The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Nestor Cuartero
“Happee lang” was how FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro described the dazzling celebration of cinema and cross-cultural friendship during the exclusive media screening of record-shattering animated epic “Ne Zha 2” at Fisher Mall’s VIP Premiere Theater March 15.
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) hosted the screening as part of FFCCCII’s “50th or Golden Anniversary celebration of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations” on June 9.
Welcoming media guests were FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, VP Jeffrey Ng, VP Frank Co, Secretary General Dr. Fernando Gan, Board Member Wilson Lee Flores, Director Eddy Cobankiat, Director Patrick Cua.
Avoiding any involvement in political issues, Dr. Pedro said the FFCCCII is more focused on socio-civic activities such as cleaning up the Pasig River, Intramuros, and Binondo. He took pride in saying that the district is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world at 430 years.
“Let’s just pray for our country,” he said.
The event underscored the power of storytelling to unite nations.
Ne Zha 2, hailed as a global phenomenon, now ranks as the “world’s #1 animated box-office hit” and the “5th highest-grossing film in cinematic history.” It has ignited screens worldwide with its breathtaking animation, heart-pounding action, and universal themes of courage, family, and resilience.
As the film rolls out across Asia, 37 European countries and other regions, critics from The Hollywood Reporter and Variety have hailed “Ne Zha 2” as a groundbreaking triumph of Asian creativity—a visual and emotional tour de force rivaling Hollywood’s finest.
Praised for its “stunning world-class animation” (Variety), “mythological mayhem” (South China Morning Post), and “technical brilliance on par with Disney and Studio Ghibli” (Hollywood Reporter), “Ne Zha 2” blends jaw-dropping martial arts spectacles, whimsical humor, and profound moral lessons into an unforgettable saga.
Elizabeth Kerr (Hollywood Reporter): “A distinct fantasy epic that stands tall alongside the best of global animation.”
John Lui (The Straits Times): “A fever dream of mythological chaos—unapologetically Asian, wildly inventive.”
FFCCCII is the umbrella federation of 178 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce nationwide, from Aparri to Tawi Tawi. It espouses progressive economic advocacies and diverse socio-civic charities.
Dr. Pedro hailed “Ne Zha 2” as a symbol of shared values and aspirations.
“In the coming months, FFCCCII will launch more cultural and civic projects leading to our Golden Anniversary celebration of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations as part of various philanthropic, economic, and civic initiatives,” said Dr. Pedro.