First Philippine Hospital on U.S. Soil Opens in Guam

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Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first Filipino-owned hospital in United States soil, held its official grand opening on Monday, July 20, 1015. Majority owned and operated by premier health institution The Medical City (TMC), GRMC is the latest addition to TMC’s growing network of hospitals and clinics.

TMC President & CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, GRMC CEO Margaret A. Bengzon, Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Guam Governor Eddie Calvo with other GRMC officials and special guests during the Ribbon-cutting ceremony

More than 600 guests from Guam, across Micronesia and from the Philippines turned out to celebrate the opening of the first private hospital in Guam.

The 130-bed acute care facility represents an investment of $240 million by the Philippine-based TMC.

TMC President and CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon and other members of TMC’s senior management graced the opening ceremony. Also present were Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Guam Governor Eddie Calvo.

GRMC CEO Margaret A. Bengzon

During his speech, Dr. Bengzon spoke about the perseverance and faith it took them to overcome the obstacles and realize their dream to build the hospital located in Dededo, Guam. He likewise emphasized the commitment it represents to the people of Guam.

“GRMC is a gift of The Medical City and the Filipino people to the people of Guam. I encourage the residents of Guam to embrace TMC’s service philosophy of Patient Partnership, one that moved the patient from the periphery to center stage, defining for him a role as equal and empowered patient in the pursuit of his health,” said Dr. Bengzon.

For her part, GRMC CEO Margaret Bengzon welcomed the guests and thanked all the people who worked hard to make the event possible. 

TMC President & CEO Dr. Alfredo R.A. Bengzon, Surgeon and GRMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael W. Cruz, and Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo

“We must now look ahead and we need to get started on the real work, providing quality health care for the people of Guam,” she said.

Bordallo, on the other hand, underscored the importance of having a new hospital in Guam that will save both the financial and emotional burden of having to seek off island medical care. 

In 2010, TMC announced that it would be part owner and full operator of the first private hospital in Guam. GRMC’s services will be aligned with TMC’s centers of excellence and the Region’s specific health profile, featuring wellness, cardiology, medical oncology, endocrinology, pulmonology, neurology and other medical and surgical subspecialties. TMC’s unique value proposition of patient empowerment and partnership will enliven all programs and services.

Even before the formal opening of the hospital, Guam residents have begun to experience TMC’s brand of healthcare. GRMC physicians have been seeing patients at the GRMC Specialty Care Center since September 2014.

Dr. Bengzon and Governor Calvo capped the ceremony with an impromptu rendition of "The Impossible Dream,” signifying that with GRMC now in full operations, they have reached the unreachable star.

Miss Columbia Pauline Vega wins 2014 Miss Universe

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Paulina Vega, Miss Universe Colombia 2014 was just crowned Miss Universe at the 63rd Annual Miss Universe Pageant . 

She takes over from Miss Universe 2013, Venezuela's Gabriela Islar, as she pass the crown to her successor held at the FIU Arena in Miami, USA. Monday, January 26. 

Of the four other finalists as follows:

1st runner up: Nia Sanchez, Miss USA

2nd runner up: Diana Harkusha, Miss Universe Ukraine

3rd runner up: Yasmin Verheijen, Miss Universe Netherlands

4th runner up: Kaci Fennell, Miss Universe Jamaica

The new Miss Universe from Colombia, Vega navigated the swimsuit and gown. She turned 22 during the competition. (January 15). Paulina Vega is a business administration student.

The winner is awarded a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization as she travels the world promoting the various causes of the organization. She is also given an apartment in the Trump Tower in New York City during her reign.

Special awards were also announced: Miss Nigeria Queen Celestine won Miss Congeniality, Miss Puerto Rico bagged the Miss Photogenic Award Gabriela Berrios while the Best in National Costume award was given to Miss Indonesia Elvira Devinamira.

88 candidates from around the world competed for the coveted Miss Universe crown at Florida International University in Doral City, Florida state, US. 

At pageant Philippines bet Mary Jean “MJ” Lastimosa failed to bag the third Miss Universe win for the country as she ran short of breaking into the competition’s Final 5 Monday morning (Philippine time). She was included at the Top Ten, and Lastimosa elicited loud cheers from the crowd as she did her signature “bomb” walk, wearing an elegant white gown with a fishtail made by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza.

