Stardust

November 9, 2009 saw a group of young Filipino heroes as they trooped to Mall of Asia Music Hall to celebrate yet another young Pinoy, whose passion to help street children in his own small and simple way, echoed not only in the Philippines but to other nations as well.

“Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman, of different colors, shapes and sizes,” reads Efren’s Facebook status. Efren Peñaflorida or fondly called Kuya F by his volunteers and students, grew up in a dumpsite in Cavite. Having born and raised in the slum, Efren was bullied as a kid and was even featured in a USA documentary about kids living in the worst conditions.

An intelligent and industrious student, Kuya F was given a scholarship to be able to finish his studies and even graduated with flying colors. Seeing the dangerous activities most students participate in, he envisioned of forming alternative activities to help and educate these children, if only he had the resources.

Fast track to 2009. The name Efren Peñaflorida who used to be just another name in the slum is now considered as a hero by almost everyone.

The Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a group formed by Efren and his classmates way back 1997, was formed to divert students’ interest from joining fraternities and gangs into making a difference at home, school or in their community. At such a young age, Efren is already seen as a hero by the kids who know him. Many people became a witness on how this young lad, despite of his own financial deficiencies, would rather spend his last P50 or P20 in buying biscuits and breads for the kids in the slum than keeping it to himself.

Kuya F’s “Kariton Klasrum,” which aims to reach out to out-of-school youth is a vision come true to Efren and a dream come true to the children who had the chance to attend a class through DTC’s roving classroom, complete with books, first aid kits and hygiene materials.

For the past 12 years, Efren and his team of trained teen volunteers recreate a school setting in unconventional locations like cemeteries and municipal trash dump. Every Saturday, children from 2 to 14 of age flock to the pushcart to learn basic reading, writing and arithmetic.  DTC’s 10,000 members  have already taught 1,700 kids living in the slums. Some of them eventually turned out as volunteers after.

All the hardship and effort by 28-year-old Efren Peñaflorida Jr. caught the attention of CNN, thus, Efren was selected to be one of this year’s Top 10 CNN Heroes, as selected by the Blue Ribbon Panel.

During CNN’s Hometown Rally for Efren Penaflorida in Mall of Asia’s Music Hall, the place was adorned with colorful balloons and inspiring plaque cards by DTC volunteers, Cavite City street children and their parents, Efren’s high school teachers, family and even Efren’s Facebook friends.

Aside from Cavite City Mayor Bernardo Paredes, US Ambassador to the Philippines Kirstie Kenney graced the event to show their support to the Pinoy CNN Hero finalist.

The band Hale, who also support Efren’s advocacy, and at the same time founder of Treehouse Production, a group of musicians who give part of their production’s earning to charitable institution, was also present to give the crowd a little entertainment.

Indeed, Efren was right all along, not only in his Facebook status, but also in his speech which he delivered in the celebratory rally for him. Everyone is a hero. The children who are willing to learn, the tireless volunteers for their priceless work and those who support their cause.

And yes, the song Hero was also right…”heroes are made when you make a choice…” in Efren’s case, he made the right choice of pursuing his dream to help street kids to realize their dreams and capacities in return.

Peñaflorida will be awarded $25,000 – and is eligible for the $100,000 award that will be given to the CNN HERO OF THE YEAR.

PLEASE VOTE FOR EFREN PENAFLORIDA as CNN HERO. Click HERE to VOTE.  Voting is unlimited so make it a daily habit to vote until November 19, 2009. ^_^