THE highlight of M2 Fitness’ second annual year-end party on Sunday at the Saipan World Resort was a dancing competition won by team Zumbalizious.
The Zumbabelles placed second while the M2 Groovers finished third and won the Best in Costume Award.
This year’s theme was “superheroes and movie characters.”
The Miss and Mister Stars of the Night were Benito Rectitud who depicted Michelangelo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Emily Cabrera who was Princess Elsa from the animated movie “Frozen.”
Mary Grace Bautista won the individual Best Costume Award for her Wonder Woman attire while the Top 5 “Superheroes” were Des Calayo as Captain Marvel, Paz Echavez as Daisy Buchanan from
“Great Gatsby,” Vanessa Lorejo as Professor X, Filamer Reyes as Scarlet Witch Wanda, Faye La Torre as Poison Ivy and Emily Cabrera a.k.a. Princess Elsa.
The judges were Rotary Club of Saipan Vocational Service Director David Baker; certified Zumba instructor Shellan Sarmiento, Saipan Mayor Office Field Operations Director Joann Aquino and local businessman Simon Odoca.
The M2 Fitness organizers strictly implemented the Covid-19 safety protocols.
In his remarks, the guest of honor, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, thanked M2 Fitness “for keeping our community committed to staying healthy and active by offering a great alternative to other kinds of physical workouts.”
He said Zumba is excellent for building muscle mass, getting rid of belly fat, improving flexibility, and providing other health benefits.
“I am looking at very fit and satisfied, calm, and cheerful Zumba-ers now,” he said.
M2 Fitness president Mary Grace Bautista, on behalf of the organization, thanked all the members, donors, M2 committees, Mita Pelicano Strong, Karen Gay Tan, Faye La Torre, Fe Salas, Filamer Reyes, Bay Waldo, Cora San Gabriel, Olive Coprade, James Tan, Christian Joseph Yap, Vanessa Lorejo, Rossana Lopez, Des Calayo, Julie Harrison and Catz Mendoza.
Bautista said M2 Fitness is a non-profit organization that conducts free fitness classes to help everyone stay fit and healthy.
“We exercise not to be skinny but to be happy, strong, fit and healthy — being sexy is just a bonus,” she added in jest. “For those who have already tried and attended our classes, I’m sure you will agree that the atmosphere is always fun and friendly and extremely enjoyable.”
As the president of M2 Fitness, Bautista said, “I couldn’t feel any prouder when I look back at what our group has achieved…. As a leader of the group, I have witnessed the hard work and sincerity of the people who have stayed with us through our highs and lows. I am truly grateful to work with such amazing people…. The people behind M2 are one of the reasons why M2 is stronger than ever.”
She added, “No matter what your goals and abilities are, focus purely on what you need to do to become a better and healthier you. M2 Fitness is here for you.”
The participants of the M2 Fitness 2nd Annual Year-End Party Superheroes contest pose for a photo at Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall on Sunday.
M2 Fitness president Mary Grace Bautista is Wonder Woman.
The Zumbalizious members celebrate after winning the competition.
