By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
MICHAEL Jacksons, “Angelina Jolie,” “Amanda Seyfried,” “The Weekend,” “Barbie,” “Meghan Trainor,” “Beyoncé,” and “Manny Pacquiao” were among the “celebrities” who graced the fifth anniversary of M2 Fitness at the Saipan World Resort’s Roya Taga Hall on Dec. 19, 2025.
The Zumbalizious group, which included Rica Rulukid as Barbie and Emily Cabrera as Amanda Seyfried, won the Best Theme Interpretation award in the group performance segment of the program, while Teresita Ramos, who portrayed Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent, was named Star of the Night.
Overall, the group of “Barbie,” “Amanda Seyfried,” and “Manny Pacquiao” won the Championship. The 10 Michael Jacksons, led by Irene Dela Paz, took second place, and the group of Damien Lastimado as “The Weekend,” Irene Lumanlan as Meghan Trainor, and Johanalyn Concillado as Beyoncé placed third.
The panel of judges included Triple J Motors Finance & Insurance Manager Anastasiia Dela Cruz, Latte Built Fitness Founder Derek Nutting, Aqua Resort Club Sales, Marketing and Public Relations Manager Victoria Lee, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach Ella Dela Cruz, and Velleza Star Beauty Salon owner Venus Grenio.
Themed “Celebrity Look-Alike,” the year-end event marked the fifth year of M2 Fitness’ commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle, camaraderie, and community support through Zumba.
The group’s co-founder and president, Grace Bautista, thanked the members, leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have been part of their journey. M2 Fitness remains strong after five years, she said, “and the best is still ahead.” She thanked everyone for making the 2025 year-end celebration unforgettable.
“If you believe M2 is more than just fitness, clap your hands.”
Everybody clapped.
Co-founder and vice president Mishael “Coach Mita” Pelicano said it was amazing to see the ballroom filled with energy, creativity, and the M2 family coming together once again. That night, she said, they celebrated not just another year, but five years of M2 Fitness.
“What started as a vision has grown into a strong community built on discipline, commitment, and support. This celebrity look-alike theme reminds us that while you may look like stars tonight, the real stars are the ones who show up, put in the work, and lift each other up every day,” she said.
She also thanked all M2 Fitness members “for being part of this journey” and praised Bautista for her leadership and heart for M2.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
