Sabalu Flea Market reopens after Sinlaku

“From Soudelor, to Yutu, to COVID, and now Sinlaku, I hope there’s no more calamities coming—but the people of Saipan are very resilient. Once they fall, they get back up right away,” said Daisy Dela Cruz of Petelyn Camacho’s Local Produce during the Sabalu Flea Market’s first day back at the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe, weeks after Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit the CNMI.

The flea market, however, was not yet back to full strength, with only a handful of vendors and customers returning and even fewer vegetable stands open. Still, the smell of food and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the area as residents slowly returned to one of Saipan’s longtime weekend gathering spots.

One regular customer and local businessman, James Rabauliman, who usually starts his Saturdays by getting refreshments at the market, noted there were fewer vendors and limited options for fresh vegetables. Even so, he said seeing the market reopen gave him hope.

“It gives me hope that everything will fall back into normal and everyone can come here and grab their fresh produce at a good deal and all their delicacies,” he said. “I’m happy that it’s going back to normal just a little bit. It feels good to come out here and see that it’s open again.”

Other vendors, Ruby Pabalan and Alice Lorin, who sell Filipino food at a stall owned by Lucy Sante, said they returned to the flea market simply to make a living during a difficult time for many families after the typhoon. Despite the challenges, they said they were thankful for the customers who stopped by to support them.

For Sam Pangelinan, who visited the market with his mother to buy vegetables, he said he was happy to see Sabalu operating again.

“I always go to this place before the typhoon,” he said. “I’m glad it’s back up on its feet and we’re able to shop here again. It’s good to get the local produce.” He added that while there used to be more variety before the storm, he believes it will return over time. “I think we’ll have more varieties back when the plants recover.”

Meanwhile, a vendor from the Kada Dia Market in Chalan Kanoa—Saipan G&F Snack Bar, run by Donna Ann and Ben Fung, which sells Chinese delicacies—said she hopes more customers will return to the flea market to support local businesses, as many people may not yet know it has reopened.