It was a usual morning where I go to the rest room to unload my stuff and the radio was on, tuned to my mom's favorite Christian radio AM station. I remembered the past week when she was bugging me to vote for Efren Peñaflorida as the CNN hero of the year. I knew Efren, though not personally but I have seen his story on TV and wished for him to win such a prestigious competition. Much to my surprise as it was a coincidence and delight, that time the news anchors from the said radio station were reporting that HE did win! I hurried right away to a nearby computer shop and checked it myself. It is indeed true. The competition was stiff but he bested everyone on the scene. It really wasn't much of a competition though, what matters is that we make a difference and the difference that he made was through helping others in need. His road to success is glorious as the success he was able to achieve and will still try to improve is not only for personal gain but for the betterment of his countrymen. Manny Pacquiao (though currently involved in a love affair controversy), Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda, Apl D Ap form Blackeyed Peas, Efren and the countless others make Filipinos known all over the world and I am sure every Filipino, not only in the Philippines but around the world are really proud. Mabuhay tayo! :P

Here is the video of Efren's speech and its transcript.