The hero this country badly needs

CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida
December 19, 2009, 9:51am





If Efren Peñaflorida were to suddenly change in the coming months, it would be completely understandable.

After all, he’s been rubbing elbows with the likes of Anderson Cooper, Eva Mendes, Carrie Underwood and all manner of Hollywood celebrities, all while his volunteer work is recognized by an international news organization like CNN. Other men have changed for less.

But what is completely encouraging to see is that Efren is still very much the same person that he was before all the acclaim and the recognition started coming in, if a little busier than he used to be. He still teaches at a small private school in Cavite City, and even has to deliver softdrinks just to make a little money on the side. And he’s certainly just as prone to be the victim of pickpockets like everybody else!

Nevertheless, that one untoward incident which happened recently at the airport (which was even caught by the CNN cameras!) hasn’t changed Efren’s optimistic view about the country’s chances, who looks to the young people he works with for inspiration to go on.

“Naniniwala ako na may pag-asa ang Pilipinas, dahil ‘yung mga bata sa likod ng Kariton Klasrum, nakikita mo ‘yung passion nila para magbigay ng kanilang contribution, ng kanilang ambag sa society natin, even sa small things. Dun kami naniniwala, na even small things become significant kapag pinagsama-sama natin, malaking impact sa society natin,” he says.

He didn’t always feel that way, though. The son of a laundrywoman and a driver, Efren experienced being bullied and beaten up by local gang members in his province of Cavite. Things got so bad that Efren had considered leaving school and getting back at his bullies, and he would have done just that if it were not for a fortunate encounter with his mentor, Bon Manalaysay.

“Nung high school ako, disinterested ako kasi nga ‘yung mga pambu-bully, gusto ko na lang nun, gumanti, rumesbak,” he recalls. “Pero na-meet ko ‘yung mentor ko, na-involve ako dun sa mga programs niya. From there, he trained us na maging part nung kanyang street education. Naging volunteer street educators kami.”

That involvement would then take a life of its own. Efren would establish the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) in 1997 with only 20 members, and from there the rest is history. The DTC would grow to more than 2,000 members over the years, be recognized by such organizations such as the Gawad Geny Lopez Bayaning Filipino Awards, the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards Foundation, and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the United Nations Volunteer Program (UNVP).

The CNN Hero Award, the latest accolade given to DTC, has only inspired him to do more. Ninety percent of the prize money he will be receiving from CNN will be going to the DTC’s plans to build a Center for Learning, while the remaining 10 percent is earmarked for a church.

In this 60 Minutes conversation, Efren Peñaflorida talks about how his life has changed since being named a hero, and how he tries to remain the same young man who just wanted to change the world even in his small way.

“Me kanya kanya naman po tayong potential para ikarangal at iaangat ‘yung dangal ng lahi natin. Bawat isa sa atin ay may kanya-kanyang potential na puwede nating gamitin. Ang encouragement ko sa lahat, palagi, sa mga Pilipino na nakakausap ko, is to unleash the hero in us,” he proudly declares. (Ronald S. Lim)

STUDENTS AND CAMPUSES (SCB): How did the CNN Hero of the Year award change you personally and your group Dynamic Teen Company (DTC)?

EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA (EP): Our schedule became busier pero tuloy pa din ‘yung every Satuday na Kariton Klasrum (pushcart classroom). There are more media coverages now at medyo nakakawindang sa dami ng volunteers at mga bata na gustong umattend ng klase. Maraming na-encourage na youth, mga galing pa sa Maynila na nagpupunta sa Cavite to see kung ano ‘yung nagawa namin and eventually replicate the concept in their communities. Kung dati nahihirapan kami kumuha ng resources, support, ngayon nag-uunahan na. Blessings are pouring.

SCB: You mentioned that the number of students and volunteers tripled?

EP: Originally, nasa 150-170 lang. Nung nakapasok tayo sa top 10 sa CNN, naging 300 na ang enrollees. After the CNN awarding, almost 500 na! The same with volunteers.

SCB: How do you screen volunteers? How do you know if they are really committed?

EP: Sa reality, ganun talaga, may tinatamad na, may pinanghihinaan ng loob. Pero patuloy namin silang ine-encourage, lalo na ‘yung mga galing sa malayo na ineencourage namin na i-duplicate sa community nila para mas marami kaming maturuang bata. Na duplicate na ito sa Dasmariñas at Bacoor sa Cavite, sa Bacolod. Sa Naga merong inauguration this January. Meron na din sa Kenya, kaya naka focus kami ngayon sa pag train sa mga volunteers para sa mga malayong lugar.

SCB: How many pushcarts does DTC have now?

