Efren Penaflorida: CNN Hero of the Year 2009

ajay — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:25:30 +0000

The Philippines is on a winning streak!

After Manny Pacquiao’s victory against Miguel Cotto, another Filipino has won in the world stage. This is in the person of Efren Penaflorida, who was honored by CNN as the 2009 Hero of the Year for the trailblazing work of his Dynamic Teen Company in Cavite to educate young people in slum areas, through the use of a pushcart full of books.

In rites at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, Efren was awarded a trophy and $100,000 to continue his work.

Congratulations Efren! This is not only the victory of Efren, but also the victory of the large online community of Filipinos who voted for him. Count in people from other races and nations who also believed in Efren’s cause of education and equality for all.

Transcript of Efren Penaflorida’s acceptance speech during the star-studded CNN ceremonies:

“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…

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.

So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are 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 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.”

Ajay's Writings on the Wall » CNN

Efren Penaflorida: CNN Hero of the Year 2009