The Search Is On! Cebuana Lhuillier’s ‘Happiest Pinoy’ Contest Accepting Entries Until July 31

 Cebuana Lhuillier’s iconic Search for the Happiest Pinoy is back—and with the July 31, 2025 deadline fast approaching, time is of the essence. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your own journey of joy and resilience—or shine a spotlight on someone whose optimism uplifts others. Be part of this nationwide movement and get a chance to win a share of ₱1 million in tax-free prizes.

More than a search, Happiest Pinoy is a tribute to the unwavering Filipino spirit. As Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, explains: “Happiest Pinoy reflects our enduring belief that Filipinos are inherently hopeful, joyful, and resilient. It remains a powerful platform to honor individuals who embody the true Filipino spirit—those whose boundless joy uplifts others, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.”

Among its most unforgettable winners is Zaldy Bueno, the 2019 Happiest Pinoy. A humble public school teacher from Gumaca, Quezon, Zaldy overcame poverty and personal hardship with an infectious spirit of service and hope. His tireless efforts to bring education to remote communitiesled to his launch of Project Padyak, an advocacy that provides bicycles to students in need so they, too, can access education. His story is proof that one person's happiness and determination can create ripples of change.

Now, it’s your turn.

With over 400,000 nominations already submitted, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most inspiring yet. But with the deadline nearing, there’s no time to delay. If you or someone you know has triumphed over adversity with joy and generosity, nominate them—or yourself—today.

This year’s search is more inclusive than ever, with new and diverse categories:

• Masayahing Gen Z – vibrant, hopeful youth

• Happy at 60 – seniors living joyfully

• No Way Kapansanan – persons with disabilities defying the odds

• Inspiradong Champion – employees who uplift others

• Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla – OFWs spreading joy worldwide

• Bibo sa Negosyo – entrepreneurs who inspire with purpose

• Proud as Pride – LGBTQIA+ individuals leading with love

• Creative Pinoy – creatives using their talents to spread joy

Two special categories include:

• Katutubo (TRIBO) – celebrating indigenous people and communities

• Happiest Ka-Cebuana – recognizing loyal Cebuana Lhuillier clients

The grand winner will take home ₱500,000 tax-free, while each category winner receives ₱35,000, and special awardees ₱25,000—all tax-free.

How to Submit:

• Online: forms.gle/vU4Y42zG1PepyVJX7

• Email: Download and email the form to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com

• Cebuana Lhuillier Branch: Get and submit forms at any branch nationwide

• Courier: Send your entry to 12F, Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue corner Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City (Attn: IMCG – PR Department)

Entries can also be submitted in creative formats like scrapbooks, vlogs, or short films.

Be part of a legacy that celebrates optimism, resilience, and everyday heroes. Join now! You might just be the next Zaldy Bueno—spreading happiness, one story at a time.

Deadline is July 31, 2025. Visit www.happiest-pinoy.comfor more info.

Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Search Crowns First Happiest Itogonian in Itogon, Benguet

Itogon, Benguet — A local celebration of hope and resilience culminated in the naming of Kristine Joy Semillia, a 23-year-old psychology student and mental health advocate, as the First Happiest Itogonian during the awarding ceremony held at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium.

The Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), in partnership with the Municipality of Itogon and the Itogon Indigenous Peoples Organization (IIPO), launched the localized Search for the Happiest Pinoy earlier this year as one of its special initiatives to inspire communities and honor individuals who live with optimism and purpose despite adversity.

“Our goal has always been to shine a light on stories that uplift and inspire,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, PJ Lhuillier Inc. President and CEO. “Efforts like these allow us to recognize the resilience of Filipinos like Kristine—individuals who prove that happiness is not the absence of hardship, but the triumph of spirit. Her story is exactly why we do what we do.”

Kristine was only eight years old when she survived the devastating 2009 landslide in Barangay Loacan caused by Typhoon Pepeng, which claimed the lives of her parents, sister, and nine other relatives. Now a Naval Reservist, youth leader, and motivational speaker, she shares her powerful journey to ignite hope, foster healing, and empower trauma survivors and young people across Itogon.

“I am not just a survivor—I am a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and community,” Kristine shared during her speech, attributing her strength to her unwavering faith in God.

Winners were chosen from five sectors: Women, PWD, LGBTQIA+, Public Servants, and Youth, with each honoree receiving Php 3,000 and a certificate of recognition. As the overall winner, Kristine received Php 20,000 and a commemorative plaque.