EP: Five. One is a brand new donation kaya di pa masyadong nagagamit. ‘Yung una at pangalawang
kariton, binili namin, ‘yung pangatlo at pang-apat donation.

SCB: How much does one kariton cost?

EP: Ranging from P30,000 to P50,000, depende sa lamang mga libro, toys, shelves, blackboard, tables and chairs.

SCB: The CNN Hero of the Year award opened up a lot of opportunities. Did it bring any disadvantages?

EP: Marami lang talagang nag-iinvite. Kasi wala naman akong karapatang mag-reklamo di ba? Kasi I owe the Filipinos a lot. It’s my turn naman to say thank you sa mga taong naniwala sa cause. As the representative of DTC, I have to tell our story and inspire.

SCB: You have yet to get your prize money?

EP: Wala pa. Hindi pa nadating.

SCB: How much is it?

EP: $125,000.

SCB: How do you plan to allocate the prize?

EP: Ninety percent will go to DTC to build the Center for Learning. Ten percent will go to a church. The Center will be a dormitory type, may school, bedrooms, as well as the components of the kariton classroom. May center, may literacy classes, may clinic. Meron ding malaking space for parking ng kariton.

SCB: How was the experience of being in Kodak Theater for the CNN Hero of the Year award?

EP: Nakakakaba, exciting, overwhelming. I was there to represent every hard working and intrepid Filipino, ‘yung mga bata na tinutulungan namin at saka ‘yung mga volunteers, dala-dala ko ‘yung mga pangarap nila, at siyempre ang pride ng country natin.

SCB: But if you didn’t win, who would you have wanted to get the award among the other nine?

EP: Brad Blauser is the one giving out wheelchairs to Iranian kids with disability. Siya ‘yung medyo close ko dun eh.

SCB: Who were the panel of judges for the CNN Heroes?

EP: Sina Colin Powell, Shakira, Masi Oka. From top 10, nag-start na ‘yung internet voting for CNN Hero of the Year, viewer’s choice naman.

SCB: Being with these other heroes, what did you learn from them and what are you taking from their projects that you want to implement here?

EP: Maganda ‘yung meron sa rape victims, about child rights. We have a partner called My Rights led by Emmanuel Bagual, siya naman ‘yung one of the top five nominees of the International Children’s Peace Prize ngayon 2009. Partner kami in pushing for child’s rights.

‘Yung Indonesian nominee, meron siyang orphanage, siguro magiging ganun ‘yung konsepto naming dun sa transient house na pinaplano namin, a temporary house for street children, dun sila magstay at the same tme, natuturuan namin sila, nareready namin sila sa pagpasok sa formal school.

SCB: Were you expecting to win? Looking at the profiles of the other nine ‘heroes,’ it cannot be denied that they also did something good.

EP: We were not expecting but we hoped and prayed hard for it. Answered prayer talaga. CNN revealed to us after the awarding na hindi lang mga Filipino ang bumoto, kahit taga ibang bansa din. Doon sa first 28 semi finalists na pumasok sa buong taon, naging 10 lang ang finalists at ‘yung 18 na hindi nakapasok, like from Japan, ginamit ‘yung technology to vote for Efren, for DTC. Madami pa, mga taga Cambodia, merong nag promote sa Facebook.

A week before the awarding daw, alam na nila na kami ‘yung CNN Hero of the Year. Pero nung dumating kami dun, feeling namin “Ba’t ganito malamig ‘yung pakikitungo nila?” Kaya pala ganun...

SCB: They tried to hide it…

EP: Oo, hirap na hirap sila na itago sa amin. Sabi namin dun sa mga producers, “You are great actors.” Kasi wala ‘yung extra treatment, minake-upan nga ako 30 seconds lang. Akala naman namin, dahil Pilipino tayo, parang medyo may discrimination, hindi pala!

SCB: Have you seen improvement among the children you teach?

EP: Oo naman. Marami na ang napagraduate. When we feel they are ready for formal school, we send them. Pinapag-aral na sila ni Kuya Bonn, my mentor. Ang programa namin sa kariton classroom, parang sparkplug to teach them the love for learning. ‘Yun ang gusto naming ibigay at pagkatapos, DepEd na ang bahala.

SCB: Who are these children you teach?

EP: Mga streetchildren, may mga dating maruya vendor na nasa Ericsson company na. Ako mismo pinag-aral din nila ako, produkto din kasi ako ng street education ng mentor ko.

YOUTUBE, OPRAH, AND CNN

SCB: You were just 16 years old when you started. Did you ever see it leading up to this?

