Business Briefs: Nissan unveils 2026 Sentra; SKAL elects new officers; Community First names grant recipients; PAL marks 85

New Sentra: sleeker and safer

Nissan Guam unveiled the all-new 2026 Nissan Sentra during a special launch celebration held on March 14 at the Nissan Guam Showroom.

The redesigned Sentra features a sleeker exterior with Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, slim LED  headlights, sculpted body lines, and new wheel designs up to 18 inches, giving the vehicle a more athletic and modern presence on the road.  

Inside the cabin, drivers will find a dramatically upgraded interior focused on comfort and technology, including an available dual 12.3-inch digital display system that combines a large infotainment touchscreen with a customizable digital instrument cluster for a more connected driving experience.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB-C ports, available wireless phone charging and an optional Bose premium audio system further enhance connectivity and convenience.  

Safety and driver assistance remain a core focus of the redesign. The 2026 Sentra includes the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite standard, offering technologies such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.

New additions for 2026 include blind-spot intervention and the debut of ProPILOT Assist, Nissan’s semi-autonomous highway driving technology that helps maintain speed and lane position on highways.  

The 2026 Sentra remains one of Nissan’s most fuel-efficient models, offering up to 34 MPG  combined. Updated transmission tuning, improved suspension calibration, and increased body rigidity provide smoother acceleration, improved handling, and a quieter ride compared with the previous model.  

 “With its modern design, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features, the new Sentra continues to deliver the style, performance, and value that drivers expect from Nissan," said Tom Quiogue, general manager.

Lee Webber, seated from left, Jim Herbert, Carol Cruz, Ernie Galito, Kishore Sathar and Jerold Filush

Galito named SKÅL

Guam president

Ernie Galito has been elected president of SKÅL International Guam during the club’s March 17 membership meeting at the Crowne Plaza Resort Guam, where members picked new officers. 

Lee Webber has been elected vice president; Kishore Sathar, secretary; Jerry Filush, treasurer; Carol Cruz, director of marketing/projects; and Jim Herbert,

member at large.

The newly elected officers will help guide the organization’s activities in support of  Guam’s travel, tourism, and hospitality industry while continuing to promote SKÅL’s global mission of friendship and professional collaboration among tourism leaders. 

SKÅL International Guam brings together professionals from across the island’s visitor industry, including hotels, airlines, travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism service providers. The club remains committed to strengthening industry partnerships and advancing Guam’s position as a welcoming destination for visitors from around the world. 

Community First names grant recipients

Three local non-profit organizations: Catholic Social Service, Guma’ Mami Inc. and Harvest House will each receive a $17,500 grant from the Member Impact Fund from Community First Guam Federal Credit Union under a program in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.

Community First pledged $5,000 to each organization and FHLB Des Moines provided a match grant of $12,500 each. This matching grant program will result in FHLB Des Moines awarding over $12.9 million in funding to support affordable housing and community development in Alaska, South Dakota, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.

 “These organizations continue to make a meaningful difference for people in need across our community,” said Gerard Cruz, president and CEO of Community First. We’re thankful for partners like Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, who share our commitment to community development and improving opportunities for underserved residents and organizations on the island.”

Catholic Social Service will use the funds towards a new day care setting for the elderly and disabled populations in Guam. This new adult day care program will focus on assisting those who are no longer able to function independently and provide basic needs and support.

 Guma’ Mami will use the funds to launch technological upgrades for two of its residential sites. This technological initiative is designed to connect residents with their families, facilitate remote healthcare through telehealth, and provide essential platforms for training and support. 

Harvest House will use the funds to help construct a donation collection center for community donations that will support foster families and foster children, children’s shelters, and other members of the local community.

Philippine Airlines marks 85th anniversary with Guam seat sale

Philippine Airlines is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a limited-time seat sale offering travelers from Guam discounted fares to destinations in the Philippines and across Asia.

Special all-in round-trip fares start at $390 to Manila, $341 to Cebu, and $290 to Tokyo or Narita via Cebu– inviting travelers to pack their bags to discover the Philippines’ bustling urban hubs, historic districts and cultural landscapes.

The booking period ran from March 2 to March 15, with travel beginning on May 1.

“Philippine Airlines has proudly served travelers in the region for more than eight decades, connecting people, cultures, and communities," said Israel Fontanilla, operations manager of Goodwind Travel and Tour and general sales agent for Philippine Airlines. "As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, this seat sale is our way of inviting travelers to rediscover the Philippines and explore new destinations across our growing network.”