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. JoshuaCharles 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.
(Cebuana Lhuiller’s Press Release)