EP: Hindi. My mentor Kuya Bonn started street education in 1985 with Club 8586 sa likod ng jeep, sa garahe, sa hagdan ng school, dun siya nagtuturo. Nung high school ko nakilala ang mentor ko, nung panahong rampant ang mga gangs pero dahil gusto kong mag-aral, na-involve ako dun sa mga programs niya. From there, Kuya Bonn trained us na maging part nung kanyang street education and we became volunteer street educators. Nung 1997 tinayo nga namin ‘yung DTC, and eventually,
he gave us full responsibility for it.

SCB: How did the international community come to know about Kariton Klasrum?

EP: Sa meeting ng DTC, nagsabi ang isang volunteer namin, na dating dancer, na napaghihinaan na siya ng loob. Kasi wala naman daw nangyayari kaya tigilan na daw namin.

Pero si Kuya Bonn, hindi basta nag-gigive up. Sabi niya, eh walang pumapansin sa atin dito, walang patutunguhan ‘to, eh anong gusto mong gawin? Sana lang mapansin tayo, makilala, sabi ng volunteer.

Paano ang gagawin natin? Si Arnel Pineda and si Charice Pempengco napansin sa YouTube.

Sabi ni Kuya Bonn, Ef gumawa ka ng audio visual presentation. ‘Yun kasi ang hobby ko. ‘Yung mga outreach namin every Saturday kumukuha ako ng pictures, tapos ivi-video ko. Nag-create ako ng isang AVP. Gumawa ng channel sa YouTube si Kuya Bonn and posted the video.

Then from there, merong nag-send ng link sa kanya from Oprah’s Angel Network. Sabi maganda daw ‘yung program, ikuwento raw ‘yung story, ilagay daw sa isang article. So si Kuya Bonn, ikinuwento niya what’s the story behind the video, ‘yung work ng DTC and he sent it to Oprah. So dun lumabas, nagulat kami! Tuwang-tuwa kami, Oprah’s Angel Network.com nandun ‘yung article ng Dynamic Teen Company!

SCB: And what about CNN?

EP: From Oprah, somebody from CNN iReport sent a link sa YouTube ni Kuya Bonn, sabi i-submit din daw sa CNN. Ini-edit ni Kuya Bonn nang konti, and then submitted it to CNN iReport. From CNN iReport, another link again nag-send, i-send naman sa CNN Heroes kasi ang ganda daw ng istorya.

SCB: Who’s idea is the Kariton Classroom?

EP: Kay Em Bagual, isang mais vendor na naging volunteer.

SCB: And yet you were the one hailed for it…

EP: Kaya nga ‘yung honor na ito is not mine, but Kuya Bonn’s, Emmanuel’s and the whole group. Sila ang mas deserving. ‘Yung mga prinsipyo na sini-share ko sa mga interviews, sa Kodak Theater, those are Kuya Bonn’s principles na tinuturo niya sa amin. Even nga ‘yun quote na ‘to (holding his shirt), siya ang original na nag-quote nito sa amin. Ako lang ang nag-represent.

THE WIND BENEATH THE HERO’S WINGS

SCB: Why not Kuya Bonn then for the nomination?

EP: Kasi he was the one who nominated, the one who told the story of how I co-founded DTC, at naging highlight nga ‘yung Kariton Klasrum. Kay Kuya Bonn ang dilemma since siya ang nagsimula ng street education, at ibinigay sa amin sa DTC which I co-founded, at si Em naman ang nakaisip ng kariton classroom.

Kung si Em daw, kasi 16 years old pa lang siya ngayon, magkaka-problema sa papers, minor, baka mahirapan. That’s why Kuya Bonn decided to tell my story.

SCB: Did you know that Kuya Bonn was going to nominate you?

EP: No, meron na lang tumawag sa akin December of 2008. Sabi, “Hello good evening may I talk to ‘Ifren.’’’ “No, I’m Efren,’’ sabi ko. Akala ko Bisaya. (laughs) “I’m from CNN Heroes, somebody nominated you.’’ Gusto daw nilang magpunta dito sa Philippines para i-shoot daw ‘yung ginagawa
naming outreach program. They came January 2009, from New York, one day silang nag-shoot, and the piece was shown in March.

SCB: Ok lang kay Kuya Bonn?

EP: We tell him, Kuya Bonn, dapat kayo ‘yung nandito eh, dapat kayo ‘yung hero. Ayaw pa niyang magpakilala. Sabi niya – “Kung ikaw ang gagawa ng tama, ng maganda, ng mabuti, hindi mo na ito dapat ipagmayabang dahil natural dapat ‘yun sa tao na gumawa ng mabuti.’’ Ngayon lang siya talaga lumabas kasi may mga taong nagsasabing sila-sila daw ang humubog sa akin at hihingi ng donation. I encouraged Kuya Bonn to come out para makita nila na siya talaga ang nag-train sa amin at kung bakit kami naging ganito.

