POLIO-STRICKEN Rommel Arellano is this year’s “Happiest Pinoy,” besting nine other finalists and over 13,000 nominees nationwide. He took home the title plus P250,000, tax-free.
The 35-year-old Bataan native was afflicted with poliomyelitis at the age of one. Despite this, and overcoming discrimination, Rommel has held various jobs – insurance agent, part-time instructor, disc jockey, emcee, singer, musical director, resource speaker, call-center agent, and school guidance counsellor. He is also the current president of the Organization of Persons with Disability in his community.
“I am overwhelmed with this unique recognition. By receiving this award, I hope to encourage more Filipinos to stay positive and remain optimistic despite life’s problems. I may not be able to walk, but getting up is never an issue. I will continue my journey, even if I have to crawl,” said Arellano.
Started in 2009, the Search for the Happiest Pinoy is a flagship campaign of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It seeks to find the most optimistic and resilient Filipinos despite life’s challenges, in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
Present during the awarding ceremony at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel were P.J. Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI) Chairman and Ambassador to Portugal Philippe Jones Lhuillier, PJLI President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, and the first Happiest Pinoy awardee Winston Maxino.
Publication: Business Mirror
Section: Business Bulletin
Page: B2-5
Date: October 9, 2012