By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SAIPAN was packed with exciting events on Friday, combining All Saints’ Day eve with the spooky fun of Halloween at various Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat sites that drew thousands of residents of all ages.
At American Memorial Park, children and parents in spooky costumes enjoyed the Rotary Club of Saipan’s Trunk-or-Treat, which featured sweets, cookies, and other surprises.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas joined other police officers in managing traffic and overseeing safety at various Halloween events.
“Here at AMP, people are here for one thing — and that is to enjoy Halloween with their children,” Macaranas said, adding that there were also Halloween events at the Garapan Fishing Base, Sugar King Park, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan airport grounds, Koblerville Youth Center, and Tanapag Youth Center.
“So far, everything has been good, smooth, and slow,” the commissioner said. “There are a lot of people visiting each of the trunks prepared by Rotary Club of Saipan’s partners and sponsors for the trick-or-treat.”
“One of the biggest things I have to look at is the safety of everybody — not just here but also in other trick-or-treat venues,” he added. He reminded the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety. “It’s not worth trying to get a lot of candies and get hit by a car,” he said, noting that DPS controlled traffic to help prevent any mishaps during Halloween.
Rotary Club of Saipan President-elect Catherine Attao said this was the third year that the Rotary Club of Saipan held its Trunk-or-Treat event at AMP. She thanked the following partners and sponsors: Crowne Plaza Saipan, Century Insurance, Paradise Dental, ASC Trust, D&Q Distributors, Miss NMI Asia-Pacific, Angry Penne, Micronesian Brokers Saipan, Docomo Pacific Saipan, Office of Indigenous Affairs, Rotaract Club of Saipan, the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, Rep. Thomas John Manglona, Rep. Joel Camacho, Rep. John Paul Sablan, the Department of Public Safety, and the National Park Service.
The club’s past president, Joann Aquino, also expressed her gratitude to all partners and sponsors, both government and private.
“Our Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event was a wonderful success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our amazing partners, sponsors, and volunteers,” Aquino said.
“Although our community is facing some economic challenges, we remain committed to creating opportunities for our children to celebrate, smile, and feel the joy of being part of something special. This event is for them — a reminder that even in tough times, our community’s heart and spirit shine brightest,” she added.
“We are so grateful to everyone who helped. Hundreds of children and families came out to enjoy a safe, fun, and spooky evening together,” she said.
Rotary Club of Saipan Community Service Director Enoch Lim said it was exciting to see so many people come out for fun. “I am very happy to see them. I believe the children are happy,” Lim said.
At Aqua Resort Club, former first lady Wella Palacios and family — including the siblings and relatives of the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios — along with the management and staff of the hotel, joined 2026 gubernatorial candidate Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao in a drive-thru trick-or-treat event.
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.