Efren Peñaflorida, a 27-year-old Filipino teacher and youth worker, has been named a “CNN Hero.”The prestigious recognition, CNN said in a statement on Thursday, spotlights ordinary citizens around the world accomplishing “extraordinary deeds.”
Peñaflorida will be featured on CNN’s Larry King Live airing today at 6 p.m. (Manila time). Peñaflorida is the third of approximately 32 heroes to be unveiled this year.
Read his story in CNN: Pushcart classes help break gang chain
He is a breath of fresh air to the many scandals and the bad image our politicians give us in the view of other nations. We prove that we do not only excel in sports and in entertainment. We also prove that Filipinos have the substance and the nobility of being a true hero.
ReplyDeleteYou are right to bestow him that phrase. To a living hero amongst us:
Hail to Efren Peñaflorida, teacher, servant, hero...FILIPINO!
Roberto,
ReplyDeleteThanks for that comment. I do believe, too, that we have something to offer to the world aside from Manny Pacquiao, Arnel Pineda or Charice. And as you said, Efren is one of them. Indeed, hail to him and to the countless, faceless teachers who labor under unthinkable conditions.
I have seen him in Bandila the other night and I searched the web immediately. As I watched CNN Heroes online, tears rolled down my cheek and before the last of the three videos ended I was sobbing. I asked what have I done for my country that is significant. I am one of the many voices who complain and complain against corruption, rotten governance and street children all around. I've never seen the Philippines in the eyes of Efren. What I saw were the problems, what he saw were the potential changes he can make. Nowadays many people around the world say that there are but a few people who are selfless and sacrificial for others, I say most especially in the Philippines. But seeing Efren dig out children buried in misery and wrong influence... I see HOPE, I see a true HERO not only of the Philippines but a HERO of MANKIND!
ReplyDeleteBaby,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Yes, it's true. Efren serves as a reminder to those who see the glass only half-empty without seeing it half-filled. Whenever I hear story like Efren's, I became more reassured that all is not lost for this county, and that there's still hope. Perhaps what we need are more Efrens...not Glorias.