SCB: Sabi mo produkto ka ng street education, paano nangyari ‘yun?

EP: Sa Club 8586, maganda ‘yung street education nila. Meron sa school, sa hagdan, sa likod, sa jeep, sa ilalim ng puno, tapos meron sa school. Dun ako produkto, sa mga hagdan sa school. ‘Yun ‘yung street literacy niya eh.

SCB: So papano ka napunta dun?

EP: Siya ang pumunta sa amin. Di pa nga ako masyadong interesado nun eh pero siya yung unang lumapit sa akin. Nabu-bully ako sa school at ang gusto ko na lang nun gumanti, rumesbak. (laughs)

SCB: Mga ilang taon ka nun?

EP: First year high school, mga 13, around 1994. Kuya Bonn gave up his work in 1995 dahil nakita niya ‘yung potential sa group namin. Sinabi niya sa amin na imbis na gumanti kayo sa mga tambay diyan, sa mga gangs diyan, ibang ganti ‘yung gamitin ninyo, positive ‘yung iganti ninyo.” So we created ‘yung DTC.

SCB: Papano ka finally na-convince na sumali sa ginagawa ninyo?

EP: Pina-handle niya ako sa iba pang mentor nung second year, eh hindi nag-work. Nakiusap ako kay Kuya Bonn na siya na lang ang mag-mentor sa akin nung third year ako. Ang kulit, kulit ko nga nun eh, tinataboy na nga niya ako nun eh, sabi sa iba ka na lang, pero sabi ko, puwede bang kayo na lang po ang magturo sa akin?

SCB: And he started you off in this kind of volunteerism…

EP: He involved us sa mga ginagawa niya, pati nga nung 1996, dinala niya ako sa 10th anniversary ng EDSA revolution, ipinakita niya sa akin ‘yung mga leaders na dapat kong tularan. Dinala niya ako sa may sementeryo, sa jail, kasi meron din siyang street literacy doon. Ipinakita niya sa akin na kung ikaw ay titigil sa pag-aaral, eto ang mangyayari sa iyo, either mapupunta ka sa sementeryo or makukulong ka.

Pinapatulong niya ako, taga-bigay ng sandwich sa mga prisoners. Pero sabi niya, “Alam mo Ef, importante ‘yung ginawa mo, ‘yung role na ginampanan mo eh kasi ‘yung mga nakakulong dito, pakiramdam nila walang dumadalaw sa kanila pero ikaw, ‘yung simpleng act na ginawa mo, malaking bagay ‘yun sa kanila.” Noon kasi, parang galit na ako sa mga prisoners, may prejudice na ako sa kanila na masasamang tao ‘yan, wala nang kinabukasan ‘yan talaga. Pero siya din ‘yung nag-explain sa akin na “Alam mo Ef, hindi ka dapat ganyan kasi marami sa kanila dito, naipit lang, napagbintangan, or talagang na-frame up at marami sa kanila kailangan ng pagmamahal at pang-unawa.” Tapos, wala din akong bilib dun sa mga gangster, hindi na ‘yan magbabago. Kaya ang ginawa niya, hinanap niya ‘yung pinaka-notorious na gang leader sa school namin to recruit him.

SCB: Was he able to find him?

EP: Yes, nag-mentor din siya so unti-unti, ipinakita niya sa akin na magbabago yun. Kasi wala akong bilib talaga eh, dahil siya ‘yung tipong kapag napapaway, basag ang mukha, duguan, ako ang taga-abot ng bulak, si Kuya Bonn ang gumagamot.

Eventually, dahil sa mentoring na ‘yun, nagbago itong gangster na ito. Si Kuya Allan, na nakakuha ng Bayaning Pilipino award nung 2006 sa Gawad Geny Lopez!

BULLIED BUT UNBOWED

SCB: At what age did you realize that you could help without being rich?

EP: Unti-unti, nung na-meet ko ang mentor ko. Noon, talagang makasarili ako (laughs). Hindi nga ako marunong mag-thank you, mag-sorry or makibagay. Pero sa training and mentoring na ginawa sa amin ni Kuya Bonn, unti-unting na-develop sa heart ko ‘yung interest ko sa pag-aaral, na tumulong sa iba. Just because na-introduce niya sa akin yung examples ni Christ, ‘yun ‘yung palagi kapag mentoring session namin, palagi niya ipina-parallel ‘yung sa ginawa ni Christ so kaya ako nai-inspire ako lalo kasi kung si God nga di ba wala din naman siya, di din naman siya well off tapos kinukutya pa siya, tapos di pa siya accepted ng ilang parts ng society niya kaya ganun din ‘yung prinsipyong itinuturo niya.

