The awarding ceremony, held on December 2 at Dusit Thani Manila, underscored the depth, diversity, and purpose of the nationwide competition. This year’s search brought together ten exceptional category winners representing various sectors of society: youth and senior citizens, entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities, OFWs, workforce champions, the LGBTQ+ community, creatives, indigenous peoples, and Cebuana Lhuillier clients. Rising from among these outstanding finalists, Zacarias stood out not only for his accomplishments, but for the authenticity and heart behind his advocacy.
A distinguished panel of judges—made up of public servants, media professionals, social innovators, athletes, and former Happiest Pinoy awardees—conducted a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation. Their assessment focused on four key criteria: Resilience, Optimism and Genuine Happiness, Champion of Hope and Impact, and an X-Factor that reflects one’s authenticity and ability to inspire. Zacarias excelled in all aspects, proving that happiness is most powerful when shared.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Inc., emphasized the deeper meaning of Zacarias’s win. “Zacarias reminds us that true strength is not the absence of hardship but the courage to lift others as we rise. His life—rooted in faith, grit, and service—captures exactly what the Happiest Pinoy seeks to celebrate: joy that transforms communities and inspires lasting change.”
Zacarias’s story is indeed a moving testament to inner strength. In 2012, while working abroad, a life-altering accident left him paralyzed. What could have ended his dreams instead became the beginning of a profound mission. Returning home to Negros Oriental, Zacarias refused to let circumstances define his future. Instead, he embraced what he calls his DRISOvalues—Determination, Resilience, Inspiration, Service, and Optimism—turning his personal challenges into a source of purpose and direction.
In 2017, he launched the Books for Kids Project, a literacy initiative grounded in hope, perseverance, and compassion. Despite mobility limitations, Zacarias tirelessly visited far-flung public schools—often accessible only through rugged terrain—to deliver books and conduct reading sessions. From his wheelchair, he has reached more than 300 remote schools and inspired over 50,000 students to dream bigger. His work promotes not only literacy, but also disability inclusion and the belief that no barrier is too great when the heart is determined to serve. “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 during his acceptance speech.
Zacarias’s triumph is more than a personal victory; it is a powerful reminder that purpose can rise from pain, and that one person’s resolve can ignite waves of transformation. His journey strengthens the very spirit that Cebuana Lhuillier aims to highlight—Filipinos who, despite adversity, choose hope, live with gratitude, and uplift the people around them.
As the newest Happiest Pinoy, Zacarias Mansing Jr. continues to inspire communities, empower young learners, and reaffirm a simple yet profound truth: happiness becomes most meaningful when it heals, uplifts, and transforms lives.
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