Cebuana Lhuillier Names Happiest Pinoy 2025 Top 10

Cebuana Lhuillier proudly unveils the Top 10 finalists of the 2025 Happiest Pinoy—remarkable Filipinos whose inspiring stories of grit, hope, and service rose above thousands of entries in this year’s nationwide search. After a rigorous external judging process, these finalists emerged as shining examples of the Filipino spirit at its most resilient. A final round of panel interviews will soon determine the grand winner, as each finalist shares their defining struggles, their community impact, and their vision for a brighter future.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of P.J. Lhuillier Inc., perfectly summed up the heart of the campaign:
“In a world that tests us constantly, the Happiest Pinoy reminds us that true strength is measured not by the absence of hardship, but by our capacity to lift others while we rise. These finalists show that joy and service travel hand in hand—each story a lesson that hope is contagious and resilience can be taught.”

This year’s finalists represent powerful stories of advocacy, creativity, and community upliftment:

1. Darwin Tadifa (Inspiradong Champion) – A dedicated public school teacher and ALS implementer from Iloilo, empowering out-of-school youth for 22 years and founding DAGYAW ALS to support thousands of learners.
2. Zacarias Mansing Jr. (No Way Kapansanan) – A literacy advocate on a wheelchair whose “Books for Kids Project” has touched the lives of tens of thousands of students.
3. Cresencia “Nanay Cresing” Ilao (Happy at 60) – A 95-year-old master potter from Batangas preserving and teaching the art of traditional pottery.
4. Naprey Almario (Bibo sa Negosyo) – A Davao-based entrepreneur offering inclusive livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities.
5. Ronnel Ojas (Proud as Pride) – An advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and mental wellness through his initiative, Project I Am Wonder.
6. Joshua Charles Saguban (Masayahing Gen Z) – A young leader leading community feeding programs while balancing school and volunteer teaching.
7. Christian Apolinario (Creative Pinoy) – An artist and filmmaker championing disability inclusion through various creative works, including para-dance.
8. Juan Carlos Soriano (Bagong Bayani, Hatid Sigla) – An OFW seafarer advocating for mental health and leading disaster relief missions.
9. Jason Roy Sibug (Katutubo TRIBO) – An Indigenous leader uplifting tribal communities through education and sustainable livelihood programs.
10. Glaidel Joy Balog (Happiest Ka-Cebuana) – A Quezon-based radio DJ known for her self-funded outreach initiatives supporting marginalized families.

Each finalist stands out not only for their moving personal journey but also for their measurable, lasting impact on their communities.

A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the finalists using four criteria: Resilience, Optimism & Genuine Happiness, Champion of Hope & Impact, and X-Factor, with live scoring ensuring full transparency. The final session will feature structured interviews, timed Q&A, and thorough deliberations.

As Happiest Pinoy makes its much-awaited comeback this year, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to honor Filipinos who turn compassion into action. Ahead of the December 2, 2025 awarding ceremony, this year’s Top 10 finalists shine as a powerful reminder that joy—rooted in purpose—remains one of our nation’s greatest strengths.