In a previous interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida said the citation is not for himself, but for the children his foundation serves. "Bawat boto po ay para sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan na tinuturuan namin. Sana po ay matulungan niyo sila sa pamamagitan ng pagboto ninyo," Efren had said.
Pinoy educator Efren Peñaflorida is named CNN Hero of the Year!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
09:42 PM
Rating
Proving again that the Filipino can, an educator from Cavite received the CNN Hero of the Year award today, November 22 [November 21 in the United States], in a star-studded gala event taped at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Efren Peñaflorida, who started Dynamic Teen Company, a "pushcart classroom" in Cavite City that aims to bring education to poor unschooled children, won the award after garnering the most Internet votes in a seven-week poll open to the world public. More than 2.75 million votes were cast.
Efren was awarded $100,000 for his foundation and a trophy from CNN, which marks its third year of recognizing heroes around the world through the award. CNN's primary news anchor Anderson Cooper revealed Efren's name at the conclusion of the event.
In his acceptance speech, Efren said each one has a hero inside.
"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 said.
He also appealed to everyone to try to be another hero for others.
"So to each and every person inside this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed," Efren said. "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." (CLICK HERE to watch his acceptance speech video clip)
Efren beat nine others to win the top citation. Chosen from around 9,000 viewer nominations by a blue-ribbon committee, the top ten heroes were each honored with a documentary tribute and $25,000.
The top ten nominees were presented by famous celebrities, which included Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Efren received his award from American actress Eva Mendes.
Celebrity performers, meanwhile, included Grammy Award-winning country artist Carrie Underwood, R&B artist Maxwell, and British pop sensation Leona Lewis.
Taped before an audience of 3,000 at the Kodak Theatre, CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute will premiere on November 27 [November 26 in the United States] on CNN.
Below is the list of the top ten CNN heroes:
Brad Blauser is providing hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Since 2005, his Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need.
Army veteran Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida. Since 2000, his program has provided life-changing services to nearly 900 veterans.
Bartender Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Through creative fundraising, his nonprofit Wine to Water has brought sustainable water systems to 25,000 people in five countries.
Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women. With mobile mammography vans, her group has provided more than 500 free screenings in Miami, Florida.
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls since 2001.
School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times. Since 2004, he has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens—for free.
Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company's 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.
Get showbiz news anytime, anywhere on your mobile! Just key in PEP ON and send to 4627. Available to all Sun, Globe, and Smart subscribers.
More News
- Aljur Abrenica evades questions about Kylie Padilla; clarifies rumor linking him to Ava Jugueta
- Geoff Eigenmann on Carla Abellana's rumored transfer to ABS-CBN: "The answer is up to her. Siya na ang bahala. And you'll hear the answer soon."
- Part 2 Ynna Asistio to Annabelle Rama: "Bakit napakahirap na pakawalan kami kung talagang ayaw mo sa amin at ipinilit lang kami ng nanay ko sa iyo?"
- Part 1 Ynna Asistio denies signing up with Icons; bent on getting away from Annabelle Rama's management
- Philippines bags 16 nominations in the 2012 New York TV and Film Festivals
- Richard Gomez on his view about politics: "The real way for you to help people is you have to be in politics."
-
Big Shot
Anne Curtis says Walk of Fame star tops all her achievements
Asked if she will do another album, Anne says, "Hindi na. Happy na 'ko sa isang album. Masaya na 'ko dun."
-
Weddings
FIRST READ ON PEP: Ms. Jolina Magdangal is now Mrs. Mark Escueta!
The bride and groom shed tears while reciting their vows.
-
Music
The Voice Season 2 will premiere on AXN by February 6
Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton will serve as judges of this reality singing competition.
-
Looking Back
Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos looks back at her 50 years in showbiz
Vilma names her most memorable films and favorite leading men.
Most Popular
- Gab Valenciano admits to initiating breakup with Isabel Oli: "I just couldn't see her with me. I couldn't see her with a guy like me at this point."
- Aubrey Miles reveals why she can't marry partner Troy Montero yet
- Part 1. Jaclyn Jose on ex-boyfriend Mark Gil: "I don't think he likes me. Parang there's something in him na parang buwiset siya sa akin."
- Kris Aquino's marriage to James Yap is now officially annulled
- Kris Aquino: "Annulment is not a cause for joy. The truth is, it was a marriage that failed but it's a cause for optimism."
- Part 2 Dolly Anne Carvajal on Carmina Villarroel-Claudine Barretto issue: "I stand by my story."
- PEP SPECIAL REPORT PART I: Why the marriage of Kris Aquino and James Yap was declared null and void
- Director Mac Alejandre talks about his four-year contract with TV5 and reveals the real reason he left GMA-7
- Jessa Zaragoza confirms "tent incident" with Sarah Lahbati's aunt
- Part 1 Ramgen Revilla and Janelle Manahan love story featured in pilot episode of Showbiz Inside Report
Advertisement
