The Inspiring Rise of Zacarias Mansing Jr as Cebuana Lhuillier’s 2025 Happiest Pinoy
Cebuana Lhuillier has named Zacarias Mansing Jr a dedicated advocate for literacy and disability inclusion as the 2025 Happiest Pinoy.
His uplifting journey, from life-changing adversity to a nationwide mission for young learners, captured the hearts of judges and Filipinos alike. Selected from more than 500,000 entries across the country, his victory stands as one of the most remarkable moments in the history of this celebrated search.
The awarding ceremony, held on December 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, showcased the depth of this year’s finalists. Zacarias first secured a spot as one of the ten national category winners before advancing to the final round. There, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with representatives from diverse sectors including youth, senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, workforce professionals, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and loyal Cebuana Lhuillier clients.
Finalists underwent a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of public servants, media practitioners, athletes, social innovators, and former Happiest Pinoy winners. They assessed each contender based on key criteria: resilience, optimism and genuine happiness, championing hope and impact, and an authentic X-Factor.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., highlighted the significance of Zacarias’s win, noting how his story reflects the very heart of the program. He emphasized that true strength lies not in the absence of challenges but in the ability to uplift others while rising above adversity. Zacarias, he said, embodies joy that inspires communities and fuels meaningful change.
Zacarias’s journey is a powerful testament to this spirit. After a 2012 accident abroad left him paralyzed, he returned to the Philippines with a new mission. Guided by his DRISO values, Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism, he founded the Books for Kids Project in 2017. From his wheelchair, he has reached more than 300 remote public schools and over 50,000 students, championing both literacy and disability inclusion throughout Negros Oriental. “Being a Happiest Pinoy is about having a spirit that trusts God in all circumstances, and hands that are always ready to reach out to those in need,” he shared.
Zacarias’s victory stands as a reminder that purpose can rise from pain, and that one person’s courage can spark transformation in countless lives. His ongoing work continues to uplift young learners, strengthen communities, and advance Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission to celebrate joy that endures, heals, and inspires.
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God Bless & Stay Safe!