Monday 27th of February 2012
CEBU CITY, February 27 (PIA) — Giving emphasis on Filipinos’ resilience in the face of calamities, a private company is launching its second nationwide search for ‘The Happiest Pinoy’ 2012.
“We want to rekindle the age-old values of hope, resilience and optimism that is innate in Filipinos despite the challenges in life and the calamities” that strike us, Jonathan Batangan, general manager of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions said.
The search aims to give recognition to the country’s most optimistic and passionate Filipinos who overcame difficulties and exhibited resilience amid life’s challenges, without losing their cheerful attitude.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) endorsed the company’s initiative when it first launched its search in 2009 because of its objectives which is promoting Filipino values of optimism, hope and resilience, Batangan said.
“We hope to again get the endorsement from the DOT as it runs analogous to the DOT theme of ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines,’” Batangan bared.
Pinoys are naturally happy people and full of hope. This is proven when the Philippines currently ranks 13th place in the list of Happiest Countries globally by the NationMaster.Com,” according to Batangan.
“No amount of Typhoon Ondoy or Sendong and even the recent strong quake can destroy the inherent values that Filipinos generally possess,” Batangan added.
Ten happiest pinoys will be chosen but only one will emerge as the top winner and cart away with P250,000 in cash prize plus trophy while the other nine runners-up will receive P25,000 each plus a trophy.
“Who knows, the next Happiest Pinoy might be a government employee or a market. Vendor,” Batangan said.
Criteria for judging are: a) a constantly cheerful face and optimistic outlook b) proven ability to rise above life’s challenges and c) positive impact in the lives of others.
Nominations are accepted until May 30, 2012 while forms can be downloaded at www.happiest-pinoy.com.
Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luisitro and 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida form part of the board of judges.
The winners will be announced in August, this year.
Winston Maxino, general manager of the Green Earth Power and Energy Corp. from Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental was adjudged the 2010 Happiest Pinoy winner.
Maxino who is suffering from a degenerative bone condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis donated his P200,000 cash prize to more unfortunate people in spite of needing the money badly for his medical needs, Batangan disclosed. (PIA-Cebu)
Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1061330312416
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.