Jessica Soho celebrated her 40th anniversary as a broadcast journalist in a memorable way as she received an award presented by the  Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) for her contributions to broadcast journalism and media.

The multi-awarded broadcast journalist was recognized during the Chinese New Year celebration, held at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Pasay last Jan. 29.

Presenting her the award for Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Friendship Award is the FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilion K. Pedro together with the other executives of the organization.

During her acceptance speech, Jessica mentioned how special the award was and dedicated it to her late Chinese grandfathers.

"This award is very special to me because I'm getting it in my 40th year as a journalist, and it's also the first from the Filipino Chinese or the Chinoy community. Akala ko ho hindi na kami ma-acknowledged (This award is very special to me because I'm getting it in my 40th year as a journalist, and it's also the first from the Filipino Chinese or the Chinoy community. I thought we would never be acknowledged)," Jessica said.

"Thank you very much to the FFCCIII, I give back the honor to my Chinese grandfathers who crossed the seas from Guangdong province in China around 90 years to try and make it here. How I wish that one of them is here tonight, because this recognition or award is for them too," she added.

During a sideline interview, Jessica mentioned tracing her Chinese roots during coverage in 2007.

"I also count myself lucky na I had the chance in 2007 to trace my roots to that very small village outside of Guangdong City," Jessica shared.

Having the Cantonese bloodline, Jessica also shared that she inherited her cooking skills from her Fil-Chi side.

"I can actually cook a lot of Chinese dishes kasi nga yung isang lolo ko, chef sa restaurants. Cantonese kami, e. Di ba, ang mga Cantonese renowned for their cuisine (I can actually cook a lot of Chinese dishes because one of my grandfathers is a chef in restaurants. We are Cantonese and Cantonese are renowned for their cuisines)," Jessica said.

Aside from Jessica, other individuals honored were National Artist for Films and Broadcast Ricky Lee, Beauty Queen Michelle Dee, Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Jose Mari Chan, and Kenneth Cobonpue.

The event celebrated the Lunar New Year’s cultural significance and recognize distinguished Filipinos for their exceptional contributions to Philippine society, and the event coincided with the kick-off of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations.

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.