Happiest Pinoy 2025: Cebuana Lhuillier Reveals the Top 10 Filipinos Inspiring Joy and Resilience

 Cebuana Lhuillier proudly announces the Top 10 finalists of the 2025 Happiest Pinoy—extraordinary Filipinos whose stories of resilience, optimism, and service rose to the top of this year’s nationwide search, following a thorough external judging process that identified each one as a true reflection of the Filipino spirit at its strongest. Another round of panel interviews will determine the grand winner, with the contenders sharing their defining challenges, the reach of their initiatives, and their vision for the future. 

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of P.J. Lhuillier Inc., captured the essence of the campaign: “In a world that tests us constantly, the Happiest Pinoy reminds us that true strength is measured not by the absence of hardship, but by our capacity to lift others while we rise. These finalists show that joy and service travel hand in hand—each story a lesson that hope is contagious and resilience can be taught.” 

This year’s finalists reflect powerful journeys of advocacy, creativity, and community impact: 

1. Darwin Tadifa (Inspiradong Champion), a public school teacher and ALS implementer from Iloilo who has spent 22 years educating out-of-school youth, founding DAGYAW ALS to support thousands of learners. 

2. Zacarias Mansing Jr. (No Way Kapansanan), a literacy advocate working from a wheelchair, whose “Books for Kids Project” has reached tens of thousands of students. 

3. Cresencia “Nanay Cresing” Ilao (Happy at 60), a 95-year-old master potter from Batangas preserving and teaching traditional pottery. 

4. Naprey Almario (Bibo sa Negosyo), a Davao entrepreneur creating inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. 

5. Ronnel Ojas (Proud as Pride), an advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and mental wellness through Project I Am Wonder. 

6. Joshua Charles Saguban (Masayahing Gen Z), a youth leader spearheading community feeding programs while balancing school and volunteer teaching. 

7. Christian Apolinario (Creative Pinoy), an artist and filmmaker advancing disability inclusion through creative work, including para-dance. 

8. Juan Carlos Soriano (Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla), an OFW seafarer championing mental health awareness and disaster relief outreach. 

9. Jason Roy Sibug (Katutubo TRIBO), an Indigenous leader strengthening education and sustainable livelihood programs for tribal communities. 

10. Glaidel Joy Balog (Happiest Ka-Cebuana), a radio DJ from Quezon known for self-funded outreach activities that uplift marginalized families. 

Each finalist stands out not only for heartfelt storytelling but also for measurable, lasting community impact. 

The esteemed panel of judges will score them across four criteria—Resilience; Optimism and Genuine Happiness; Champion of Hope and Impact; and X-Factor—supported by live scoring to ensure transparency throughout the process. The session will follow a structured format of introductions, timed Q&A, and deliberations. 

This year marks the much-awaited return of Happiest Pinoy, reaffirming Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to celebrating Filipinos who turn compassion into action. As the awards ceremony approaches, the Top 10 finalists stand as a tribute to the many unsung heroes whose lives prove that joy—rooted in purpose—remains one of the nation’s most powerful strengths. The winners will be announced on December 2, 2025. 

 

Score Huge Discounts on HONOR Foldable and Magic Series This Lazada Super Brand Day

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR Philippines is joining the Lazada Super Brand Day Sale this November 20–21, 2025, offering up to 48% off on HONOR devices. Amazing deals await, including the HONOR Magic V3 for only Php 71,199 (from its original price of Php 89,999) and the HONOR Magic6 Pro for Php 43,799 (from its SRP of Php 59,999). 

 

Aside from the huge price cuts, HONOR is giving away up to Php 11,990 worth of freebies, such as FREE JBL Soundgear Frames, HONOR Watch GS 3, HONOR Earbuds II, and Bluetooth Speaker II. 

 

“This is the first time we’re doing this! You can now get the foldable phone of your dreams, the HONOR Magic V3, with a whopping Php 18,000 price drop, or get our other handsets for an even more affordable price—as low as Php 3,949,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

 

Don’t miss this limited time offer and get your hands on your dream HONOR device while supplies last. Shop now at the Lazada Super Brand Day Sale from November 20–21, 2025:https://bit.ly/HONORSuperBrandDay. 

 

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com, or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Tap and Go: Link Your Maya Credit Card to Google Pay in Seconds

 Filipinos practically run their entire lives on their phones — checking group chats, booking rides, and juggling a dozen errands in between. But even with everything going digital, paying with your phone can still slow you down – especially with QR codes. Scanning with your phone, waiting for SMS confirmation, or having cashiers take screenshots and double-check a QR payment? Suddenly, your quick stop turns into a waiting game.

Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, is changing that. As one of the first banks in the country to enable Google Pay for credit cards, Maya is putting next-generation payments directly in your hands. Yup, Android users can now tap and go by simply adding their Maya Credit Card to Google Wallet. Even better? Tap to Pay via the Maya app is coming soon, making paying faster and easier than ever.

 

Why Tap to Pay Just Makes Sense 

Life moves fast—commuting, grabbing coffee, running errands between meetings. And through all of that, your phone is always in your hand. So, it only makes sense for paying to keep up.

 

It’s no wonder most prefer tapping with their credit cards. It’s quick, convenient, and comes with rewards. But there’s an even faster way to pay: Tapping with your phone. With Maya on Google Pay, your phone becomes your wallet. No digging through your bag, no fumbling for a card—just one motion and you’re done. Plus, you still get the rewards you love:

 

• Instant Maya Miles with your Maya Black Credit Card, and

• Cashback with your Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

 

An Easier & More Effortless Way to Pay

Paying with your Maya Credit Card on Google Pay is instant and incredibly smooth:

• Add your Maya Credit Card to the Google Wallet app

• Unlock your phone, open Google Wallet, and tap at any NFC-enabled terminal

• Pay anywhere Visa or Mastercard contactless is accepted globally

 

No extra steps. No friction. Just fast, secure, tap-and-go payments — whether you’re buying coffee, catching a ride, or checking out at your favorite stores.

 

Perks That Make Tapping Even Better

To celebrate this new way to pay, Maya and Visa are giving your PickUp Coffee run an upgrade. Tap to Pay with your Maya Credit Card via Google Pay and you get ₱50 off on your drink—yes, just for tapping. Your caffeine fix, now with tap-exclusive perks.

 

With this feature now available, you can finally ditch the unnecessary steps and go straight to the part that matters—tapping, earning, and getting on with your day. Paying shouldn’t slow your down, and now it won’t.

 

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.

UNIQLO Kicks Off the Season with Jose Mari Chan, KZ Tandingan, and TJ Monterde

UNIQLO opens this year’s season of giving through acts of care, thoughtful LifeWear, and easy gifts for all.

UNIQLO ensures to spread the holiday cheer with its 4th annual UNIQLO Holiday Event, which aims to share the joy of LifeWear with everyone. With the theme of “Wrap Each Other in Love”, the brand embodies this by adding meaning and purpose into the holidays through staying true to their sustainability commitment and giving back to the community through the Power of Clothing. 

The brand relaunches its RE.UNIQLO Donation Drive, wherein pre-loved LifeWear donations are accepted in all UNIQLO stores nationwide. These items are set to provide clothing to communities in need, inking a long-term partnership with SOS Children’s Village for their sites nationwide.

 

The donations will also form part of disaster relief efforts, in partnership with SM Foundation. In light of the recent typhoons and calamities hitting different areas across the country, UNIQLO is also contributing Php 3,000,000 for relief operation efforts, together with the organization. Through these initiatives, UNIQLO promotes sustainable giving while reminding Filipinos that the true holiday spirit is found in wrapping each other in love, warmth, and hope.

A Meaningful Holiday Celebration

What’s a UNIQLO holiday celebration without a festive jingle? This year’s UNIQLO holiday jingle features the season’s most recognizable voice, Jose Mari Chan, collaborating with powerhouse singer-songwriters TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan.

“UNIQLO has been our go-to for our daily ‘fits and holiday gifts ever since, and it feels surreal to now be the voices of this year’s holiday jingle together with Jose Mari Chan,” says the couple. “Beyond that, we are grateful that we get to spread the holiday cheer and help uplift Filipino communities with UNIQLO and its advocacies. The true magic of the holidays goes beyond festive gatherings; it is found in giving back and through shared moments of care, warmth, and hope,” TJ and KZ elaborate.

The trio took centerstage on November 13 at the BGC Amphitheater in Bonifacio High Street, as UNIQLO also led the lighting of its Holiday Tree, featuring a special performance by the PARC Foundation, an organization that champions and nurtures Filipino performing artists.

