a real hero

at the height of Richard Gutierrez's controversial rescue of fellow movie star Cristine Reyes, i sent Kuya Ef some news bits and asked his opinion on the so called heroic act. all he said was, "Hayaan natin si Chard kung doon siya masaya".

i felt a bit ashamed of myself especially after having religiously followed the scoops and controversies regarding the issue. true enough, now is not the time for us to merely dwell on trivialities and nitpick on other people's weaknesses and mistakes, admitted or not.

i first met Kuya Ef or Efren Penaflorida, Jr. in 2004, when we opened our Bayaning Pilipino Awards search for young people who also chose to make a difference. He was nominated for his active involvement in the values formation of young people in the depressed community in Cavite. and he is a young person himself and as economically challenged like most of the younger ones in his care.

he did not emerge as the top winner but this did not hinder him from his continued service and dedication to help others. he is now one of the endorsers of Ako Mismo! and is also one of the Top Ten candidates for CNN Heroes to which i'm going to solicit for your votes.





if you are as convinced of his ideals as i am, then click here and vote for him. note that you can vote as many times as you want.

I vote for Kuya Ef!

let us all spread the good news!