He’s been dubbed New Zealand’s happiest cleaner and there’s no mistaking that Cicero Calzada loves his work – the evidence being loud and clear.
The CrestClean business owner, who just can’t resist breaking into song at every opportunity, appeared on TV Three’s The Project in the show’s weekly roundup of “good news”.
Cicero, from Ashburton, was filmed boogying to his favourite songs while he was mopping and polishing. He told The Project’s Kanoa Lloyd he loves singing along to retro tunes as he works, and singing is all part of his Filipino culture.
“Groove!”, is the advice Cicero has for viewers when he’s asked how he gets in the mood for cleaning.
Since appearing on national TV, Cicero has been overwhelmed by calls and texts from friends and colleagues. Many of CrestClean’s Ashburton customers have also been singing his praises.
Staff at a medical centre where he cleans left a note for him in the CrestClean customer communications book: “Nice to see your happy face on TV, keeping smiling!”
Cicero’s boss, CrestClean regional manager Robert Glenie, says Cicero is helping to change the perception that cleaning is a dull and thankless task.
“The illusion of cleaning is that no one likes doing it, hence if you’re a cleaner you’ll most likely be grumpy.”
Cicero has been in his element cleaning at Bunnings, Ashburton – the retail store’s catchy pop melodies resonating with his love of ‘80s music.
When Robert recently dropped in on Cicero at Bunnings it was not hard to track him down, he says.
“I saw his car outside so I knew he was onsite somewhere. I headed over to the bathroom area and I could hear a Kenny Rogers number bellowing out of the toilets.
“When I went in, there was Cicero, mop in hand, singing his way as he mopped the floor.”
Cicero has been a CrestClean business owner for just three months and just loves the work, says Robert.
“He’s making a huge success of his business and his customers love his happy, positive attitude as he sings and whistles while doing his work.”
Cicero’s singing and his cheerful disposition has struck a chord with Bunnings staff.
“We’ve heard him singing and it’s really cheerful,” says Nellie Pain, the store’s operations manager. It’s lovely.”
She says maintaining a high level of cleanliness is important and Cicero is diligent in his work. “For us it’s about getting the job done and it’s a bonus having someone who sings.”
Bunnings staff had enjoyed Cicero’s singing – but she wasn’t quite sure how many others had heard him.
“I haven’t asked the customers as he’s in at the end of the day so we don’t have a lot of people in then.”
Cicero, who is originally from the Philippines, says he sings because he’s never been happier in a job.
“Any music that I hear and I know I will just sing along with it, especially in Bunnings as they have this great ‘80s and ‘90s music.
“Every time they see me and I’m singing it seems to makes them smile. They say ‘you’re always so happy’ and I tell them ‘I love your music!”
The 45-year-old says singing is just part of his culture. “When Filipinos have a party we always have fun singing. It’s just what we do. Whether it’s a gathering at home or a party, we always sing.”
Cicero recommends everyone should try singing while working. “It makes you feel less tired and it takes away the stress of the day and the time goes past really quickly,” he says.
And the benefits Cicero has found are backed up by science. According to research published in Time magazine, singing may release endorphins associated with feelings of pleasure, as well as stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is found to alleviate anxiety and stress.
You can view Cicero’s featured on TV Three below
