Their branches may be many, but their roots are one.

“This is what it’s all about–it’s all about family,” said Reunion Committee Co-Chair Carol Haggard Martinez. 

This past weekend, the Plaza de España in Hagåtña was brimming with excitement, as approximately 1500 clansmen gathered for a long-awaited Sablan family reunion.  

Victoria Catahay Rolon and Carol Haggard Martinez are the Chair and Co-Chair of the Reunion Committee. 

“Of course, this was supposed to be in 2020, but because of COVID, we put a hold on it. There were so many challenges. We lost so many–so many sablans and non-sablans, of course. Then, of course, there are challenges in life, but we decided last year that we have to do it,” said Rolon. 

And they did, turning years of anticipation and hardship into a celebration overflowing with laughter, music, and long-overdue embraces.

For many Sablan family members, like Antoinette Crisostomo and Speaker of the 38th Guam Legislature, Frank Blas jr., the day was filled with heart-warming surprises.

 “I met a lot of people I didn’t know I was related to until now! So I’m like, hey, we’re related! Seeing all the family is just like wow,” said Crisostomo. 

“Just going around and seeing different people you knew in passing, and I didn’t realize we're related,” said Spkr. Blas. 

Those moments of discovery, when faces suddenly became family, leaving  Rolon with a deep appreciation for the elders who have always carried the family tree in their hearts and memories.

“Surprisingly, as large as Sablan is, I am just so amazed at how my mom can say, ‘That’s my niece, that’s my nephew,’ and she knows their names. We’re talking about hundreds of people. I was like Mom, how do you do this? And I know now,” said Rolon. 

It was an unforgettable event with special appearances by Johnny Sablan, Matua Sablan, and so many more.