M2 Fitness says goodbye to group’s founder

There was a lot of love and even some tears shed as members of M2 Fitness gathered last Saturday evening at their studio in Gualo Rai to share one last workout session with their founder before her departure from Saipan on Sunday.

With M2 Fitness president and head coach Mary Grace Bautista and her family relocating to Guam, the two-hour workout session last Saturday became a sort of sendoff to honor her, and ended with light refreshments and members giving her a plaque of recognition.

Bautista, who founded the non-profit organization in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, said she remains excited about the future with M2 Fitness. She would be not only relocating, but will possibly be expanding the fitness group to Guam, with plans to offer the same classes and services, as well as introduce innovative fitness programs.

Bautista, who saw M2 Fitness grow in the past four years into one of the recognized Zumba fitness programs on Saipan, said she wants to bring that message to the Guam community, which is to give priority to one’s health and well-being.

“Looking back at the past three years of M2 Fitness, I feel a profound sense of pride and gratitude. It’s been a rewarding journey. Witnessing our positive impact on the community’s well-being has been inspiring,” she said. “The journey has been transformative, witnessing the organization grow, positively impacting lives, and becoming an integral part of the community. It fuels my passion to continue making a meaningful difference in the years to come.

Bautista explained that she is moving to Guam because she has been offered a job “that not only aligns with my career goals but also offers relocation and other support for the whole family. That opens opportunities for a better future for my family. It’s a positive step for both my professional and personal life.”

Bautista said M2 Fitness vice president and cofounder Mishael “Mita” Pelicano and fitness coach Julie Harrison will be taking the reins on Saipan but she will continue as M2 Fitness’ president and will still be involved.

“I’ll continue to serve as the president of the M2 Fitness group, even with my physical absence. While vice president Mita and coach Julie will take on a more active role, I’ll remain actively involved in strategic decisions and overall leadership to ensure the continued success of the organization.”

She extends her deepest gratitude to her M2 Fitness family “for your unwavering support. Our journey doesn’t end here—we’re expanding M2 Fitness to the new location. You’ve been the heartbeat of our community, and together, we’ll continue promoting health and well-being, albeit in different geographical spaces. Stay connected, stay committed, and let’s carry our shared mission forward.”

Bautista said she plans to visit Saipan on occasion and be involved with her Saipan M2Fitness family.

Harrison said they are sad that Bautista is leaving. but “we’re excited for her future. …She’s very much the glue for us, but she’s been so encouraging about the future and the team that’s still here and so we’re going to miss her a lot….”

Harrison noted that it was Bautista who helped her get out of her shell. “Coach Grace is probably one of the most inspiring, most dedicated people I’ve ever met in my entire life. …She changed my life. I used to hide in the back, but she calls people out to be the best they can be and then gives them a way to do it,” she said.

Desolee Calayo also described Bautista as the “the heart and soul” of the group. “I feel sad a bit, but she’s only moving to Guam. It isn’t very far and, as I always say, it’s not goodbye but see you later because M2 is expanding.”