good coffee, visit Stay Café on Beach Road in Garapan. They offer various kinds of latte, Frappuccino, smoothies, tea and juice, as well as daily lunch specials. They are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Milk tea enthusiasts and those looking for Instagram-able places can visit Wink Tea in Garapan, near Crowne Plaza Hotel. Wink Tea has a wide array of affordable tea starting at $3.99. They also offer cloud tea, fruit-based tea, and a variety of freshly baked cakes.
Around the islands
Another great way to spend the summer would be to visit the other islands of the Marianas. Create beautiful memories at the islands’ beautiful landmarks. You can also go on a hiking trip with friends and families to see “hidden” destinations.
Star Marianas Air now offers passenger flights to and from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam for as low as $55 with additional discounts for CNMI residents and military personnel. Full aircraft charter rates are also available. Follow Star Marianas Facebook page for updates on schedules.
