FFCCCII Chinese New Year Dinner Reception and Special Awards Ceremony

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) hosted its annual Chinese New Year Dinner Reception and Special Awards Ceremony on January 29 at the Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City. The event celebrated Lunar New Year traditions, honored outstanding Filipinos, and marked the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations. Under the theme of the Year of the Snake, the gathering recognized seven individuals for their contributions to Philippine society. Among them was former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, acknowledged for her role in establishing diplomatic ties with China, with Senator Imee Marcos accepting the award on her behalf. Renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee, singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, and journalist Jessica Soho were also among the esteemed awardees.

Jessica Soho, celebrating her 40th anniversary in journalism, received recognition for her contributions to broadcast media. During her speech, she dedicated the award to her late Chinese grandfathers, acknowledging her heritage and the influence of the Filipino-Chinese community. Soho recalled tracing her roots to Guangdong in 2007 and shared how her Cantonese ancestry influenced her love for Chinese cuisine. Kenneth Cobonpue, a globally acclaimed industrial designer, was honored for elevating Filipino craftsmanship on the world stage. Beauty queen Michelle Dee was also recognized for her advocacy work, particularly in autism awareness, continuing her family's legacy of philanthropy and community service.

Beyond individual recognitions, the event underscored the strong cultural and economic ties between the Philippines and China. FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio Pedro emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration, especially as the two nations marked five decades of diplomatic relations. He highlighted the organization’s efforts in fostering goodwill through socio-civic initiatives, business-friendly policies, and trade missions. A grand celebration at Jones Bridge in Binondo featured fireworks and a drone display, symbolizing the enduring connection between the Filipino and Chinese communities.

Senator Imee Marcos, arriving from General Santos, commended the Filipino-Chinese community for its significant contributions to the country’s economic and social development. She noted that despite comprising only a small percentage of the population, the community played a vital role in shaping the nation’s progress. She also lauded the FFCCCII’s commitment to education, relief efforts, and cultural programs. As the evening concluded, the celebration stood as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship between the Philippines and China, reinforcing the shared aspirations for a prosperous future.

Feast of the Santo Niño 2025

On January 19, 2025, Manila celebrated the Feast of the Santo Niño with vibrant processions and festivities, particularly in Tondo and Pandacan. Over 5,000 devotees participated in the Tondo procession, while the Buling-Buling Festival in Pandacan drew up to 20,000 spectators. The celebrations, which honor centuries-old traditions, were peaceful and well-attended.

HONOR Sets Guinness World Record with Ultimate Phone Durability Test

On January 6, 2025, HONOR Philippines made history by setting a new Guinness World Record for "The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously." In a bold demonstration of durability, 264 participants—including influencers and preregistered users—dropped the HONOR X9c 5G from shoulder height. The event, held ahead of the phone’s official launch, showcased the device’s toughness, as all 264 units withstood the impact without breaking. HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng described this achievement as a milestone not only for the company but also for its loyal supporters. The test highlighted the brand’s confidence in the HONOR X9c 5G, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most durable smartphones in the market.

Beyond the drop test, the HONOR X9c 5G demonstrated impressive resistance to extreme conditions. The device received an SGS 5-Star rating for drop resistance and was designed to survive falls of up to two meters. Additionally, it featured an IP65M water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand submersion up to 25 centimeters for five minutes. To push its limits further, participants subjected the phone to various experiments, including exposure to extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C. The phone endured boiling water and other stress tests, proving its resilience against harsh environmental conditions. These demonstrations strengthened its position as a highly durable and reliable smartphone.

With its record-breaking achievement, the HONOR X9c 5G gained significant attention ahead of its official launch on January 10. The event not only set a global benchmark but also emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. The phone’s durability, coupled with its cutting-edge features, made it a standout contender in the competitive smartphone market. As anticipation built, HONOR encouraged users to witness the grand launch live on Facebook. By successfully proving its toughness through extreme tests, the HONOR X9c 5G set a new standard for smartphone durability, offering consumers a device built to withstand real-world challenges.