FFCCCII honors Michelle Dee, Ricky Lee, Jose Mari Chan, EJ Obiena
IN a series of distinctive tributes hosted by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), four outstanding Filipinos with Chinese heritage were celebrated for their profound contributions to Philippine social and cultural progress.
The events honored Michelle Dee, Ricardo “Ricky” Lee, Jose Mari Chan and Ernest John “EJ” Obiena — remarkable individuals who are luminous figures in their respective fields, exemplifying excellence and positive impact.
Michelle Dee: Beauty, grace and advocacy
The spotlight illuminated Dee for her stellar achievements as the 2023 Miss Universe Top 10 finalist, GMA Network actress and dedicated advocate for autism awareness.
Gracefully accepting the FFCCCII recognition, Dee’s family legacy resonated within the
FFCCCII building. Her ties to the organization run deep with her grandfather, late China Bank Chairman and philanthropist Dee Chiong, having served as FFCCCII vice president, and her granduncle, the late lumber tycoon and community stalwart Dee Hong Lue, also serving as FFCCCII vice president.
Surrounded by a lineage of trailblazers, including her granduncle, prewar “lumber king” 1920 China Bank founder, prewar Philippine Chinese Chamber President and philanthropist Dee Chuan, and her greatgreat-granduncle, 19th century Philippine lumber industry pioneer and philanthropist Dy Han Kia, Dee’s celebration was not just a recognition of her beauty and individual accomplishments, but also a tribute to her family’s rich heritage of Confucian philanthropy.
Ricky Lee: A literary journey of excellence and social idealism
National Artist Lee, renowned film screenwriter, novelist and journalist, received a heartfelt homage from the FFCCCII for his outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema and literature.
Lee’s father, the late scholar Lee Hian Chin, served with distinction for 26 years as the secretary general of the Camarines Norte Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, an FFCCCII member organization.
Lee’s honor was a recognition not only of his individual achievements, but also of his profound impact on shaping the cultural landscape of the Philippines, marked by his commitment to social idealism.
Jose Mari Chan: Melodies that transcend time
The melodic tunes of Chan filled the air as FFCCCII celebrated the multi-awarded singer-songwriter and businessman. The son of the respected “rags-to-riches” business leader Antonio Chan, his timeless music has become an integral part of Philippine culture.
As a household name nationwide, particularly during the Christmas season for his beloved Yuletide songs, Chan’s FFCCCII recognition was a testament to his role in fostering unity and joy across generations.
The FFCCCII paid tribute to and gave generous support for Obiena, the high jump gold medalist at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Obiena’s journey from the heights of world-class sports excellence to being the Philippines’ hopeful for a 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal resonated with triumph and dedication.
Expressing gratitude for the P5-million support for his training from the FFCCCII,
Obiena recalled childhood memories of accompanying his mother to the same FFCCCII building to collect scholarship grants.
Obiena’s honor was not just a recognition of his athletic achievements, but also a celebration of his humble beginnings and the vital role of FFCCCII in supporting his Olympian aspirations.
Inspirations and role models for the youth
In honoring these four exceptional individuals, the FFCCCII crafted an inspiring narrative of success, diversity and cultural richness.
Dee, Lee, Chan and Obiena were not merely contributors to Philippine progress; they stood as inspirations and positive role models for the youth, embodying the ethos of excellence and resilience that defined the Filipino-Chinese community.
These celebrations were not just recognitions, they were declarations of FFCCCII’s enduring spirit of unity, resilience, public service and progress.