SCB: What kind of bullying did you experience?

EP: Pinaka-traumatic sa akin ‘yung Grade 6, may dala akong ensaymada at naka-bike lang ako. Pagdaan ko sa madilim na lugar, may lumipad na bato sa harap ko kung saan saan ako tinamaan, tapos nagsipagtakbuhan ‘yung mga tambay. Iniwan ko ‘yung bike sa kalye, itinakbo ko ‘yung project (laughs) kasi kinabukasan ipapasa ‘yung project.

Nung high school, basta ka na lang susuntukin sa likod at hahamunin na makipagsuntukan ka sa kanila, eh ang dami-dami nila, paano naman di ba? Tatakbo ka na lang.

SCB: Pero hindi ka naman napapaaway?

EP: Hindi pero may mga nag-i-invite sa amin na sumali sa mga gang para meron kaming grupo pero buti na lang sa group ako ni Kuya Bonn napasali.

SCB: How does your family see your work with DTC?

EP: Dalawa ang kapatid ko. ‘Yung parents ko, hindi sila bilib dun sa ginagawa ng DTC. Pati teachers, sabi nila baka gang lang yan, itigil na ninyo yan. Pati mga classmates namin, ang sabi, “Pa-making, making a difference pa kayo diyan, walang mangyayari sa inyo diyan tigil na kayo diyan.”

Ano daw pakinabang ang makukuha ko sa pag-volunteer. Pumunta si Kuya Bonn sa bahay namin at kinausap ‘yung parents ko dahil pinapatigil nga ako. Sabi ni Kuya Bonn, “Kami na po ang bahala sa anak ninyo, ipagkakatiwala po ba ninyo sa amin ang anak ninyo, kami na po ang magpapa-aral sa kanya.” So, umoo yung parents ko. (laughs).

SCB: Kasi ganun nung high school di ba, parang nakakahiya or corny kapag sumali sa ganyan…

EP: Oo, totoo ‘yun. Si Kuya Bonn naman, ang sabi sa amin, “Huwag kayong pang-hinaan ng loob kasi, mali ba ‘yung ginagawa ninyo?” Hindi po. “Sapat bang ikahiya yung tama?” Hindi po. So dapat ipagmalaki ninyo ‘yung tama at dapat taas-noo kayo. Hindi na dapat maulit sa inyo ‘yung mga nangyayari sa iba so labanan ninyo sila hindi ‘yung sa pagganti kundi sa pagbuo ng isang grupo na magiging alternative nila at para maging productive at responsible silang mga estudyante.

SCB: So kailan nagbago ‘yung pananaw nila on what you are doing?

EP: Kasi magiging katulong na namin sila eh. Kasama kasi sa mentoring session namin ni Kuya Bonn na isama sila, i-win mo sila, even ‘yung kapatid mo kasi if you want to help other people, kailan mag-start ‘yung pagtulong sa loob ng family mo.

SCB: What do your parents do?

EP: Si Tatay, tricycle driver, si Nanay dating labandera, ngayon nagtitinda.

SCB: Did you have to work just to go to school?

EP: Oo, kasi ‘yung tinitinda naming fish crackers at ‘yung fried miki. Iniluluwas ko ‘yun from Baclaran nung college ako. Dati kuya ko. Nung high school ako, tumutulong sa pagre-repack, sa pag-stapler ng fish crackers. Even ‘yung pagluluto ng miki, ‘yung pagbibilad, ako ‘yun. Nung umalis na si kuya puntang ibang bansa, nagtitinda din ako sa school, extrang baon. So maraming umo-order sa akin ng mga teachers, mga classmates.

SCB: Sa’n ka nag-college and what course?

EP: Cavite State University, Bachelor of Science Secondary Education. ‘Yung una kong course, sa San Sebastian Recoletos de Cavite, Computer Technology, 2000 and 2003, nag-Education na ako.

SCB: Paano mo pinagsabay ‘yan sa pag-aaral mo, lalo na meron ka pang volunteer work?

EP: ‘Yung nga eh. Hindi ko alam, eh (laughs)! Lagi akong nireremind ni Kuya Bonn na ayusin ‘yung schedule. Even ‘yung pagi-ipon. Dapat ‘yung eto itabi mo, ‘yung 20 percent, ibigay mo sa ganyan. Tinuruan niya ako kung paano i-manage ‘yung time, at kung anong meron ka.

SEEING THROUGH MOTIVES

SCB: What about people who extend help to you, especially politicians, do you also screen them and look at what they will do?