The top 10 semi finalists are (in no particular order) Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa, Miss Argentina Valentina Ferrer, Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Spain Desire Ferrer, Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha, Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen, Miss Venezuela Migbelis Lynette Castellanos, Miss Australia Tegan Martin and Miss USA Nia Sanchez.

Top 15 semi-finalists walk in on the stage in swimwear featured by Yamamay.

Top 15 semi-finalists announced. The 15 finalists are from the countries (no particular order) Colombia, Italy, India, France, USA, Indonesia, Venezuela, Spain, Philippines, Argentina, Jamaica, Ukraine, Brazil, Netherlands and Australia. 

Photos: AFP and Missology

J Lo Strikes a Pose & Opens Up on Love for Elle's October Issue

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An American actress, author, fashion designer, dancer, producer, singer. and mother-of-two, Jennifer Lopez  graces the cover for the October 2014 issue of ELLE.

Photographed by Txema Yeste in the breathtaking Paris location of Château de Voisins, J.Lo dazzles in Versace gowns, with accessories by Laura Lee Jewellery and Lock & Co Hatters.

In the eye-opening interview, J Lo opens up about looking for the One. her life's mistakes and future plans. 

‘I still believe in love. The nirvana man, he’s out there somewhere. But you just have to work at it. You have to work at everything.'

"Everybody has seen that I make mistakes. I have to look at what I do wrong. I rush in, I get swept up, I ignore the signs. But so many of us are guilty of these things. Each time it goes wrong it’s hard. I get really hurt but I have to let myself go." 

'Every single album I have ever made is about love. But I am not going to give up. What did I do? What can I learn?’ And as hard and as hurtful as things get, I want to believe I will be able to go one step higher. I’ve got to hope that if I keep going I will eventually get it right."

On future career plans, "I like to tick a lot of boxes. I have a five-year plan. I always have a five and a 10-year plan. If this business is about anything, it’s about reinventing yourself. You have to keep moving, taking risks."

"Is it worth making mistakes, in my case in public, and trying to figure out what you do and balance everything and constantly grow?" 

"I'd say yes. None of it is easy, none of it is safe – you are going to get big highs and you are going to get big lows, so it’s not for everyone – but that's exciting. You just need to believe in yourself."

Find the October issue on newsstands on Thursday 4 September.

Credit: www.elle.com

Maleficent has shot to top of the World Box Office & took $70 Million in the US, making it Jolie's biggest opening

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“Maleficent,” Walt Disney’s special-effects laden take on “Sleeping Beauty’s” wicked fairy mother, captivated moviegoers, collecting $70 million in ticket sales to win the North American weekend box office stakes.

The movie starring Angelina Jolie as the black-robed villain finished far ahead of last week’s winner, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” which took $32.6 million at US and Canadian theaters.

Seth MacFarlane’s western comedy “A Million Ways to Die in the West” was third with $17.1 million for the three days from Friday to Sunday, according to box office tracking firm Rentrak.

Produced for $180 million, “Maleficent” received mixed reviews but opened strongly with $4.2 million on Thursday night and conjured up more than 80 percent of advance ticket sales for the weekend, according to movie ticketing site Fandango.

"Maleficent," Walt Disney's special-effects laden take on "Sleeping Beauty's" wicked fairy mother, captivated moviegoers, collecting $70 million in ticket sales to win the North American weekend box office stakes. The film is the latest in a line of reimagined classics, following "Alice in Wonderland" in 2010 and "Oz the Great and Powerful" in 2013.

Dave Hollis, head of distribution for Walt Disney Studios, noting it hoped for an opening of around $60 million. “Maleficent” took in another $100 at overseas box offices.

“We’re very excited with this start.” Hollis also said momentum built through weekend on positive word of mouth. With schools beginning to let out and a “general absence of family product in this marketplace,” Disney was optimistic for the film continuing its strong performance.

Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, with her daughter Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, portraying Young Aurora, in a scene from “Maleficent.” (Photo AP)

Actress Angelina Jolie said that she was thrilled her latest film "Maleficent", a modern retelling of the life of Sleeping Beauty's arch-nemesis, had debuted at the top of the box office.

Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori to join June 15 Yolanda concert "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines"

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Internationally acclaimed singer Charice Pempengco and fashion designer Josie Natori are the latest additions to the list of participants in a June 15 concert in Washington D.C. to raise funds for victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Charice Pempengco

After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines will be staged at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, 15 June 2014, according to Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.

Cuisia reiterated his appeal to Filipino-Americans to buy tickets for the concert, saying this would help Yolanda victims rebuild their lives.

"We are delighted that the concert will be graced by such big talents. I am encouraging everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible, as the first and second tier tickets are already sold out. By purchasing a ticket, you will be helping rebuild the devastation that occurred in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan," Cuisia said. (Read: Philippine Embassy website.)

Dubbed as "the most talented girl in the world" by Oprah Winfrey, Pempengco's star rose after she was discovered on YouTube. 

Josie Natori (Photo: AD/images)

Filipina-American philanthropist Natori is a multi-awarded designer and founder of The Natori Company, will be among the concert's special presenters.

The concert, dubbed "After the Storm: A Benefit Concert for the Philippines," will be held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on June 15.

Other talents slated to perform include:

- singer Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas

- actor Lou Diamond Phillips

- ballet dancer Christine Rocas

- tenor Rodell Rosel

- Tony award-winning Broadway artist Lea Salonga

- Glee star Darren Criss

- violinist Joshua Bell.

Also to be featured are the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra conducted by Luke Frazier and the Broadway Community Chorus founded by Baayork Lee, as well as video messages of hope from celebrities and other personalities from around the world.

The benefit concert is made possible with the cooperation of Philippine Embassy, US-Philippine Society and Philippine Humanitarian Coalition.

“After the Storm” will be directed by Bayork Lee, a Broadway Legend and it will be produced by Robert Pullen, an Emmy-nominated producer.

People who would like to purchase tickets online may log-in to www.kennedy-center.org.

It's back and American Idol Season 13 spells an exciting landmark at Star World

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The American Idol is back! This is the real it! Star World premieres American Idol yesterday (January 16, Thursday) night continues to present the new idols hopefuls to be the American Idol 2014! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

American Idol Season 13 hits TV screens yesterday only on Star World! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

We had the viewing party and as we witnessed how the judges, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban make and break the dreams of initial hopefuls at Star World's American Idol Season 13! As this is the new batch of amazing hidden talent, presents, make and break it through the auditions to the semi-finals.

I really enjoy Jennifer, Harry and Keith as the judges so much more peaceful and joyful to watch. Harry,  is hilarious and so much fun to watch. I think the judges have great chemistry. I love the chemistry between all of them!

Thousands of American Idol hopefuls turned out during the nationwide auditions held in different cities around the US: Salt Lake City, Utah; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Austin, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. The show left no stone unturned in looking for the brightest singing talents in the US, ensuring a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities for candidates who make it through the auditions to the semi-finals. Expect to see a showcase of mind-blowing talent and an array of colourful personalities throughout the much-anticipated episodes of the screening process.

American Idol Season 13 spells an exciting landmark for the show with a great mix of judges on the panel who will screen this season’s candidates. Country sensation Keith Urban, who was a first-time judge in Season 12, is returning for his second year on the show, while pop superstar Jennifer Lopez is coming back to the judging panel after leaving it at the end of Season 11 – a first in American Idol history! 

The newcomer judge and multi-awarded singer Harry Connick Jr., joining the team to complete the panel, and Rickey Minor returns to the show as musical director. These four celebrities together comprise a powerhouse of talent and experience in the entertainment industry that will see the show’s contestants through as they sing their way to becoming the next American Idol.

Star World has been the home of American Idol since the very first season aired, and has consistently garnered a strong viewership throughout all 12 completed seasons of the show. Viewers and the most stir-crazy American Idol fans have enjoyed not just Star World’s live broadcasts of the show to keep updated with the latest developments, but also the channel’s locally produced American Idol specials featuring highlights of each season.

As I am, long-time followers of the world’s most successful reality TV series in Asia know that Star World is where it’s at to get your best fix of American Idol.

