Ordinary people can make a big difference in our society by touching the lives of others. These unsung heroes deserve to be applauded and recognized for their extraordinary work and effort.
Filipinos have a reason again to celebrate because another Pinoy has brought international recognition to our country. Our very own Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. won the CNN 2009 Hero of the Year award given by the global TV news network. Siya ang nakakuha ng pinakamataas na online votes na umabot sa 2.75 million and he bested the other nine contenders from other countries. Aside from receiving a grant of $100,000 para maipagpatuloy pa niya ang nasimulang magandang proyekto para sa mga kabataan kasama ang kanyang grupong Dynamic Teen Company, nakatanggap din siya ng $25,000 dahil sa kanyang pagkakasama sa 10 CNN Heroes.
The CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute hosted by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was held at Kodak Theater in Hollywood. Si Eva Mendes ang nag-present ng award para kay Efren.
Efren caught the public’s attention with his work in bringing books to street children in depressed areas and on the streets. His Dynamic Teen Company already has 10,000 members/volunteers who bring reading, writing and good hygiene to 1,500 youngsters. Sa ngayon, patuloy pa rin sila Efren sa pagtutulak ng kanilang “Kariton Klassroom” para mabigyan ng edukasyon ang mga mahihirap na kabataan at malayo sila sa mga gangs.
We need people like Efren to remind us of the goodness of God and men. And sometimes extraordinary deeds come from ordinary people.
To quote Efren in his acceptance speech, “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… The hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.”
I agree. Hindi mo naman talaga kailangan na maging sikat, sumali sa isang secret society na naghahangad ng pagbabago o makipag-rebolusyon para ituring kang isang tunay na bayani. Kaya nating maging bayani kahit sa ating munting pamamaraan – we can create change by starting within ourselves.
Katulad ni Efren Peñaflorida.
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
