POLIO-STRICKEN Rommel Arellano (in photo) 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. With his determination and brushing off discrimination, Rommel was able to land on different jobs – an insurance agent, part-time instructor, disc jockey, emcee, singer, musical director, resource speaker, call-center agent and a school guidance counsellor. He is also the current president of the Organization of Person’s with disability in their 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 the Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It seeks to find the most optimistic and resilient Filipino despite life’s challenges in the hopes of inspiring other people 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 Chief Executive Officer Jean Henri Lhuillier and the first Happiest Pinoy awardee Winston Maxino.

Publication: Business Mirror

Section: Business Bulletin

Page: B2-5

Date: October 9, 2012