READY. SET. SHOP GUAM!

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It’s that time of the year again. Fairy lights on house windows, suspicious-looking pine trees line up mall entrances, Christmas delicacies sold in random street corners, and Jose Mari Chan songs being played in public spaces. The Christmas season is officially upon us. But if you ask any true-blue Filipino; “what’s the one thing they look forward to during the holiday season?”, they would immediately tell you - Christmas shopping. 

The Philippines is notorious for celebrating the Christmas season very early. In fact, most Filipinos start getting into the holiday spirit as early as September. Therefore, malls and retail centers start to advertise nationwide sales when the BER months show up in the calendar - to the excitement of Filipinos everywhere.

Though it may seem fun, holiday shopping in Metro Manila is actually a stressful and tedious process. The amount of people who go out to scour malls for good deals is beyond crazy. Traffic is bad and trying to get a parking slot is excruciatingly time-consuming. But what if your next favorite shopping destination is only a 3-hour flight away? Wouldn’t that be better than getting stuck in a 3-hour jam in Metro Manila? More so, imagine going shopping and having an online directory of all the promos and sale offers in your phone, doesn’t that sound like the most convenient thing ever?

Shop Guam e-Festival is a mobile app-driven shopping campaign that combines the fun of shopping in a mall with the convenience and ease of online shopping. How does it work? One just has to download the Shop Guam app, browse through the offers, visit any of the participating stores, and present the in-app coupons upon making a purchase inside the store. 

The best thing about Shop Guam is the plethora of choices and massive discounts from its participating retail outlets. From luxury labels to commercial brands, the campaign has something for every discerning palate. Whether you like to splurge on Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, or go bargain shopping in Ross and Macy’s; Guam has the answer to all of you’re shopping needs this holiday season. And since you’re already on vacation, make sure to check the Shop Guam app for cool happenings and fun events on the island. Experience the best that Guam has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight now and fly to Guam! You can choose from any of our three air carriers that regularly fly to the island: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and United Airlines. So start your holiday shopping and catch the Shop Guam e-Festival from November 10, 2018 to February 10, 2019.

Make sure to follow Guam Visitors Bureau’s official Facebook and Instagram pages (@VisitGuamPH) for the offers, updates, and promos.

The Shop Guam mobile app is free to download on iOS and Android. 

To know more about Guam, you may visit the Guam Visitors Bureau’s PH Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/visitguamph, or you may follow the @visitguamph page on Instagram.

4th Annual Lotte Duty Free Guam Live International Music Festival Returns June 3

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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and Lotte Duty Free announced that the 4th Annual Lotte Guam Live International Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2017, at the Governor Joseph F. Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park in Tumon, Guam.

"We’re looking forward to bringing back different genres of music from hit makers in this region, including K-pop and a blend of Guam’s love for reggae and island music," said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. "When you add the iconic backdrop of Two Lovers Point and the world famous Ypao Beach, we have everything we need for local residents and visitors to enjoy Guam’s biggest annual international music event. We encourage everyone to get their tickets and give a warm Håfa Adai welcome to our performers."

Canadian reggae fusion band Magic! will be headlining Guam Live this year. Their debut single “Rude” accumulated 1.2 billion views on YouTube and rose to the top of the charts in the United States and United Kingdom. The multi-platinum band will also perform their other hits “Don’t Kill the Magic,” “Let Your Hair Down” and “Lay You Down Easy.”

Adding to the international flare, Korean hip-hop group, "My Fans are Better Than Yours," or MFBTY has been confirmed to perform at Guam Live. Consisting of Korea’s most influential hip-hop artists Tiger JK and Yoon Mi-rae, as well as rapper Bizzy, MFBTY debuted in 2013 with their single, “Sweet Dream” and followed with their album, “Wondaland,” in 2015. 

New Zealand/Australian island reggae artist Sammy J, best known for hits like “No Sleep” and “Say That You Love Me” will take the stage. In addition, island hip hop sensation Spawnbreezie will perform his smash hits “Oh my goodness” and YouTube hit “Don’t Let Go.” Guam Live also welcomes Hawaiian contemporary folk rock singer and songwriter Anuhea, known for her hit singles “Sweet Thing” and “Island Inside Me.”

Rising progressive rock reggae local band The John Dank Show will be returning to Guam Live, performing hits from their self-titled EP and album, “Lights” such as “EZ4U,” “Playing my part,” and “Current.” Local hip hop sensation Jed Antonio will also take the Guam Live stage again as a solo act with fresh beats and popular hits such as “The Low" and “Lately.” Guam’s David “Davidior” Park will cap off the star-studded Guam Live lineup, fresh off co-producing and releasing “I’m the One” by DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Chance the Rapper and Quavo. The number one single has already been viewed over 140 million times on YouTube.

Tickets are available at all 76 Circle K locations and online at www.guam-live.com. General Admission is $50 per person and $60 at the door. 