Catch American Idol Season 13 when it premieres last January 16, 2014 at 6 PM, live via satellite, and relive its great moments during its encores at 8 PM and 11 PM – only on Star World!

(Photos : By Myrns Roman during the American Idol 13 exclusive viewing party held at the Prive Luxury Club, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.)

71st Golden Globe Awards – Complete Winners List 2014

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The best of film and television were named at the  71st Golden Globes awards.

Leonardo DiCaprio is the Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy for The Wolf of Wall Street.

"American Hustle," "Breaking Bad," and "Brooklyn Nine Nine" were among the films and television shows receiving multiple awards.

Chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the following honored and received their trophies:

Film

Best Picture, Drama
12 Years a Slave

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama
Kate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Drama
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
American Hustle

Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Amy Adams, American Hustle

Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street

Best Animated Feature Film
Frozen

Best Foreign Language Film
The Great Beauty, France

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Best Director of a Motion Picture
Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity

Best Screenplay for a Motion Picture
Spike Jonze, Her

Best Original Score for a Motion Picture
Alex Ebert, All is Lost

Best Original Song for a Motion Picture
U2, “Ordinary Love”, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

"Ordinary Love," by U2, from "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," won for best original song. "This really is personal for us, very very personal. This man turned our lives upside-down, rightside-up," U2 leader Bono said in the band's acceptance speech. He added, "We wrote a love song because (the film is) kind of a dysfunctional love story. You know about (Nelson Mandela) the global statesman, you don't know about the man."

For Television:

Best Television Series – Drama
Breaking Bad

Best Television Series – Comedy/Musical
Brookyln Nine-Nine

Best Miniseries or TV Movie
Behind the Candelabra

Best Performance in a Television Series – Drama (Actor)
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad

Best Performance in a Television Series – Drama (Actress)
Robin Wright, House of Cards

Best Performance in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Actor)
Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Best Performance in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Actress)
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Best Performance in a Miniseries or Television Film (Actor)
Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra

Best Performance in a Miniseries or Television Film (Actress)
Elisabeth Moss, Top of the Lake

Best Supporting Performance in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film (Supporting Actor)
Jon Voight, Ray Donovan

Best Supporting Performance in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film (Supporting Actress)
Jacqueline Bisset, Dancing on the Edge

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted the 71st Golden Globes Awards during a ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"Philippines Relief Concert: All Star Benefit Show for the Yolanda Victims

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All star benefit concert for Yolanda victims dubbed "Philippines Relief Concert: All Star Charity Show is slated to take place on December 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Citizen's Business Bank Arena, in Ontario, California.

A benefit concert for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Yolanda victims,  "Philippines Relief Concert: All Star Charity Show," the concert was the fruit of a conversation between Mr. John Gummoe of the Cascades, and Mr.Danee Samonte of Steve O' Neal productions. Both Mr.Gummoe and Mr. Samonte had heard about the desperate situation of the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, and wanted to come up with a fundraising event.

American musical artists, most of who have performed in the Philippines, heard about the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan. They immediately wanted to get involved in this concert that would help raise funds for rehabilitation efforts.

More than 10 classic artists are set to perform on December 21. Among them -- John Ford Coley, John Claude Gummoe of the Cascades, Rex Smith, Ron Dante (the original lead singer of The Archies), Bobby Hendricks (from the original Drifters), Kyle Vincent, Frank Stallone, Classics UV, Dick and Dee Dee, Chris Montez, The World Famous Platters, Dennis Tufano (the original lead singer of The Buckinghams), and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, and a special appearance by the "The Hitman" David Foster. 

"Our audience can expect a night of great music and charity. We will walk down memory lane by listening to the greatest hits of these artists," says Eugene Flores, of All Access Concerts. "We can also enjoy the show knowing that with each ticket bought, 100% of the proceeds will have a direct effect on rebuilding the lives of the victims of typhoon Yolanda."

"Asian Journal and Balikbayan magazine is of course very proud to be part of this fundraising concert," publisher Roger Oriel said. "It has always been the aim of our publication to help uplift the Philippines, and this is another avenue by which we can channel our resources towards alleviating a very dire situation."

Proceeds of the concert will be coursed through Habitat for Humanity Philippines's Rebuild Philippines program and ABS-CBN foundation international.