11:37pm (ET) 02/16/2012 Asia Pulse Data Source
The country’s largest pawnshop chain launched on Thursday the third leg of the Happiest Pinoy 2012, after Baguio and Naga.
Project Organizer Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, Inc. (CLIS) general manager Jonathan D. Batangan said two more launches will be held in Cebu and Isabela in the next few weeks.
He said a Dabawenyo, who has a cheerful face and a cheerful outlook in life, may just be the next Happiest Pinoy in the Philippines who will win P250,000 and a trophy.
Happiness is a universal aspiration and we are launching this project again as our way of recognizing the country?s most optimistic and passionate Filipinos who overcame difficulties and exhibited resilience amid life?s challenges without losing their cheerful attitude,? Batangan said.
The first winner of the Happiest Pinoy Search 2009, Winston Maxino of Baguio City was chosen because he remained optimistic and cheerful about life despite being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, asthma and uveitis.
The contest is open to all Dabawenyos who are at least 18 years old, a Filipino citizen, has an unwavering cheerful disposition, an optimistic outlook in life and has the capacity to rise above life?s challenges and has the ability to give a positive impact on the lives of those around him or her. Any Filipino 18 years and above, group or organization may nominate a qualified Filipino from now up to May 30, 2012.
Batangan said they expect to receive hundreds of applications for this year?s Search, but only five finalists will be chosen. There will be one grand prize winner, and nine finalists who will each get P25,000 and a trophy. The organizers received 200 entries during the 2009 Search.
This is purely an advocacy project of Cebuana Lhuillier that will help us promote Filipino values like hope , resilience and optimism,? he said. Filipinos are known for their resiliency and ability to smile during troubled times, which may be the reason why the Philippines ranks 13th in the list of 200 happiest countries on earth.
Nomination forms are available online at www.happiest-pinoy.com and the accomplished forms sent to Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions Head Office in Makati City. Winners will be presented at Shangri-La Makati on June, 2012.
Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop has been the leading pawnshop chain in the Philippines with over 1,500 branches across the country—from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi. For 25 years now, Cebuana has been true to its slogan “Walang Kapantay Magpahalaga” through the incomparable services that the company offers to its customers- this includes — pawning, local and international remittance, insurance, bills payment, e-load, collection, and foreign exchange. Founded in 1987 by the current Philippine envoy to Portugal, Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier is currently managed by its President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier.