ZUMBALIZIOUS won the M2 Year-End Party group dance contest held at Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall on Saturday.
Representing Philippine culture, they also won the Best in Costume Award.
M2 Fitness member Ruby Legaspi, who depicted Mexican culture, was the Star of the Night.
The M2 Dancing Venoms, clad in ancient Egyptian attire, were the first runners-up while the M2 Marianas dancers, who represented Chamorro culture, received the second runner-up award.
M2 Fitness co-founder Mary Grace Bautista said the theme of this year’s Christmas party was the United Nations, which stands for diversity, love, unity, kindness, and loyalty.
“It’s about celebrating the beauty of coming together, supporting each other, and choosing kindness in all our interactions,” she said. “This is a message we hold close at M2, especially during the holiday season.”
M2, she added, “stands for pure love and unity, without hate.”
“We believe in the power of unity and diversity, and M2 works genuinely, giving our best to the community with a heart in everything we do. Regardless of numbers, our focus has always been on the quality of service we provide in fitness — not on popularity or recognition. We remain true to our mission, despite any criticism or external opinions,” Bautista said.
In her closing remarks, she said she was “filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude.”
“It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I relocated [to Guam], and yet here I am, speaking to all of you — our M2 family — still as connected to this organization as ever,” she said.
She thanked all the M2 members who, she said, are the reasons M2 continues to thrive.
She called them the “heartbeat” of the organization.
“I am in awe of the incredible dedication, passion, and belief you all bring to the table,” she said as she also thanked the coaches, the core committee and the shadow dancers, “who have been the pillars of M2 Fitness, and whose tireless work, vision, and ability to adapt and push forward have kept the spirit of M2 alive and thriving.”
“You are the true leaders, and I am so incredibly grateful to each of you,” Bautista said.
For her part, M2 Fitness co-founder and vice president Mita Pelicano said she spent a few moments “reflecting on this incredible journey we’ve shared together over the past five years.”
She extended her deepest gratitude to each and everyone in the hall, whether they’re a member, a donor, a shadow team member, or a partner.
“You are the heart and soul of what makes M2 so special. Your passion, dedication, and commitment have made a difference in so many lives. Together, we’ve accomplished so much, but there’s still so much more we can do. And I have no doubt that with this amazing team, we will continue to grow and impact our community in meaningful ways,” Pelicano said.
“As we come together to celebrate this season of joy and giving, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the good we’ve done and the many lives we’ve touched. Every program, every initiative, and every outreach effort has been possible because of the collective work of this incredible family. Whether we’ve been through challenges or triumphs, we’ve always done it together and that’s something truly special,” Pelicano added.
According to its website, M2 Fitness is a “non-profit business corporation operating in the industry of fitness, health and nutrition.” It was incorporated on Aug. 30, 2022 by co-founders Bautista and Pelicano. The nonprofit aims to help the people in the community maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve their quality of life through the free Zumba/fitness classes offered six times a week.
The M2 Zumbalizious dancers pose for a photo after winning the 2024 M2 Year-End Party group dance contest at the Saipan World Resort’s Taga Hall on Saturday.
First runner up: the M2 Dancing Venoms.
Second runner up: the M2 Marianas dancers.
