One of our B7 writer, Mahalia, interviewed Efren last October. His interview is on this entry in Barrio Siete: An Extraordinary Life: Exclusive Interview with Efren Peñaflorida.
He would then be awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year at gala show attended by Hollywood stars like actress Nicole Kidman and featured performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Carrie Underwood, R&B crooner Maxwell and British pop sensation Leona Lewis. CNN’s Anderson Cooper revealed Peñaflorida’s selection at the conclusion of the third-annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night. The Tribute airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT November 26 (0200 GMT November 27).
In his acceptance speech, quoted by CNN, Peñaflorida said:
“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.“
Peñaflorida will receive $100,000. This will be used to fund his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a volunteer organization that he put up to conduct his “Kariton Klasrum” program.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We all should be proud of him.. MR. Penaflorida was able to do something good to contribute something to his fellow citizens with out asking for anything in return.. miss you reyna!
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Mabuhay!
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