Ricky Lee, Jessica Soho honored for contributions to literature, journalism

Jessica Soho and Ricky Lee during the FFCCCII’s Chinese New Year dinner and gathering. Image: Facebook/Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (One at Heart, Jessica Soho)

Ricky Lee and Jessica Soho were recognized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) for their respective contributions to literature and journalism, bringing honor to the Filipino-Chinese community.

Lee and Soho, along with former first lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos and industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, were honored by the FFCCCII at a Chinese New Year gathering in Pasay City last Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The National Artist was given the Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Friendship Award in Literature, while Soho bagged the Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Friendship Award in Journalism.

In her speech, Soho said the recognition was special as it was given during her 40th year as a journalist. She also dedicated the award to her Chinese grandfather, who hails from Guangdong Province in China.

“This award is special because I’m getting it in my 40th year as a journalist, and it’s my first from the Filipino-Chinese or Chinoy community,” she said. “I give back the honor to my Chinese grandfather who crossed the seas from Guangdong Province in China around 90 years ago. How I wish that one of them was here tonight because this recognition is for them too.”

Lee, on the other hand, is the son of Lee Hian Chin, who served as the longtime secretary general of the Camarines Norte Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Dennis Trillo and Chris Tiu were supposed to be also awarded personally by the FFCCCII, but they were unable to attend the ceremony.

Dee nonetheless thanked the organization on her Instagram post dated Thursday, January 30, for recognizing her contributions to the Filipino-Chinese community.

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“I’m honored to be recognized once again by the FFCCCII for my contributions to the Filipino-Chinese community both locally and internationally. Although I’m not there physically to accept the recognition, I’m deeply honored and forever grateful,” she wrote.