This Saturday, February 20, viewers of Maalaala Mo Kaya will be able to learn how Efren Peñaflorida Jr. was able to surpass the struggles in his life and eventually become CNN's 2009 Hero of the Year.

In 1997, the then 16-year old Efren founded the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), which pioneered the use of "kariton classrooms." These "pushcart classrooms" contained books, pens, tables and chairs that were used to teach the urban youth in Cavite City.

Over 9,000 nominations were sent in by viewers of CNN and the unique case of Efren was one of them. After a voting period of seven weeks, it was announced that the Filipino social worker received the highest number of online votes. He was able to beat nine other CNN's Hero of the Year contenders from different countries.

For this achievement, Efren has been conferred the Order of Lakandula by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But who exactly is Kuya Ef and how did he grow up to be a hero? Find out more about Efren Peñaflorida Jr.in ABS-CBN's drama anthology show airing this Saturday.

MMK is hosted by ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio.

Maalaala Mo Kaya (February 20, 2010)


Writer:                   Rose Colindres
Director:                Jerry Lopez Sineneng

Cast:

Enchong Dee as Old Efren Peñaflorida
John Manalo as Young Efren Peñaflorida
Gina Alajar as Aling Nene
Dominic Ochoa as Kuya Bonn
Bryan Homecillo as Young Edward
Janus Del Prado as Old Edward
Jairus Aquino as Isko
Dick Israel as Efren Sr.
Daria Ramirez as Lola Delia
Kristel Fulgar as Glenise