EP: We encourage people to help. Politicians are welcome to help, pero siyempre ayaw din namin na gagagamitin lang kami, sumasakay lang sa kariton. We tell them immediately na sana maging malinaw sa inyo na ganito....

SCB: Sino sila? (laughs)

EP: (laughs) ‘Wag na ‘yun.

SCB: So you’ve turned down people who you thought have motives?

EP: Sila ang tumitigil. Kasi magdodonate, papahawakan ang banner, sasabihin project nila. Hindi po namin puwedeng hawakan ‘yang banner ninyo kasi hindi niyo naman project ‘to in the first place. Tapos hindi nila ibibigay ‘yung donation nila.

Minsan may magtatanong, ok lang ba kung magdodonate kami ng tsinelas pero may pangalan ng politiko. Ok lang basta sila ang magbibigay sa mga bata, at hindi ‘yung papahawakin kami ng banner tapos they will tell na project nila, or kami ‘yung magaabot ng gift ninyo.

SCB: Some people say politicians are starting to use you already?

EP: Actually meron nga eh, sa damit malimit eh, ‘pag naka orange daw ako kay (Manny) Villar, ‘pag naka green kay Gibo (Gilbert Teodoro), ‘pag black na may yellow kay Noynoy (Aquino), ‘pag pink kay Bayani (Fernando), ‘pag naka multi-colored Ladlad party list ako. (laughs)

SCB: (laughs) Nahihirapan kang pumili ng kulay ng damit?

EP: Oo. Idinadaan na lang sa paliwanag pero wala naman talaga.

SCB: Do you have to be non-partisan to do what you do?

EP: We encourage people to vote.

SCB: May nag-invite na ba sa ‘yong tumakbo? Anong posisyon?

EP: Madami-dami na rin (laughs). Vice-mayor, mga ganun. Me mga nagsasabi na dapat si Efren ang maging presidente ng bansa, pero sa Facebook lang ‘yun. Pero wala pa naman seryoso.

SCB: After nung nag-guest ka sa The Buzz, marami ang nagsabi sa Facebook na “Efren, huwag ka paggamit sa mga pulitiko!” Nasabihan ka na ba nun in person? What can you say about it?

EP: Kapag may politician na kaharap ako, ang sinasabi ko sa kanila, lahat ng taong may gusto ng puwesto sa bayan natin, ang kapangyarihan ay tungkulin at ang panunungkulan ay ginagawa ng may pagpapakumbaba. Ang totoong paglingkod ay hindi para sa kapakinabangan ng iisa at iilan, kundi pagtugon sa panaghoy ng lipunan.

Wala naman problema kung gusto magpa-picture ng mga pulitiko. Ok. They are Filipinos. Nagkataon lang na politicians sila. Pero hindi ako magtataas ng kamay, hindi ako gagawa ng hand signs. Hindi kami mageendorso. Ang alam ko sa sarili ko, I am not endorsing any political group or individual. Alam ko kung saan ako nakatayo.

A HERO IN ALL OF US

SCB: Kapag sinabi mong hero, it entails a lot. Now that you’re being called a hero, have you become used to it?

EP: Malimit kong sinasabi sa kanila na bawat isa sa atin ay may kabayanihan sa puso. You just have to unleash that hero in you. Kapag sinasabi nila na bayani ako, mas deserving ‘yung mga volunteers, sila Kuya Bonn, sina Em. Sila ‘yung mas deserving na tawaging bayani. Ako kasi, representative lang. Ang encouragement ko sa lahat, palagi, sa mga Pilipino na nakakausap ko, is to unleash the hero in us. Nandun naman sa puso natin, kaso lang naoovercome siya nang sarili nating pag-iimbot at kasakiman. Nawawala ‘yung kabayanihan sa puso natin at puro kasamaan ‘yung lumalabas. Kailangan nating i-unleash ‘yung hero in us.

SCB: Growing up, ano ba ‘yung mga pangarap mo?

EP: Personally, kung mabigyan ng chance na makapasok sa isang reputable school, i-continue ‘yung pag-aaral ko. Sana makapag-masteral ako o makapag-Ph.D. Nung bata ako gusto kong maging engineer.

Gusto kong mapatayo ng magandang bahay ‘yung parents ko, kasi ang liit lang ng bahay namin. Kurtina lang ang divider namin.

SCB: Hanggang ngayon?

EP: Ngayon hindi na, kasi si Kuya nag-abroad, siya ‘yung nagpaayos ng bahay namin. Pero same lupa. Dun lang sa mentoring ni Kuya Bonn ko narealize na more than just buildings ang puwede kong ma-build, kundi ‘yung mga buhay nung mga bata na tinutulungan namin.