The other awardees included:
· Myra Gwyn Cornel Guilao (Women): A health officer and single mom who overcame serious health issues during college.
· Jenifer Elitan Sadey (PWD): A Stage 5 dialysis patient who provides spiritual and emotional support to fellow patients.
· Greg Landocan (LGBTQIA+): A Magna Cum Laude graduate and educator who advocates for inclusivity while caring for his ailing mother.
· Juna Ballasio-Tavara (Public Servant): A devoted teacher known for her compassionate support of students with disabilities and special needs.

CLFI Executive Director Jonathan Batangan added, “Beyond the gold mines Itogon is known for, its true treasures are its people—those who rise above adversity with a smile and a sense of purpose.”

Itogon Municipal Mayor Bernard Waclin described the event as “a tribute to everyday heroes who inspire happiness, kindness, and hope in our community.”

As Kristine stood before her community—strong, smiling, and deeply grounded—she embodied what the Search set out to celebrate: the undeniable light of someone who has been through the darkest storms and still chooses joy.

The Search for the Happiest Itogonian is among the special grassroots efforts launched by the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation in collaboration with local government units and academic institutions. It serves to build momentum for the Global Search for the Happiest Pinoy, Cebuana Lhuillier’s nationwide campaign recognizing exceptional Filipinos from all walks of life.

The grand winner of the national search will receive atax-free cash prize of ₱500,000, while finalists in each category will receive ₱35,000 tax-free.

This year’s search introduces a broader and more inclusive set of categories, recognizing inspiring individuals from all sectors of society. These includeMasayahing Gen Z, honoring the optimism and energy of today’s youth; Happy at 60, celebrating seniors who embody joy and grace; No Way Kapansanan, recognizing persons with disabilities who inspire through perseverance; Inspiradong Champion, spotlighting manual laborers and professionals who uplift their peers; Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla, a tribute to overseas Filipino workers spreading joy across borders; Bibo sa Negosyo, for entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities; Proud as Pride, celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals whose happiness inspires courage and inclusivity; and Creative Pinoy, honoring artists and digital creators who spread joy through their craft.

Special awards will also be conferred to outstanding individuals under the Katutubo category for members of indigenous communities, and the Happiest Ka-Cebuana award.

For more details, visit www.happiest-pinoy.com.

Join the Search for Cebuana Lhuillier’s Happiest Pinoy 2024: Uplifting Filipino Spirit through Stories of Joy and Resilience

Celebrate the resilience and joy of being Filipino with Cebuana Lhuillier’s 'Happiest Pinoy'! From Gen Z to senior citizens, entrepreneurs, and more, this contest showcases inspiring stories of optimism and hope. Let’s spread happiness and recognize those who make a difference. 

After a five-year break, Cebuana Lhuillier has officially relaunched one of its most beloved campaigns, the "Happiest Pinoy," marking the beginning of a new chapter in the search for joy and resilience among Filipinos. This year’s revival of the campaign brings hope, inspiration, and optimism at a time when the need for such qualities has never been more apparent.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier's President and CEO, expressed his excitement for the relaunch, emphasizing the strength of the  Filipino spirit, which has toughened despite the challenges of recent years. "The last few years have been challenging for all of us, but through it all, the unique Filipino spirit—the same spirit we celebrate in this campaign—remained unbreakable. We’ve seen time and again that, despite adversity, Filipinos always find a reason to smile, to be hopeful, and to spread joy," Lhuillier said. He added that the "Happiest Pinoy" campaign shines a light on those who uplift others through their personal stories of optimism and resilience.

The "Happiest Pinoy" aims to celebrate Filipinos who rise above life's challenges and continue to spread positivity. The competition is open to Filipino citizens aged 13 and above, excluding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This year, the contest features several categories: Masayahing Gen Z (Youth); Happy at 60 (Senior Citizens); No Way Kapansanan (PWD); Inspiradong Champion (Manggagawa or MNGGW); Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla (OFW); Bibo sa Negosyo (Entrepreneur); Proud as Pride (LGBTQIA+) and Creative Pinoy (Creative Arts). This year, the competition has also introduced Special Awards: Katutubo (TRIBO) and Happiest Ka-Cebuana.

In 2019, Zaldy Bueno, a 37 year old public school teacher from Gumaca Quezon won Cebuana Lhuillier’s search for the Happiest Pinoy.  Zaldy, representing the Professional Category, bested other finalists from different categories by virtue of his advocacy to see more children’s lives change through education. 

