The First Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day

"There is no experience better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up." – John Andrew Holmer

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Through the initiative and efforts of the Chinese-Filipino Business Club (CFBC), the Filipino nation celebrated the first ever Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on June 9. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 148 declaring June 9 of every year as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day during the CFBC’s Second National Convention.

CFBC kicked off the historic first celebration on June 7 with the signing of the Manila-Beijing Memorandum of Friendly Exchange and Cooperation by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Liu Zhengmin, secretary-general of the standing committee of the People’s Congress of Beijing Municipality. Ambassador Wang Chungui of the People’s Republic of China; Manila Councilor Miles Roces; secretary to the mayor, lawyer Emmanuel Sison; CFBC president Aw Peng Lam; and CFBC honorary president Dante Go witnessed the milestone were

That afternoon, Justice Secretary Hernando Perez inaugurated the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Bridge and the Manila-Beijing Friendship Bridge, formerly known as the North and South Ongpin Bridges. Joining him were the CFBC members and distinguished participants of the signing ceremony at the Manila City Hall.

The CFBC officers and members, the Beijing delegation, and guests from the political and media circles proceeded to the President Restaurant right on Ongpin St. for the dinner celebration. Guest of honor President Arroyo praised the CFBC for their initiatives in nation building.

The President Restaurant has the reputation of being the best restaurant in Binondo, and that night the chefs exceeded themselves with eight delightful courses

The next morning, Liu Zhengmin and Wang Suoxia, the wife of Ambassador Wang, paid their respects to National Hero Jose Rizal by placing a wreath at his monument. CFBC officers Aw Peng Lam; Dante Go; and vice presidents George Lee; Siy Yap Chua; and Rufino Kopio assisted them.

The group then proceeded to the beautiful Chinese Garden where Filipino-Chinese Friendship Trees were planted. The CFBC donated and planted 50 additional trees around the park in support of the Clean and Green Foundation. Aw Peng Lam and his wife Yap Sui Lun unveiled the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day marker, with the subtitle "Gift of Trees."

On June 9, the CFBC held a special Thanksgiving Mass in Binondo Church after which the members then congregated for their on-going Operation Brotherhood project. They provided basic necessities to the underprivileged living on South Superhighway cor. Quirino Ave. in Manila.

The CFBC has truly come a long way since its inception in 1998. Our congratulations to you, CFBC, for your laudable nationalism and dedication to the Filipino nation!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, SGV founder and Tower Club’s chairman of the Founding Board of Governors Washington Sycip, Ana Litton, Rufo Colayco, legal wiz Perry Pe and Arsenio Bartolome III.

Advanced birthday greetings to businessman Jose Antonio Gonzalez, fashion designer Ben Farrales and Secretary Joey Rufino, July 1; former First Lady Imelda Marcos, actress Baby O’Brien, Celuch Manahan and China Bank chair Gilbert Dee, July 2; Doña Juaning Ledesma, Vicky Veloso Barrera, Viring Ongkeko, Tommy Manotoc, Edgardo Tordesillas, July 3; Vice President Teofisto "Tito" Guingona, Peter Go Pailan and Johnny "67" Velasquez, July 4; businessman Mariano Arenas, July 5; actor Nestor de Villa, July 6.

Happy wedding anniversary to Philippine STAR publisher Max and Precious Soliven, July 1. May you both have many, many more years of wedded bliss.

So, how was your week?

(For your comments and suggestions, e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)