A Day of Adios: T Galleria and Regal Cinemas Bow Out

On April 30, 2025, T Galleria by DFS and Regal Cinemas Saipan officially closed their doors.

After nearly five decades of operations, T Galleria by DFS shut down its retail facility in Garapan. Former employees gathered to mark the final day.

“I came back today to bid farewell. A lot of memories—a lot of good memories with the company and the friendships we built,” said Esther Ada, who served as HR manager for 13 years.

Emy Camacho, Rose Palacios, and Imelda Jones, who worked at DFS for 24, 30, and 22 years respectively, were also present.

“DFS has always been a family,” said Camacho.

“Even though we’re no longer there, we still communicate and gather. This was more than just a workplace. Even though we're now longer there, we're still communicating with the rest of them,” said Jones.

“Sometimes we just go and we always eat lunch together once a month,” said Palacios.

“We're saddened of course and if only they can stay here then it will be for the economy and for all of the people that's currently working. It's just that this is unavoidable for them because of the economic crisis that's going on worldwide. So hopefully they are still able to come back whenever,” said Camacho.

Jamika Taijeron, former assistant general manager for operations and now Marianas Visitors Authority managing director, also returned for the closing.

“DFS has been part of people’s lives for almost 50 years. It’s another linchpin of tourism that we’ve lost,” Taijeron said. “It makes the work of promoting the Marianas as a travel destination harder. Shopping is part of the tourist experience.”

“We need more flights, yes. But we also need to reassess what we offer and create new demand—that’s what will bring the flights.”

The CNMI losing the luxury retailer especially hits home for Taijeron.

“DFS has been my employer for 15 years and I raised my family, my children in DFS and there's been a lot of opportunities I've been given. So, it is a sad day.”

On the same day and some 5 kilometers to the south, Regal Cinemas Saipan also screened its final films—its closure marking the loss of Saipan's only commercial movie theater.

Many in the community attended the literal end credits of the Hollywood Theaters.

“It’s pretty sad—this is the only movie theater we have here on Saipan,” said Jefferson Mateo. “Growing up, watching movies here with friends and family—it’s a part of our lives.”

Ron Smith, dressed as Darth Vader, said in character, “I understand my old mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi is to be here tonight. I am here to extract my revenge.” Regarding the theater’s closing, he added, “Once again, the work of the Jedi — the traitors against the Empire.”

Another resident, James Rabauliman, said, “Of course I’m sad… I like to bring my girls here. It’ll be the last time maybe to come out here again. So, we’ll miss the place for sure.”

Rabauliman’s sister, Leilani, said, “This is a really sad time for the community. So, we’re just taking the time out of tonight as a family to come out here and enjoy the last time for the movies. We’ll definitely miss this place. It’s been a great time here at Regal. A lot of memories.”

Patrick Fieldad, another long-time resident, said, “Sad, mad—mostly sad. We’ll miss the big screen, the service, everything.”

Victoria Sewell and Quinn Bready said they watched The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes multiple times at the theater.

"Theaters bring people together across generations," said Sewell. "It's not just about movies—it's about community."

Bready saw a parallel in the closing of the islands’ only theater to the deaths of Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, "In 2005, the Pope died and Revenge of the Sith came out. In 2025, another Pope has passed, and here we are watching a rerun of the same movie. It feels like history repeating itself."

Simon Necesito, who attended the final night, shared his mixed feelings as he joined the community in bidding farewell.

“A lot of people are saying this is the last hurrah. I'm still trying to keep a positive vibe to this because I do think that, with how people are coming in tonight, there's a lot of support in the community,” he said. “But at the same time, it is a bittersweet feeling because we don't know if this is actually going to be the last time.”

Necesito also recalled one of his favorite memories at Regal: a 2022 collaboration during the release of Jurassic World Dominion, when he appeared in a dinosaur suit to entertain guests.

“Everybody was having a blast. I was walking around in my dinosaur suit while people watched the movie. But alas, that dinosaur suit has passed away and moved on. I’m looking to get a new one sometime soon.”

Patrick Fieldad, a longtime resident, recalled watching the original Transformers movie with friends and praised the staff and atmosphere Regal provided over the years.

While DFS’ departure was leaked months ago, Regal Cinemas announced its departure from the Northern Marianas only last week.

The long goodbye seemed not enough for Ada and company.

"I'm here to support the team and just reminisce about all the good times that we've had here. I have a lot of best memories. I think it's really the teamwork and the camaraderie that we had with everybody. We've [all] remained close and that's why a lot of employees are here, former employees are here too to say goodbye.”