The Sablan family will host a family reunion on July 26 and is expecting hundreds to attend, reunion committee chairwoman Victoria Rolon said.
“This reunion is about more than just catching up. It’s about preserving our roots, honoring our shared history, and building stronger connections between generations. With so many Sablans around the world, it’s a meaningful way to feel whole again,” Rolon said in an interview with the Pacific Daily News.
The reunion will be held at Plaza de Espana in Hagåtña from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26.
They’re estimating 600 to 700 family members to attend, but hope to reach 1,000 members.
“We’re getting there and we’re excited to welcome everyone home,” Rolon said.
The family includes educators, public servants, military members, artists, and community leaders.
“Every story matters because each one adds to the strength and richness of the Sablan legacy,” Rolon said.
Meet-and-greet
Before the big event, the family will be holding a meet-and-greet starting at 6 p.m., June 27, at Gudtaym Longue in Tamuning. Entrance fee is $10 at the door.
The family had a car wash fundraiser at the Agana Heights Mayor’s Office on June 21 to help raise funds for the reunion.
Rolon said the family will also be participating in the Liberation Day Parade in July.
Sablan family members can register at https://sablanreunion2025.com/register%20here/
Rolon said planning for the reunion has been a collective effort with lots of communication, coordination, and heart. The event is big, so bumps are expected, but it’s been filled with “dedication and love for our family,” she said.
“We hope everyone walks away feeling more grounded in who they are and where they come from. It’s about rekindling old bonds, creating new ones, and feeling the strength of our family name,” Rolon said.
Updating family tree book
The Sablan family has a family tree book already published, but they are working on updating it and they want to include all the branches of the family.
“If your family isn’t listed, we encourage you to register with your information so we can make sure everyone is represented as much as possible,” Rolon said.
She said there are likely thousands of Sablans across Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the mainland U.S. and beyond.
“This reunion is just one piece of our global family,” she said.
There are family members making their way from the mainland U.S., Hawaii, Saipan and other places to come to the reunion.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see family making the journey home to reconnect,” Rolon said.
‘More than a celebration’
There are many ways people can help out, she said, whether it’s donating time, resources, food, or funds, or helping with planning, setup, or cleanup.
The family encourages anyone who is a part of these family names, which are all Sablans, to come and participate in the reunion.
Te’,DedaDongatKatingtingPituTeleforoAlimasacDongatLiboratoGoodgohuCheduChodeJanmanChebot
“We’re just excited and grateful to make this happen. This reunion is more than a celebration,” Rolon said. “It’s a reminder that no matter where life takes us, our roots remain strong when we come back together.”