The Philippines is ranked 69th according to the 2019 World Happiness Report. For the past five years, the country’s ranking has been improving. As a matter of fact, we ranked 92nd in the World Happiness Index in 2013, far lower than the current ranking that we have today.
While the country’s improving ranking in the Happiness Index can be attributed to the growing economy, Cebuana Lhuillier is exploring a deeper meaning of happiness by searching for select Filipinos who have a positive outlook in spite of the many adversities and trials in life, and are able to bring a positive impact on the lives of others.
After going through close to 800,000 applications in the last few months, the biggest edition of the Cebuana Lhuillier Search for the Happiest Pinoy has now come down to ten individuals who are already winners in their respective categories.
Khaye Celine Maggay (youth), Francisca Tumampil (senior citizens), Fortunato Januto (overseas Filipino workers), Rodrigo Roble Jr. (lingkod bayan), Zaldy Bueno (professionals), (manggagawang Pinoy), Mark David Cerezo (entrepreneurs), Alfred Santos (employees), Jayson Dela Fuente (persons with disabilities), and Leovy John Terrado (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community) will each receive P50,000 and will go through a panel interview to determine this year’s Happiest Pinoy grand winner who will take home P1 million tax-free.
The panel of judges is led by Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya; Rock Education Project Inc. founder Gang Badoy Capati; Enterph co-founder and motivational speaker RJ Ledesma; TV host, journalist and online influencer James Deakin; TV host Love Anover-Lianko; The Apprentice Asia winner and JY Consultancy and Ventures founder and managing director Jonathan Yabut; and Search for the Happiest Pinoy previous grand winners Winston Maxino, Rommel Arellano, and Richardson Navor.
The grand winner of the Search will be announced during the awards night happening next month.
“Filipinos are one of the most resilient people in the world, facing life’s challenges with optimism, faith, and a can-do attitude. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we believe that this should be recognized and encouraged at all times,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO.