First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attends ‘Ginto’ book launch at Goldenberg to celebrate a golden friendship
There is something mysteriously poetic about history’s sense of timing—how certain places, people and stories converge as if guided by an unseen hand with an impeccable sense of symbolism.
And so it was on Dec. 1, at the 19th-century Goldenberg Mansion, that a launching was held for Ginto—a 200-page coffeetable book celebrating the golden, 50th anniversary of Philippines–China diplomatic relations. Goldenberg… golden anniversary… a book named Ginto (Filipino for “gold”). If the universe were a playwright, it could not have scripted the scene more aptly.
To First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who graciously attended the book launch as guest of honor, the publisher—Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)—owes a deep debt of gratitude.
Not only did she open Goldenberg’s doors to this momentous cultural and diplomatic event; she is also the person who has breathed new life into its next-door neighbor, the antique Teus Mansion, now transformed into a full museum honoring all Philippine Presidents and First Ladies.
She explained that Teus Mansion is open to the public—yes, even to busloads of students. Indeed, before the book launch ceremony, the museum dazzled visiting diplomats and business leaders with guided tours. “Very interesting” and “surprisingly delightful” were among the whispered reactions as they browsed the exhibits and the charming souvenir shop.
One unexpected highlight of the event was First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos inviting dignitaries and guests into the Goldenberg Mansion’s library, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese antiques, including jade furniture and ceramics—part of her mother-in-law former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos’s art collection. Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong and his diplomatic colleagues were visibly impressed by this showcase of Chinese relics.
The launch of Ginto gathered a distinguished assembly: Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Zhou Zhiyong, FFCCCII president Victor Lim, honorary president Dr. Cecilio Pedro, EVP Jeffrey Ng, my FFCCCII Public Information Committee co-chairman Eduardo Cobankiat, business leaders led by Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio, and other friends and partners in the pursuit of understanding.
It was, in every sense, an afternoon wrapped in symbolism, diplomacy, and a gentle warmth that filled the old mansion.
A chronicle, not just a book
As I shared in my remarks that day: “We aren’t just launching a book today; we are unveiling a living chronicle—a great story of 50 years of Philippines–China diplomatic relations, which we hope will improve even more.”
Spanning essays, archival images, and personal accounts, Ginto is liquid gold on paper—not merely documenting diplomatic ties but tracing older paths of friendship, commerce, and cultural exchange that go back more than a thousand years.
This project—nearly a year in the making—was a collaboration among diverse experts, from Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) chairman Jaime Laya, Monetary Board member Dr. Benjamin Diokno, culinary historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, to former Press Secretary Martin Andanar, along with dedicated researchers, writers, designers and volunteers. It is one of FFCCCII’s socio-civic responses to President Bongbong Marcos’ call for deeper cooperation and understanding between our two nations—especially in trade, tourism, culture, and technology.
And because China is the Philippines’ largest trading partner since ancient pre-colonial times, FFCCCII president Victor Lim said he hopes this book will inspire stronger partnerships and more export opportunities for Filipino industries hungry for the vast market of 1.4 billion consumers.
The FFCCCII is a non-political business and civic organization, believing that the many bridges we build can often outlast the disagreements of the day.
One of my favorite moments in this journey was how our printer was chosen. It still makes me smile.
Needing advice, I called The Philippine STAR president Miguel Belmonte. In a gesture of generous candor, he said: “For a project this important, you should talk to my friendly competitor Emil Yap—they’re the experts in book printing.”
And just like that, the project moved to the superb team of the Manila Bulletin under president Emilio Yap III, led by editors AA Patawaran, Krizette Chu, and Jules Vibas.
A gathering of gold
Looking around the Goldenberg Mansion that afternoon, I felt a quiet joy: business leaders, diplomats, media leaders, and community stalwarts—many with roots on both sides of the sea—sharing stories, memories and aspirations.
I said in my message: “This Ginto book is like the perfect brew: it’s meant to grace your coffee table—a rich blend of a thousand-year-old friendship, roasted with 50 years of diplomatic warmth, and served with a sprinkle of indomitable optimism.”
And because it is the Christmas season, we offered complimentary copies to all our guests as gifts. Soon, Ginto will be in bookstores and copies will also be donated to school libraries.
More people deserve to read this story—this “whisper of a golden past, and a promise of a brilliant shared future.”
A final glimmer
In an age overflowing with bad news, Ginto stands as a hopeful reminder that bridges can be mended, friendships rediscovered, and futures reshaped through goodwill, patience and dialogue.
At Goldenberg Mansion that day, under its sunlit chandeliers, it felt as if the past 50 years had gathered to wink at us—encouraging us to keep writing, keep talking, keep building.
For in friendship, as in diplomacy, gold endures.