Discover the Joy and Convenience of Gifting

With its full range of stylish and versatile items for men, women, and kids, UNIQLO stores nationwide have been the go-to holiday shopping destination of Filipinos for years. This 2025 proves no different as the global apparel retailer offers thoughtful gifts for every need. To further simplify holiday shopping, UNIQLO introduces the Perfect Gift Finder, a new gift registry service designed to help customers identify the most meaningful presents for their loved ones. After answering a few guided questions, shoppers are matched with a gifting persona, each paired with a curated selection of recommended UNIQLO items. The tool provides a practical and intentional way to choose gifts, making the holiday shopping experience easier and more thoughtful.

UNIQLO also promotes the unique joy of this season’s well-loved traditions through in-store decorations and window displays that make for a joyful shopping experience. Holiday shopping is made more convenient with UNIQLO’s Click & Collect service, a hassle-free way to pick up orders for free from one’s store of choice at no minimum spend.

 

Whether shoppers are looking for functional clothing or fashion-forward items, UNIQLO has everyone covered. Here’s a quick guide on which LifeWear item to get based on gifting preference:

• Easy Gifts for All: Gifting favorites that are loved by all for their variety of colors, designs, and versatility.

-   T-Shirt Collection: Men’s/Women’s (M/W’s) U Crew Neck T-Shirt, M’s U AIRism Cotton Oversized T-Shirt, W’s AIRism Cotton T-Shirt, W’s Mini T-Shirt, M’s Dry Color Crew Neck T-Shirt

-   Polo Collection: AIRism Cotton Pique Polo Shirt, JWA Dry Pique Patterned Polo Shirt, DRY-EX Polo Shirt

-   Easy Pants: W’s Cotton Relax Ankle Pants, W’s Linen Blend Easy Pants, W’s Washable Knit Ribbed Pants, M’s Stretch Easy Ankle Pants, M’s Jersey Easy Cargo Pants, M’s CPJ Sweat Wide Pants

-   Accessories: Round Mini Shoulder Bag, Multi-Pocket Shoulder Bag)

-   Socks: Color Socks, M’s Patterned Socks & Patterned Short Socks, W’s Short Socks

• Easy Gifts, Easy to Style: Trend-forward items perfect for the many holiday celebrations.

-   Jeans Collection: M/W’s JWA Straight Jeans, W’s Baggy Curve Jeans, W’s Slim Flare Trouser Jeans

-   Knit Collection: W’s Light Souffle Yarn Cardigan, M’s Milano Ribbed Shirt Collar Cardigan

-   Outer Collection: W’s Zip Up Short Jacket, M’s Zip Up Blouson

• Easy Gifts, Easy to Move: Functional items for those who are always on the go.

-   Sport Utility Wear: M Dry Crew Neck T & Polo, M/W’s Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants, W AIRism Seamless T, W AIRism UV Protection Hoodie, Dry Ex UV Hoodie

-   Comfort Work Wear: M/W’s Smart Ankle Pants, W Rayon ¾ Blouse, Super Non Iron Shirt, Ultra Stretch Pants

• Easy Gifts, Easy to Pack: Travel essentials for those who have outbound travel plans over the holidays.

-   MW’s HEATTECH Ultra Warm

-   MW’s PUFFTECH Parka

-   M’s Fleece Full Zip Jacket / W’s Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full Zip Jacket

• Easy Gifts for All, Php 390 Only: UNIQLO also presents gift suggestions for as low as Php 390 for everyone’s convenience.
  

Join UNIQLO’s holiday celebrations today! For more information and to get all the latest updates on UNIQLO and its holiday offerings, visit www.uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook, @uniqlophofficial on Instagram, and @uniqlophofficial on TikTok.

Robinsons Department Store Launches Big Holiday Deals for Every Gift List

Christmas shopping can get hectic and stressful, especially when it comes to keeping track of your spending. At the same time, we want the best for our loved ones, so we go all-out with our gifts and gatherings. Fortunately, ‘tis the season for cheer and big savings at Robinsons Department Store with deals you can’t resist.

Starting this November until December 31, 2025, shoppers can avail of up to 70% off on select items, as well as stackable promos when they purchase from Robinsons Department Store’s Holiday Catalog and other sections. This means that shoppers can combine discounts, cashback, and other offers to save up and get more value with every purchase.

