FFCCCII honors Imelda, Jessica, Ricky, Jose Mari, Michelle and Kenneth
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by President Dr. Cecilio Pedro, held its annual Chinese New Year dinner reception and special awards ceremony on Wednesday at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant, Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City.
The event celebrated the Lunar New Year’s cultural significance and recognized distinguished Filipinos for their exceptional contributions to Philippine society.
The event also coincided with the kick-off of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.
Five luminaries were honored for their contributions to Philippine culture, diplomacy and civic engagement. Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos was recognized for her pivotal role and for supporting late President Ferdinand Marcos in establishing the Philippines-China diplomatic relations in 1975.
The 96-year-old former First Lady was represented by eldest daughter Senator Imee Marcos, who delivered an inspirational speech extolling the ancient bond of friendship between Filipinos and Chinese, recalling the historic 1975 opening of the Philippines-China diplomatic relations, and also cited the ethnic Chinese ancestral heritage of the Marcos family ancestors.
Eliza Romualdez Valto once wrote that the Romualdez clan of Leyte and Manila trace their roots to Chinese immigrant Pei Ling Po, who adopted the name Luis Romualdez upon Catholic baptism in the Spanish colonial era. Thus, his descendants were listed in Spanish records as “Mestizos de Sangley” or Chinese mestizos.
National Artist Ricky Lee was honored for his many achievements as scriptwriter, playwright, novelist, journalist, educator. He was also cited for his award-winning MMFF film “Green Bones.”
Coincidentally, the film title drew inspiration from a Chinese belief that “green bones” signify goodness of a departed person.
Lee’s late father, Lee Hian Chin, was secretary general of the Camarines Norte Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Kapuso journalist Jessica Soho, meanwhile, was celebrated for her integrity and excellence as topnotch journalist. She recently created a TV documentary tracing her roots to her late grandfather’s ancestral village in Guangdong province, China.
Designer Kenneth Cobonpue was cited for elevating Philippine industrial design of furnitures and craftsmanship globally.
Similarly awarded was Jose Mari Chan and Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee.
The FFCCCII, umbrella federation of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce from Aparri to Tawi Tawi, continues its legacy of undertaking diverse socio-civic charities like donating rural public schools or supporting courageous Filipino Chinese volunteer fire brigades, promoting Philippine economic growth, and helping strengthen Philippines-China bilateral ties.
This year’s reception also kicks off and aligns with broader celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations on June 5, highlighted by collaborative cultural and economic initiatives.
The celebration also reflects the growing global appreciation for Chinese traditions, as seen in the UN’s recognition of the Spring Festival and its celebration by many societies worldwide, including Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, North America, Japan, Europe, Latin America, etc.
FFCCCII celebrates Chinese heritage as part of the rich and diverse Filipino national culture that honors excellence and philanthropy, and fosters unity in the Year of the Snake.
