Health and fitness industry muscles into the economy of Saipan
BY MARK RABAGO
Saipan Correspondent
TANAPANG, and GUALO RAI, Saipan — As the Northern Mariana Islands continues to grapple with rising costs, flight reductions, and a sluggish tourism recovery, a surprising corner of the private sector is showing resilience — the health and fitness industry.
From Chalan Kanoa to Garapan, local entrepreneurs are betting that even in hard times, people will prioritize their physical and mental well-being. These small businesses are proving that the pursuit of health may be the NMI’s most recession-proof investment.
Saipan Ultimate Pickleball Hub
For husband-and-wife team Mike and Gail Manalang, committee members of the Saipan Ultimate Pickleball Hub, the idea to open an indoor sports facility was born from a simple observation: Saipan lacked enough affordable, all-weather recreation options for locals and tourists alike.
“Saipan may have limited recreational sports venues,” Mike Manalang said. “Creating a dedicated pickleball space provides a unique offering for locals and tourists seeking fun, fitness, and community.”
The hub occupies a converted warehouse — an increasingly popular model among local entrepreneurs seeking to repurpose idle real estate. “During economic downturns, large indoor spaces like warehouses or retail units often go unused,” Gail Manalang said. “These can be transformed affordably into courts, reducing startup costs and revitalizing underutilized areas.”
The Ultimate Pickleball Hub opened in late September in Tanapang. Photo by Mark Rabago
The facility features four regulation pickleball courts, industrial-grade fans, and ample lighting, offering an air-cooled, bright environment suited for both beginners and serious players.
Membership is $20 a month, which includes open play from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. After 7 p.m., play shifts to reservations only, with court rentals at $8 per hour — rates deliberately kept accessible.
Since opening in September, turnout has been steady. “We’ve had everyone from teenagers to retirees, from first timers to competitive players,” Mike Manalang said. “Pickleball is easy to learn and social by nature. It’s the perfect sport for this community.”
Saipan Ultimate Pickleball Hub, across from iMart in Tanapag, is open from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Contact Mike Manalang at (670) 285-7514 and Gail Manalang (670) 285-7516 for more information.
Marianas Batting Alley
When Marianas Batting Alley opened in Gualo Rai on Feb. 25, Catalina Dela Cruz, owner and manager, wasn’t trying to chase a trend. She was filling a void.
“During our travels, we always sought out batting cages,” she said. “One unforgettable conversation at a cage in Japan sparked our determination — we said, ‘We need this back home.’ That phrase became our rallying cry.”
The facility houses six batting cages — two equipped with pitching machines and four self-pitch lanes, plus a bullpen area for pitchers in training.
Most weekday visitors are teens aged 16 to 18, while weekends see families turning the space into an informal gathering spot. “Parents come to unwind with their kids. It’s part fitness, part family bonding,” Dela Cruz said.
Marianas Batting Alley has a loyalty system for repeat players. On the fifth visit, customers get a branded jet tag, and on the 10th, either three free tokens or 30 minutes of self-pitch time.
“When’s the right time to open a business? There never is,” Dela Cruz said. “We just took the leap. Our goal is to build community and show that even in tough times, people still want to play, laugh, and move.”
Marianas Batting Alley, behind YCO Hardware True Value, near the U.S. District Court in Gualo Rai, is open from Monday to Saturday with seasonal hours and closed on Sundays. For more information, call (670) 233-2287.
CuttingLatte Built 24hr Fitness
At Latte Built 24hr Fitness, owner Derrick Cutting has built more than just a gym; he’s built a culture.
“Latte Built is a veteran- and Christian-owned fitness community built on strength, inspiration, and family values,” he said. “Our motto, ‘Be the Inspiration,’ reflects our belief that every member can motivate and uplift others.”
Located along Beach Road in Chalan Kanoa, the gym spans 10,000 square feet across two levels, featuring more than 150 machines — from free weights and plate-loaded racks to cardio stations and an indoor turf area for functional training.
Cutting’s latest initiative, Project 165, challenges members to think beyond their workouts. “If you train three hours a week, that leaves 165 hours that define your results,” he explained. “It’s about what you eat, how you recover, your mindset, and your habits. That’s where transformation happens.”
Latte Built employs 11 certified trainers, each with specialties in strength training, mobility, and combat sports. It also has a smoothie bar, infrared sauna, cold plunge, and massage guns for recovery. New programs include No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu for adults and Little Latte’s Jiu-Jitsu for kids. “We wanted something that gives children discipline, confidence, and respect,” he said.
Membership remains around 675 active members. “We’ve seen steady growth,” Cutting said. “People are realizing that in a stressful economy, staying fit is one of the best forms of self-care.”
Latte Built, in front of Aquarius Hotel in Chalan Kanoa, is open 24 hours daily for members, and its front desk’s schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact (670) 235-2265, WhatsApp/Text (670) 284-2943, or go to the website at lattebuilt.com.
MisterGold’s Gym Saipan
Despite the global slowdown, Gold’s Gym Saipan continues to stand out as a pillar of wellness and community.
Under the leadership of general manager Tyce Mister, the gym has seen renewed energy among members, many of whom view fitness as one of the best investments they can make in themselves.
Located in Garapan next to Sugar King Park, Gold’s Gym offers a full range of world-class training equipment, including cardio machines, free weights, functional training areas, and strength machines. Members also enjoy group exercise classes and the Shake Café, which provides healthy post-workout refreshments. The gym employs six certified personal trainers who provide individual and small-group coaching tailored to every fitness level.
The gym frequently runs seasonal and community promotions to encourage locals to stay active, with current offers available on its website and social media pages.
While other sectors have felt the weight of economic fluctuations, Mister and his team view this moment as an opportunity. “People are realizing that health is their most important investment,” he said. “When times are uncertain, fitness provides structure, purpose, and resilience.”
Gold’s Gym is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries, call (670) 233-4000 or visit www.goldsgymsaipan.com. The gym is active on Facebook under Marianas Fitness and on Instagram at @marianas.fitness. mbj
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