If you’re still stuck on your gift-shopping, here are some ideas for you:

Wardrobe upgrade
For the stylish ladies in your life, Robinsons Department Store is offering beautiful dresses that are perfect for any party. The Stella Cowl Neckline Dress (P999) has a vibrant multicolored print that lets the wearer stand out. The classic Liberte Tulle Midi Dress (P899) is also the ideal choice for black-tie events. Accessorize with a dainty shoe like the Privileged Metallic Sandals (P949) and Stella Jade Evening Bag (P1,499).

We’re not forgetting the guys, of course. Executive’s Embroidered Barong (P2,499) adds a playful touch to the traditional garment, which is perfect for business-casual functions. WRKSHP’s selection of jackets and overshirts can make outfits more interesting – check out the Denim Boxy Overshirt (P1,299) and Zip up Jacket (P1,299).

Vanity collector
The holidays are also a great excuse to gift and receive new beauty items for your vanity. Barenbliss’ Bloomatte Stay Confident 2-in-1 Foundation (P549) is a lightweight base that promises coverage that’s not too drying on the skin. Colourette’s Eye Gotchu BFF Eyeshadow Palette (P399) has five versatile shades that can take you from morning to night in an instant.

If you’ve been collecting fragrances, treat yourself to the trendiest scents like Versace Eros (P5,900) and Giorgio Acqua Di Gio 100ml (P6,900).

Gift bundles for every party
If you’re going to multiple Christmas parties this season, Robinsons Department Store has you covered with its array of gift sets from The Bath Lab (price starts at P249) with different bath essentials for relaxing days. You can also spoil your friends and family with snack packs from Trolli (P72), Jack ‘N Jill’s Bag O’ Fun (P125), and Cadbury’s Milk Chocolate Sharebag (P129).

Holiday promos you’ll love to stack

Throughout the holiday season, shoppers can enjoy  exclusive savings, installment perks , and loyalty rewards both in-store and via LazMall, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. Robinsons Department Store’s Shop Now, Pay Later promo until December 31, 2025 offers flexible payment options with 0% interest for up to 3 months for a minimum spend of P3,000 to let you shop with ease.

Limited-time promos like Red Fridays, which happens every Friday until November 28, 2025, gives shoppers P200 off and 2X GoRewards Points for every minimum spend of P3,500. Likewise, shoppers get payday discounts with the Holiday Savings promo from November 15 to 16 and November 29 to 30. They can get P500 off and 100 GoRewards points for a minimum spend of P7,000.

RCBC Credit Card holders can also get up to P700 cashback for a minimum spend of P5,000 straight transaction or P10,000 installment. Plus, if you pay with GCash for a minimum spend of P1,000, you can enjoy P100 off your purchase.

Get the chance to take home a P1 million cash prize, Vespa S125, and shopping sprees just by buying items from your list with Robinsons Department Store’s Shop & Win Holiday Raffle. Start stocking up your carts and stacking up promos to get raffle entries before December 31.

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Don’t miss out on the best deals and savings with Robinsons Department Store’s stackable promos this holiday season. Shop smart and save more – it’s the best payoff for all your gift-shopping!

AS Watson Powers Future Leaders, Recruits 134,000 Young People Worldwide

 AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their first year - meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

 

AS Watson launched the Pledge in 2022 to address the challenges young people face when entering the workforce. A lack of initial workplace experience and a disconnect between academic learning and practical skills often limit their employability. AS Watson is committed to helping them overcome these barriers by providing hands-on experience and practical skills training that bridge the gap between education and the workplace.

 

Empowering the Next Generation

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said, “At AS Watson, we give young people more than a job - we give them belonging, purpose, and the tools to succeed.”

“When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of everything - our industry, our communities, and our world. That's the real purpose behind every opportunity we create."

 

In the Philippines, Watsons has been actively partnering with local communities and academic institutions to successfully drive youth programs welcoming approximately 850 interns and apprentices to date. These initiatives provide hands-on community pharmacy practice, real-world retail experience and robust corporate exposure with a high probability of full-time employment—reflecting Watsons’ unwavering commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and shaping the next generation of retail talent. 

 

Impact Beyond Numbers

Beyond offering first jobs, AS Watson's programme focuses on long-term career growth. It equips young employees with essential digital, customer service, and leadership skills. The Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions and NGOs to ensure inclusive access to career opportunities.

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to:

● Reach 200,000 youth employment opportunities by 2030

● Expand training in digital skills and sustainability roles

● Drive innovation through technology and Generative Al in retail

 

To learn more about AS Watson’s youth employment initiatives and career opportunities, visit Join Us | AS Watson Group - A member of CK Hutchison Holdings