
Outstanding Filipino-Chinese honored on the Lunar New Year celebration




DURING the Chinese New Year celebration on Wednesday, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) honored exceptional innovators and visionaries whose dedication, talent and achievements have left an indelible mark on our cultural, economic and social landscapes.
In the Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Friendship Awards, the recognition celebrated excellence and a spirit of unity that drives progress.
The kick-off ceremony of the 50th anniversary of the Philippines-China diplomatic relations and the recognition of the outstanding Chinoy achievers was held at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City.
“As we welcome the Year of the Snake in the Chinese calendar, we are gathered as one united family, ready to embrace a fresh start, ready to face new opportunities and ready to receive more blessings that we can share,” said FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro.
The distinguished awardees included award-winning screenwriter and National Artist for Literature, Ricky Lee, in recognition of his talent, creativity and achievement in broadcast arts.
His work as a scriptwriter, journalist, novelist, playwright have touched lives, inspired many and set a new standard of excellence.
The FFCCCII is also proud to present the Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Friendship Awards in Industrial Design to Kenneth Cobonpue in recognition of his exceptional skills, creativity and mastery in the art of furniture design.
His fine artistry and innovation have set a standard of excellence and celebrated Filipino craftsmanship.
The FFCCCII is also proud to present an award to Jessica Soho in journalism in recognition of her exemplary dedication and exceptional contributions to journalism and media. Her works inspired change and upheld the highest standards of journalistic excellence and integrity.
The organization recognized Jessica’s achievements which bring friendship and understanding to the Filipino-Chinese community.
“This award is special to me because I’m getting it on my 40th year as a journalist,” said Jessica. “This is also my very first from the Filipino-Chinese community. I thought I will never get acknowledged. So thank you very much to the FFCCCII for the recognition.
“I give back the honor to my Chinese grandfathers who crossed the seas from Guangdong province in China around 90 years ago. How I wished one of them is still around because this recognition if for them, too.”
Other awardees who failed to show up were former First Lady 96-year-old Imelda Romualdez Marcos, singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan and beauty queen Michelle Dee.
On Tuesday night, the FFCCCII also had a grand celebration at Jones Bridge in Binondo, Manila, where they welcomed the New Year at Chinatown. There were fireworks and drone display, a first in Chinatown.
“Today we face many challenges, but the biggest challenge for us is really drone or technology,” said Dr. Pedro. “This festivity reminds us of the ties that bind us and as part of the Filipino-Chinese community, we joyfully reflect on our shared journey, honor our traditions and look forward to a future filled with hope and possibilities.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to all our guests. Government officials from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Thank you so much for joining us tonight.”
Kenneth Cobonpue travelled from Cebu just to attend the celebration and at 11 p.m., he will fly back to Cebu.
“It is our great honor and pleasure to meet their fellow Chinoys and their spouses who are in public service,” added Dr. Pedro. “Your crucial role in nation-building and contributions to the development of our cities.
“Your leadership has helped shaped significant policies, foster goodwill and let our collective efforts create a society, where everyone is empowered to try and succeed.
“We hope that you will continue to be models of good governance and always keep in mind that you serve your fellow Filipinos.
“The Holy Bible says in Hebrews chapter 6, verse 10, God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.
“Indeed, when we serve our fellowmen, we show our love for God. And we always pray for all of you that may God guide you and give you wisdom as you serve our country.
“This evening, we are also pleased to hold the kick-off ceremony of the celebration the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China this year.
“This golden milestone symbolizes the long-standing relations between our nations spanning centuries and commemorate the deep cultural and economic bonds between the Filipino and Chinese people.
“Over the years, we built bridges of understanding and nurtured partnership that has withstood the test of time. We faced challenges, but this did not hinder us from maintaining cooperation in areas such as trade, in colony and cultural exchange.
“Moving forward, we shall continue to promote understanding and communication, keeping our bond intact in spite of the West Philippine Sea problems we have. We will move forward and share understanding and love between two nations.
“May this golden anniversary milestone inspire us to treasure our deep bonds and work together for a brighter and better future for our two peoples.
“As our celebration, ‘Friendship Beyond 50.’ Para sa kinabukasan, pagkakaibigan ang kailangan.”
“We are pleased to recognize the key roles of Honorable Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos in starting and strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China.
“Likewise, we are honored to present the Filipino-Chinese friendship awards to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our fellow Chinoys who have made a big impact in Philippine society, culture and the arts.
“Their works embody the spirit of excellence, dedication and their achievements inspire us to strive for the best.
“As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, let us be reminded of the power of friendship, unity and shared aspirations as one family and community.
“May this year bring renewed hope and more meaningful collaboration, as we continue working together for the progress of our nation and fellowmen. May it bring good happiness and good health to all of us as it will be an initial step forward for our Filipino-Chinese to move forward.
“Mabuhay ang Filipino-Chinese diplomatic relations for 50 years.”
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos landed from General Santos that night, with delayed flight and went straight to the celebration of the FFCCCII.
“Happy lunar year to everyone. I’m delighted to be here. We’d like to congratulate the outstanding Filipino-Chinese awardees – Jessica Soho, Kenneth Cobonpue and the rest to be awarded tonight. Truly, you represent the best of our cultures.
“It’s an honor to celebrate. Time and again, my father took immense pride in his Chinese heritage. His father, originally named the Chua and his mother, originally a Lim. Until today, I have relatives who maintained their Chinese name.
“We were compelled to change our Spanish names and did not even get it right. Marcos was originally not a family name, but, in fact, a first name. Hindi namin naintindihan ang ibig sabihin noon.
“The Chinese community always performed way above its weight. Representing a mere 10 percent of our society, the community had a profound impact of 50-60 percent on the economy. For that, we continue to be grateful, provide and contribute to the progress of the Philippines…
“We are also grateful to the FFCCCII contributing to economic, social, civic and cultural progress, initiating trade missions, entrepreneurship seminars, job fairs, as well as tax reforms and business-friendly policies to champion peace and order, youth engagement, cultural participations in many, many programs that, all of which, are most impactful.
“My favorite is the Operation Barrio Schools. We have been together in medical missions in many relief efforts and truly, your federation has remained steadfast in uplifting communities and selfless in donating and driving progress throughout the nation.
“Today is a noble celebration as we welcome the Lunar New Year and kick off the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations, which, my parents spearheaded in June 1975.”