It comes as no surprise to finally know that Efren Penaflorida was named as 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. After all, he has been a great inspiration to so many people, especially to us, Filipinos. And this very recent honor bestowed on him, is as well an honor for us. Thank you, Efren, and thank you to all who voted for him online.
In his words, “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.”
How nice it is to be reminded that in each of us lies a hero. I just wish it wouldn’t take another calamity just like the recent supertyphoons that visited this country for us to really look inside ourselves and realize that hey, we can all be heroes to our fellowmen. (Full story on Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year)
Mabuhay ka, Efren Penaflorida! You have truly made us proud. And I hope, through your example, we can really be the change this world needs, we can truly be the change we want for this country.
Like
