The nationwide search for the “Happiest Pinoy” is back with a bang as Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinancial services provider, reports over 400,000 nominations for the 2025 edition of the campaign. This overwhelming response comes after a five-year hiatus, reigniting a movement that honors the enduring positivity and resilience of Filipinos from all walks of life.
First launched in 2009, the “Search for the Happiest Pinoy” aims to spotlight individuals whose joyful spirit uplifts others, even amidst life’s toughest challenges. Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, expressed gratitude for the public’s enthusiastic participation, “This overwhelming response proves what we’ve always believed — Filipinos are naturally hopeful, joyful, and resilient. Through this campaign, we continue to celebrate the individuals who make us proud to be Filipino, those whose joy lifts others, even in the toughest of times.”
The 2025 campaign introduces a wider array of categories to ensure inclusivity and highlight the diverse sources of joy in the Philippines:
- Masayahing Gen Z – celebrating joyful youth
- Happy at 60 – honoring seniors who inspire through grace
- No Way Kapansanan – recognizing persons with disabilities who persevere
- Inspiradong Champion – spotlighting empowering employees
- Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla – honoring OFWs spreading happiness abroad
- Bibo sa Negosyo – recognizing entrepreneurs creating community impact
- Proud as Pride – celebrating LGBTQIA+ individuals whose joy sparks inclusion
- Creative Pinoy – showcasing artists and creatives uplifting spirits through talent
Two special recognitions have also been added:
- Katutubo (TRIBO) – honoring indigenous individuals and communities
- Happiest Ka-Cebuana – recognizing long-time loyal Cebuana Lhuillier clients
The grand winner will take home PHP500,000 tax-free, while each of the eight category winners will receive PHP35,000, and the two special awardees will each earn PHP25,000, all tax-free.
A shining example of this campaign’s legacy is Zaldy Bueno, a former awardee and public school teacher who also volunteers as an ALS instructor and co-founded PADYAK (Pidal Apakan, Dusnong Yayaman, Asenso’y Kakamtan), a program that donates bicycles to students with long commutes. His story continues to inspire hope and action across the nation.
Filipinos still have time to submit entries before the 31 July 2025 deadline. Nominations can be made through the following channels:
- Online: Fill out the Google Form at forms.gle/vU4Y42zG1PepyVJX7
- Email: Download the entry form from www.happiest-pinoy.com and email to happiestpinoy2024@gmail.com
- Branch: Visit any Cebuana Lhuillier branch nationwide for physical forms
- Courier: Send entries to 12F, Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue cor. Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City (ATTN: IMCG – PR Department)
Participants are encouraged to submit creatively — via scrapbooks, vlogs, or short films — to best tell their story of resilience and happiness. For more details, visit www.happiest-pinoy.com and become part of a nationwide celebration of Filipino joy.