For music festival updates and other special announcements, go to the Guam Live website and follow Guam Live on Facebook (facebook.com/GuamLiveIMF), instagram (@guamliveimf) and twitter (@GuamLive).

The 2017 Lotte Duty Free Guam Live International Music Festival is presented by United Airlines, Docomo Pacific, 76 Circle K, Guam Auto Spot, Pacific Islands Club, The Stations of KUAM, and Heineken. The GVB signature event is also brought to you by Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Monster Energy, Pepsi, Sixt Rent A Car and Pacific Star Resort & Spa. Special thanks is given to Skyy Vodka, Patron Tequila, Jack Daniel's, Jamaican Grill, Fence Masters and Uno Magazine.

To know more about ≠+ you may visit the Guam Visitors Bureau’s PH Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/visitguamph, or you may follow the @visitguamph page on Instagram.

Tropical Productions Inc. (TPI) selected as Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) Philippine Market Representative

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The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) is pleased to announce Tropical Productions Inc. (TPI) as its Philippine Market In-Country Representative. After a rigorous procurement process, Tropical Productions Inc. (TPI) was ranked as the highest qualified offeror to represent GVB in its efforts to encourage more Filipinos to visit the island.

“GVB thanks all the companies that put in time to submit their proposals and congratulates TPI on being the highest ranked qualified offeror. This is a unique opportunity to work with a company that has local roots. They know the Guam brand well and their expanding marketing network will strengthen the relationship between Guam and the Philippines,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “We look forward to working with them in promoting the events, activities and attractions that our island paradise has to offer.”

Tropical Productions, Inc. (TPI) is the new Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) GVB Philippine Market Representative. Photo (from left to right): TPI COO – John Paul Calvo, GVB Marketing Manager – Mark Manglona, TPI CEO – EJ Calvo

TPI’s expertise spans the fields of advertising, marketing, promotions, event organization, art direction, and graphic and web design. With its main office located in Guam, TPI also is an ideal position in working with its satellite office in the Philippines to show visitors in this region why Guam should be a premier destination for them.

“We are excited to work with GVB to showcase what makes Guam unique and attract more visitors from the Philippines,” said EJ Calvo, TPI Chief Executive Officer. "We are committed to promoting all our island has to offer, utilizing our international business experience, marketing expertise and resources in the Philippines.”

The company is expected to focus its efforts in the Philippines in highlighting how tourist-friendly Guam is, from it being an English-speaking U.S. territory bursting with American-made goods and island-grown products, having shopping spots that rival the best in the world and a native Chamorro culture that is both unique and colorful, to the most exciting nature adventures that can only be found on the island.

Arrivals from the Philippines in Fiscal Year 2016 have reached an all-time high with 18,704 visitors coming to Guam. It is a 52.3% increase when compared to the previous fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2016 is also the best fiscal year in visitor arrivals with Guam reaching 1.51 million visitors.

To know more about Guam, you may visit the Guam Visitors Bureau’s PH Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/visitguamph, or you may follow the @visitguamph page on Instagram.

Guam stands out at the 2016 PTAA Travel Tour Expo

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Guam stood out in the limelight yet again, taking home the Best Decorated Booth Overall Winner award at the 23rd Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel Tour Expo. PTAA is the largest travel show in the Philippines that was held from February 5-7, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Thousands of expo attendees were treated to Guam’s award winning exhibit that conveyed a perfect balance of Chamorro culture and tradition, natural serenity, luxurious resorts, spas and world-class entertainment. In addition to information on international fashion houses and world-renowned brands, the Guam team highlighted tax-free deals that were a part of the 2015 Shop Guam Festival, which ended on February 15, 2016. Guam’s cultural entertainers also held dynamic shows throughout the expo, which invited travelers to experience the art of Chamorro dance and song.

“We’re proud to take home another award for our island paradise, but the bigger picture is that the Philippines plays a key role in our diversification efforts,” said Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Nathan Denight. “With high-end MICE groups and more airlines such as United, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flying between Guam and the Philippines, it’s clear that the growth potential is huge for this market. The travel expo has always been a great outlet to attract potential travelers to witness Guam’s natural beauty, rich culture, friendly people and tax-free shopping. We continue to invite everyone to visit our island and experience the events and activities that can be found only on Guam.”

Denight led a team of GVB officials consisting of Marketing Manager Pilar Laguaña, Marketing Officer Mark Manglona and GVB Philippines representatives during the three-day event.

The Guam team also promoted various GVB signature events to Filipino travelers and adventure-seekers including the upcoming Guam International Marathon, Guam Live International Music Festival, Guam BBQ Block Party, Shop Guam Festival, Ko’ko’ Road Race, PATA Annual Summit and 12th Festival of Pacific Arts.

Guam had a record-breaking calendar year in 2015, achieving over 1.4 million visitors for the first time in its tourism history. The Philippine market contributed to that milestone with just over 12,400 in arrivals, a growth of 2.9% over the previous year.

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.