By Dennis D. Estopace – Don’t worry; be happy. And maybe you can win P200,000. No kidding. Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions (CLIS), formerly P. Lhuillier Insurance Agency, is forking over the money to find the “happiest” Filipino.
According to general manager Jonathan Batangan, the nationwide search seeks to “honor the most cheerful and optimistic Filipino who has remarkably exhibited resilience amid life’s challenges.”
The search, he added, is about “recognizing and celebrating the Filipino’s innate spirit of optimism, resilience and hope.”
It excludes Filipinos below 18 but doesn’t have an age limit.
However, even if you’re already 100 years old, ask someone to nominate you—self-nomination is discouraged.
Also, only those residing in the Philippines are eligible.
Still, Philippe Lhuillier, Philippine ambassador to Italy, said Filipinos he talked to in Rome said “they are very happy where they are.”
Of the total 88 million Filipinos, only five will be chosen as finalists, but only one would be selected the happiest Pinoy by October.
The four finalists will each receive P25,000 each. The amount is no laughing matter because CLIS promised the cash is free of tax.
The finalists will be chosen based on their life story and their exemplary traits and character. The nominator must also describe in writing the elements that make the nominee constantly cheerful and optimistic. The nominator must also cite events in the nominee’s life that demonstrated his/her resilience and inner strength.
The nominee must also “positively impact the lives of those around him/her.”
Two years ago, Romulo A. Virola and Jessamyn O. Encarnacion of the National Statistical Coordination Board measured the Philippine Happiness Index and found out that the two most important sources of happiness are family and health.
Virola and Encarnacion also cited other important sources of happiness as religion/spiritual work, education, and income/financial security.
Respondents surveyed by the statisticians are happiest with family, religion, friends, love life, and health and are least happy with government, politics, and the economy.
Meanwhile, the newly-launched campaign, titled “Search for the Happiest Pinoy,” aims “to rekindle optimism and hope —values that are intrinsic to Filipinos.”
Touted to be the first of its kind in the Philippines, this campaign is truly relevant in this time of financial crisis and global economic downturn, CLIS said in a statement.
The nominees will be selected by a nine-member board of judges that include University of the Philippines president Emerlinda Roman.
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Can non-Filipinos nominate? If so, can it be via online