(PAL) — Philippine Airlines has announced its official sponsorship of Olympic triathlete Manami Iijima for the 2026 competitive season, underscoring the airline’s continued support for athletic excellence and the people of Guam. The partnership is supported locally through Goodwind Travel and Micronesia Mall.
As Iijima prepares for an intensive year of international training and competition, Philippine Airlines will serve as her official airline partner, providing essential travel support that allows her to focus on peak performance while representing Guam on the global stage. The sponsorship includes international and regional travel accommodations, along with specialized bicycle baggage support, an investment that recognizes the unique demands of elite endurance athletes. All travel support will be structured in accordance with applicable international operational and regulatory laws and guidelines, ensuring full compliance while delivering a seamless and reliable travel experience.
Making history as Guam’s first-ever Olympic triathlete and the first Pacific Islander to compete in triathlon at the Olympic Games, Manami Iijima’s journey reflects the true “Heart of the Filipino” — a spirit of perseverance, courage, and determination that Philippine Airlines proudly champions worldwide. Representing Guam at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Iijima competed among the world’s elite in the Women’s Individual Triathlon, marking a milestone not only for her career but for Pacific Island athletes everywhere.
Despite facing challenges on race day, her sportsmanship and commitment to continue pushing forward embodied the resilience of a trailblazer who has paved the way for future generations. Having taken up triathlon later than most, Iijima’s rise to the Olympic stage stands as powerful proof that dedication and belief can turn ambition into history.
“I am excited to partner with Philippine Airlines, along with Goodwind Travel and Micronesia Mall, and have their support as we work towards qualifying and performing at the LA Olympics,” said Iijima. “Thank you to the team, and I’m looking forward to working hard towards our goal.”
The partnership highlights Philippine Airlines’ long-standing commitment to promoting health, wellness, and perseverance, values that strongly align with Iijima’s athletic journey.
The sponsorship also recognizes the role of Goodwind Travel, the general sales agent of Philippine Airlines in Guam, which helps bring global travel opportunities closer to the local community. Working closely with Micronesia Mall as a key community partner, Goodwind Travel supports initiatives that uplift Guam’s athletes and residents. Conveniently based at the Micronesia Mall, Goodwind Travel continues to provide personalized service while helping connect the island to the world.
Community partnership, outreach
As part of this partnership, Manami Iijima’s community outreach efforts will be supported through programs and events hosted at Micronesia Mall throughout 2026 and beyond. Planned activities include fitness-focused demonstrations and community engagement events.
“Micronesia Mall has long been a gathering place for our community, and in recent years we have intentionally expanded that role by hosting more fitness and wellness events that bring people together in meaningful ways. Through the Goodwind group of companies, including Goodwind Travel and our partnership with Philippine Airlines, we are honored to support athletes like Manami Iijima while creating accessible spaces for community engagement and further inspiring our community, especially Guam’s youth, by showing what is possible through dedication, perseverance, and a strong support system,” said Jeselyn “Gigi” Tan Yu, CEO/president of Goodwind Development Corporation, parent company of Goodwind Travel and Micronesia Mall
“Supporting athletes like Manami goes beyond transportation — it’s about investing in people and their potential. We are proud to stand behind her journey and to continue strengthening our connection with the Guam community through meaningful partnerships,” said Israel Fontanilla, operations manager of Goodwind Travel.
Throughout the 2026 season, Manami Iijima will represent Philippine Airlines and Goodwind Travel across competitions, training engagements, and digital platforms, helping spotlight Guam as a place where wellness, ambition, and community support thrive.
To learn more and stay up to date on Philippine Airlines, follow Goodwind Travel on Facebook and Instagram, or visit their office located on the 2nd Floor of the Center Court at the Micronesia Mall in Dededo, Guam.
