No. Efren “Bata” Reyes did not bring home another billiard cup, but, a different Efren did. The Filipino “pushcart educator”, Efren “Kuya F!” Peñaflorida Jr. was recently awarded “CNN Hero of the Year” for 2009 for his advocacy to bring education to out-of-school youth in slum areas of Cavite. His heartwarming and tear-jerking story of how a once out-of-school youth himself fought poverty, illiteracy and the influence of the ills of the society struggled to bring education and health-awareness to children in slum areas inspired millions around the globe to vote for him to name him CNN Hero of the Year. Kuya F! was given a standing ovation while the song “Hero” by Mariah Carey played at the background at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last November 21.
“Thank you. Our planet is filled with heroes: young and old, rich and poor, men, women of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each person has a hidden hero within. You just have to look inside you and search him in your heart and be the hero to the next ones in need. So to each and every person inside this theater, to those watching at home: the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve. Serve well. Serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I aways tell my co-volunteers at Dynamic Teen Company at Club 8586 Inc.: You are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be. Mabuhay!” Kuya F! delivered his “thank you” speech in between pauses. Watch the announcement of winner below (courtesy of CNN.com.)
Congrats to Efren Peñaflorida Jr. and to all the unsung heroes of everyday life. Mabuhay! =)
Thinking of volunteering? You don’t need gps to locate DTC, just click here for the vicinity map.
160 Comments on “One Great Standing Ovation for Efren”
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