Pinoy “Efren Penaflorida” was named 2009 CNN Hero of the Year
November 23, 2009 by Marlowe Lacsina
Another Philippine pride, Efren Penaflorida, known for his Kariton Klasrum or “Pushcart Classroom” has been awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year at the conclusion of the third-annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night.
Penaflorida received the highest number of votes from more than 2.75 million casted online. He bested 9 other contenders from different countries after seven weeks of online voting conducted at CNN.com.
Peñaflorida, who will receive 100,000 US dollars, have told on other press interviews that he will donate the 10% to A Blessed Church in Cavite City and the remaining 90% will go to his Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) to continue its projects various community works.
“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry,” Efren said in his speech while holding a CNN Heroes trophie and hailing an icon of his Pushcart Classrom with a tiny Philippine flag. “Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”
He urged everyone to “serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.”
“As I always tell to my co-volunteers … 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,” Efren added.
In a latest news scoop, ABS-CBNnews.com reported that upon his return from the United States, Peñaflorida will be conferred the Order of Lakandula by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines and is conferred on those who dedicate themselves to the welfare of society, perform meritorious political and civic service, and lead lives worthy of emulation.
Earlier we also featured Efren Penaflorida in this website and how he landed in Top 10 CNN Heroes and about his extraordinary work in educating the Filipino children by his own simple and unconventional means. We at Proud To Be Pinoy just feel like being part of this achievement and congratulates Efren for bringing another victory and honor to our country.
Mabuhay ka Efren for your great Pinoy Achievement!
You can also watch the video of the awards night from our home page.
Galing talaga ng Pinoy, namamayagpag kahit saan mang larangan ng buhay! Congratz Efren.
You’re an epitome of a true blooded Filipino! Congratulations on your achievement… Keep inspiring everyone specially the youth in our country and hopefully make way for a brighter future for our children… We’re proud of you Efren!
Nkakainspire panoorin yung video ng awards night… Feeling proud tlga ako for being Filipino. Sana gayahin k ng mga nanunungkulan s bayan natin Efren! Congratulations!!!
Congrats kuya Ef. isa kng tunay n hero!
I just really hope that he will not be used by the politicians this coming elections.
http://alainsojourner.typepad.com/blog/2009/11/congratulations-efren-.html
a pinoy pride indeed! congrats Efren! thanks for being an inspiration for many people around the world including me .. let us all be heroes through our own little ways .. =)
The MAN! The inspiration! Efren’s life and work is indeed the pride of my hopelessness to my Filipino heritage. More power to Efren and his soldiers of volunteers!
Proud to be pinoy…. thanks for dropping by on my blog…
congrats and keep winning!