PASSERBY:

Much was being made of Mark Herras’ decision to perform in a gay club in Pasay recently. The actor redeemed himself when he said he was willing and able to do everything to provide for his wife and child. While some may find his act demeaning, the actor, who’s currently a freelancer, said he found nothing wrong in rendering a decent job, which is dancing, in which he’s quite good at.

The death at age 48 of Meteor Garden (2001) star Barbie Hsu, better known as Chansai in the hit Chinese series, has called attention to pneumonia as a silent killer. The actress reportedly died of complications due to the pulmonary disease. Local doctors have warned that symptoms like persistent coughing and colds are not to be taken lightly as they can veil a looming threat to one’s health.

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Senator Imee Marcos and TV journalist Jessica Soho may sometimes find themselves in opposite sides of burning issues but they find commonality in their birth right: Both accomplished women trace their ancestral roots to China.

Imee and Jessica were both honorees at a grand event hosted by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) led by President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro in time for the celebration of Chinese New Year on January 29 at Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City.

Event also kicked off the celebration for the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations. 

Seven luminaries were honored for their contributions to Philippine culture, diplomacy, and civic engagement. 

The honorees were led by former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who was represented by her daughter, Imee.

Mrs. Marcos was recognized for her pivotal role in establishing Philippines-China diplomatic relations in 1975.

In a speech, Senator Imee cited the ethnic Chinese ancestry of the Marcos family ancestors, specifically, Chinese immigrant Pei Ling Po who adopted the name Luis Romualdez upon Catholic baptismal in the Spanish colonial era.

Jessica Soho of GMA 7 recently created a TV documentary tracing her roots to her late grandfather’s ancestral village in Guangdong province, China. 

Other notable honorees were screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee and furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Lee’s late father, Lee Hian Chin, was Secretary General of the Camarines Norte Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. 

The FFCCCII, an umbrella federation of 170 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce nationwide, undertakes socio-civic charities like donating public schools to rural communities.

By the way, congratulations to Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS), GMA Network’s multi-awarded public affairs program, which is celebrating its 20th year as the Philippines’ most-watched TV show in 2024, tallying billions of views across online platforms.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data from January to December 2024, KMJS tallied a combined (GMA/GTV/Pinoy Hits) people rating of 14.3 percent in Total Philippines (Urban and Rural combined).

The show also dominated individual program ratings per channel in 2024, recording a people rating of 12.9 percent in GMA alone in Total Philippines.