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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider People and Events devider FFCCCII commemorates 50 years of Philippines–China diplomatic relations with 'Ginto' book

FFCCCII commemorates 50 years of Philippines–China diplomatic relations with 'Ginto' book

Published Dec 16, 2025 11:59 am
On Dec. 1, 2025, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) officially launched “Ginto”—a commemorative coffee-table book marking the golden, or 50th, anniversary of Philippines–China diplomatic relations—during a reception held at the historic Goldenberg Mansion near Malacañang Palace.
FFCCCII Honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro and other officers presented First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos a painting of chairman Mao Zedong kissing the hand of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos during her pioneering September 1974 visit to Beijing with her then-teenager son Bongbong Marcos to lay the groundwork for the opening of official diplomatic relations in June 1975.
FFCCCII Honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro and other officers presented First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos a painting of chairman Mao Zedong kissing the hand of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos during her pioneering September 1974 visit to Beijing with her then-teenager son Bongbong Marcos to lay the groundwork for the opening of official diplomatic relations in June 1975.
The launch gathered key national leaders and diplomatic representatives, underscoring the continued significance of Philippine–China relations. Among the distinguished guests were First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong. Also in attendance were leaders from major business organizations, including Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio, along with business and community leaders.
Speeches were delivered by Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong, FFCCCII president Victor Lim, FFCCCII honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, and FFCCCII board member and Public Information Committee chairman Wilson Lee Flores, who also helped lead the year-long development of the book together with co-chairman Eduardo Cobankiat.
On the cover of the book is a historic photo of Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong shaking hands with former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Beijing in June 1975.
On the cover of the book is a historic photo of Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong shaking hands with former President Ferdinand E. Marcos in Beijing in June 1975.
Spanning more than 200 pages, “Ginto” (the Filipino word for “gold”) is an English-language commemorative volume featuring analytical and historical essays, rare archival photographs, and contemporary insights into diplomacy, business partnerships, cultural exchanges, trade development, and grassroots people-to-people interactions.
FFCCCII Honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro and other officers presented First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos a painting of chairman Mao Zedong kissing the hand of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos during her pioneering September 1974 visit to Beijing with her then-teenager son Bongbong Marcos to lay the groundwork for the opening of official diplomatic relations in June 1975.
FFCCCII Honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro and other officers presented First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos a painting of chairman Mao Zedong kissing the hand of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos during her pioneering September 1974 visit to Beijing with her then-teenager son Bongbong Marcos to lay the groundwork for the opening of official diplomatic relations in June 1975.
Anvil Business Club EVP and FFCCCII young officer William Lim, Jr., Chinatown TV producer Louella Chan, FFCCCII president Victor Lim, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Public Information Committee chairman Wilson Lee Flores
Anvil Business Club EVP and FFCCCII young officer William Lim, Jr., Chinatown TV producer Louella Chan, FFCCCII president Victor Lim, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Public Information Committee chairman Wilson Lee Flores
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos opened the library of the Goldenberg Mansion to give business leaders, diplomats, and other guests a special tour of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos' antique Chinese jade furniture and ceramics collection.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos opened the library of the Goldenberg Mansion to give business leaders, diplomats, and other guests a special tour of former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos' antique Chinese jade furniture and ceramics collection.
China Embassy Charge d'Affaires Zhou Zhiyong delivered a thank you speech
China Embassy Charge d'Affaires Zhou Zhiyong delivered a thank you speech
China Embassy Charge d'Affaires Zhou Zhiyong received ‘Ginto’ coffee table book
China Embassy Charge d'Affaires Zhou Zhiyong received ‘Ginto’ coffee table book
The publication represents nearly a year of research, writing, design, and editorial collaboration and is one of FFCCCII’s major socio-civic initiatives to document shared history while fostering future cooperation—particularly in trade, tourism, technology, and infrastructure. It aims to serve as both a historical reference and a visual narrative of five decades of evolving relations between the Philippines and China. China is the Philippines’ largest trading partner, and the FFCCCII hopes the book will help boost Philippine exports to this market of 1.4 billion increasingly affluent consumers.
Copies of “Ginto” are now available through the FFCCCII head office.

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