The grand winner of the search will receive a cash prize of PHP 500,000, with category winners receiving PHP 35,000 each.Special awards’ winners will, meanwhile, receive, PHP 25,000 each.

Applicants can submit their stories via three methods:

• Video Submission: Submit a video entry by downloading the form from the "Happiest Pinoy" social media pages, filling it out, and sending the form along with the video to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com.

• Google Form: Fill out the official form via the Happiest Pinoy’s social media pages, providing the required details and sharing experiences of optimism and joy.

• Cebuana Lhuillier Branches: Visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch to get a physical copy of the form, fill it out, and return it to the nearest branch.

The return of the "Happiest Pinoy" competition is a significant moment for Cebuana Lhuillier and the country. As Lhuillier emphasized, this comeback is about more than just finding a winner; it is a celebration of the strength and happiness that define Filipinos. He said, "This campaign isn’t just a search for an individual—it’s a celebration of the strength and happiness that define us as a people."

With this relaunch, Cebuana Lhuillier hopes to continue sharing meaningful stories that uplift the Filipino spirit, demonstrating once again that, no matter the adversity, Filipinos will always choose to find happiness.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier announces its latest financial campaign “Cebuana Iponaryo”

Cebuana Lhuillier proudly announces its latest financial literacy campaign, “Cebuana Iponaryo.” This innovative year-long program is designed to empower every Filipino by highlighting the importance of saving, all while making the experience enjoyable and engaging.

 

With 8-million Micro Savings account holders, CebuanaLhuillier Bank foresees this campaign to further increase this number to 9-million by the end of 2024. The Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account stands out as one of the most flexible and financially inclusive deposit options in the Philippines,requiring just a minimum deposit of ₱50 and a card fee of ₱100.

 

To achieve these goals, the campaign features several keyelements.

 

All Micro Savings accounts come with waived dormancy feesand offer account holders a 0.20% annual interest rate, helping to strengthen the financial stability of account holders by encouraging consistent saving. Cebuana Lhuillier Bank is committed to fostering a culture of saving among Filipinos, ensuring long-term financial security for many.

 

As part of the campaign, new Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savingsaccount holders will receive a special welcome kit that includes a Cebuana Ipon Box. Inside, they’ll find a Fast Track Challenge card, a 24K UnionPay debit card, a welcome letter, and an Ipon Box Seal. The



campaign also introduces fun, gamified savings challenges whereparticipants can complete various tasks to accelerate their savings.

 

The Ipon Box is more than just a savings tool; it’s also yourticket to exciting rewards. Along with the box, you’ll receive anannual tracker to help you save regularly, aiming for ₱100 a day,which can grow to ₱24,000 by the end of the year-long “ipon”challenge. Milestones are marked with a “badge-like” status update that encourages continued saving and reminds participants to deposit their savings at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch.

 

This campaign isn't just for new Ka-Cebuana clients; existingCebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings account holders with a minimum deposit of Php100 can also claim their own Ipon Box in any branch

“We believe that every Filipino holds a unique story, and we want to help them start new chapters with confidence and security through simple yet powerful steps of saving. Our ‘Cebuana Iponaryo’ campaign with its objective of Bawat Ipon May Bagong Simula is a testament to our commitment tomaking financial literacy and saving accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Dennis O. Valdes, President of Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, added, "Our goal is not just to reach 9 million Micro Savings account holders, but to instill a lifelong habit of saving among our clients. The Cebuana Iponaryo campaign is designed to makesaving a rewarding experience, ensuring that our clients not only start their savings journey but also sustain it for the long term. We are committed to helping Filipinos secure their financial future, one Ipon Box at a time."

Cebuana Lhuillier is the leading and largest microfinancialservices provider in the Philippines, offering pawning, remittance, microinsurance, microsavings, and microloans. Committed to improving the lives of Filipinos through financialempowerment, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to innovate, providing accessible financial solutions to its clients.

 

Cebuana Lhuillier Bank is the banking arm of Cebuana Lhuillier, is dedicated to offering microfinance services tailored to the needs of Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked. The bank’s mission is to make financial servicesmore inclusive and accessible, ensuring that every Filipino has the opportunity to save and secure their financial future.

 

Start saving now! Visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch to open aMicro Savings account and start your Ipon Journey today with the Cebuana Ipon Box. For more information, please visit  Cebuana Lhuillier’s website.