SCB: What do you think is lacking in the country’s educational system?

EP: Sa experience namin, simple lang naman. Hindi makapasok ‘yung mga bata kasi walang birth certificate, hindi tinatanggap sa school. Kung nasa school naman, nahihirapan sa pambaon at pamasahe, tapos pagdating sa school pagbabayarin ka ng kung anu-anong ticket. Pagdating ng examination, may bayad ang test paper. Sana ‘yung mga simpleng problemang ganun, masolusyunan.

SCB: Meron ba kayong day job?

EP: Nagtuturo ako every weekdays sa Palmridge School sa Cavite, private school sa Imus, Cavite. Three years na ako nagtuturo ng Math. Last year kasi nagtuturo ako ng Computer, tapos Math, Geometry, Algebra, at Values. Last year, nag-resign ako kasi baka mahirapan ako kapag tinuloy-
tuloy ko ‘to. Hindi nila ako pinakawalan, binigyan nila ako ng once a week na workload. Tinuturo ko na ang ngayon is values education and student council.

Nagdedeliver din ako ng softdrinks, ‘yun ‘yung sideline ko. ‘Yun ‘yung income ko. ‘Yung mga volunteers, nagaaral. ‘Yung iba, first year college na.

SCB: Nanakawan ka sa airport recently just as CNN was following you for filming. How did you feel at that moment?

EP: Nakakalungkot kasi kapwa ko Pilipino. Witness pa yung CNN reporter sa affidavit! (laughs) Nakakahiya kasi covered lahat ‘yun. From Hong Kong, kinukunan ako ng video, hanggang pababa, hanggang Justice Hall ng Pasay, hanggang rally sa Ayala. Binigyan kami ng option sa police station not to pursue, kasi maiipit kami sa schedule. But we stuck to the principle that she had to learn her lesson.

SCB: What do you think are the responsibilites that go with the honor that’s been bestowed on you?

EP: Isa sa mga responsibility ko is to encourage ‘yung mga tao sa darating na halalan. Mas intense ngayon kasi malimit kang nakikita sa media at mas lumalawak ang impluensiya mo. I want to use my influence hindi para sa iilang tao lang kundi para sa lahat ng mga kabataan na bantayan ‘yung boto, maging mapagmatyag, at ipagtanggol ‘yung karapatan natin na bumoto.

SCB: What about the Philippines are you proud of and most ashamed of?

EP: Unti-unti talaga eh nauunleash ng mga Filipino ang hero sa puso nila. Ang nakakalungkot ay ang kasakiman at paghihilahan pababa. Pero naniniwala ako na may pag-asa ang Pilipinas, dahil ‘yung mga bata sa likod ng kariton classroom, nakikita mo ‘yung passion nila para magbigay ng kanilang contribution, ng kanilang ambag sa society natin, even sa small things. Dun kami naniniwala, na even small things become significant kapag pinagsama-sama natin, malaking impact sa society natin.

SCB: Are you single?

EP: Yes.

SCB: May nililigawan?

EP: May pinapag-pray.

(Interview by ANGELO G. GARCIA, RONALD S. LIM, INA H. MALIPOT, JASER A. MARASIGAN
and IVY LISA MENDOZA; Photo by JONG CLEMENTE)

Global warming could sink Cebu | The Freeman The Freeman Sections Cebu News

Global warming could sink Cebu | The Freeman The Freeman Sections Cebu News

Smoke Coming Down

Today, the Maker was not feeling too good. This morning he quit smoking. The expected symptoms of nicotine withdrawal were strong with him. And he had to match the urge to smoke with the strength of his resolve. He knew it would not be enough. And so he willed himself to contemplate the fear of death. If there was one thing he knew with a certainty it was that the smoking would kill him, sooner or later. He could feel it killing him every time he lighted up.

The Maker expected a storm coming. He worried especially if he would still be able to write well. His writing environment had always contained these elements: computer, cup of coffee, ash tray, lighter and pack of cigarettes. Now, he had only the computer. He would try a cup of coffee if only he were not sure this would lead him to surrender to at least a stick. And then he would tumble from then on. And so he had just the computer and a kind of emptiness inside him. Not only that, he began to worry if he was following the right track with this series. Clearly, he was feeling a strong bout of anxiety. He felt a vulnerability he had not felt in a long time. He longed for the old times.

"Don't think like that. Now is a good time to look on the bright side of things," Christina said, trying to placate the Maker and ease his obvious nervousness. She steered him to the nearest sofa. She knew this was a time when touch would count more than words and so she held him close to her resting his head on her single good breast. The Maker felt immediately better. In fact, he felt so good he began to feel excited. He had rested his right hand on the softness of Christina's mid-section. Now it began a gentle if slow descent. She began to enjoy it. It took some effort for her finally to cross her legs. "I think you are more in need of a friend than a lover" was what she said.

"Let's talk instead about smoking. Why would people actually risk their lives for it? Is it really that good?"

Christina and the Maker began deconstructing the act of smoking between themselves. Smoking is rolled tobacco lighted up then ingested by breathing. The smoke ingested is a cocktail of poison. Which was why you threw up the first time you smoked a whole stick. "How did you ever begin smoking?" Christina asked.

The Maker recalled a happy time decades ago when he played chaperone to his older sisters. Back then, everyone smoked. Them and their boyfriends, parents, brothers, sisters, uncles; smoke was everywhere. They knew it was cancerous but this was a careless time, everyone was in the prime of health. Death was something you worried about far, far into the future. We were invincible. The Maker turned to Christina and smiled. "I guess the future caught up with us."

"But what is it about smoking that gets you?" Christina asked, obviously persistent. The Maker was silent for a time until finally he blurted out, "Hollywood." All the old stars smoked: Eastwood, Sinatra, Bette Davis, Taylor, Burton, etc, even Castro and Che. We should not be surprised to find the Tobacco companies actually paid these stars to smoke on screen. It’s hard not to smoke if all our "idols" smoked.

"But what of the actual pleasure of smoking. Is it real? What are its constructs?"
The Maker recalled the actual feeling of smoke passing through his throat and into the lungs. He had to admit a nostalgia for that sensation now but still he wondered if that sensation was by itself actually pleasurable. Clearly, if at all pleasurable, it should not feel better or even equal to the pleasure he felt from Christina's fingers scratching the dandruff from his scalp. The pleasure of Christina's touch is logical. It could be translated into sex and/or love. "But smoking? What does it translate to?"

Finally the long silence. Seated together on the sofa, both fell into each other's bodies and felt the momentary sense of endless peacefulness that in time would yield to muscular discomfort or even a crick in the neck. But for now there was only the sense of being comfortably together. Finally, It is was Christina who said this: "Danger, excitement, adventure, time. Entropy. Decay. Death"

"We all deal with it in our own way. I truly hope you will get there. Quit."

Does CT scan cause cancer?

COMPUTERIZED Tomography (CT) Scans is one of the greatest advances in medicine in the last century which expedites early diagnosis with more precision and accuracy, not readily possible before its introduction.


However, whenever a test involves x-rays, concerns about radiation exposure and the risks it poses are seriously monitored and researched by the medical community. Besides the usual evaluation of the cost-benefit equation, the risk-benefit ratio is likewise evaluated on an on-going basis, no matter how good the test is. All in the name of quality medical care and safety.


Recent alarming studies, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine December 14, 2009, stated that radiation from CT scans “may cause cancer decades later,” estimating “about 29,000 future malignancies would occur in the US because of CT scans done in 2007.”

CT scans are done for the head, chest, heart, blood vessels, abdominal organs, soft tissues and bones, etc. If the strict medical indication for CT scan is followed to the letter, there will be a lot less CT scans done around the globe. Patients’ demand for a CT scan, if without medical justification, should be ignored by the physician, for their own safety.

The radiation a CT scan delivers is equivalent to about 100 to 200 times those of conventional chest X-ray. If your doctor says “we will do 100 to 200 chest X-rays on you today,” you will surely be stunned and question its safety, if not refuse altogether. But
practically everybody accepts (some even insist to have) CT scan without care.

Majority of the predicted CT scan victims of cancer are women and about 33 percent of these cancers are projected to happen to those who were 35 to 54 years of age when they had the CT scan, based on an estimated 72 million CT scans performed in 2007, a triple increase in the number of CT scans since 1993. About 30 percent of CT scans done are deemed unnecessary, not medically justifiable.

“We know that there are great medical benefits to CT scans, but they also involve small risks of cancer because of radiation exposure,” said Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, the lead researcher at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. “For an individual, the risks are small. So if the scan is clinically justified, then the benefits should outweigh the risks,” she added.

The researcher pointed out that “the overall risk for any individual is small and depends on the type of scan given and a person’s age ... A 70-year-old who has a CT scan of the head would have a 1 in 10,000 chance of developing cancer from the test, while a baby who had a chest CT scan would have a 1 in 200 chance.”

Type of cancers
The prediction is that lung cancer, followed by colon cancer and leukemia, will be the most common radiation-related cancer. Fifty percent of those predicted 29,000 people who may develop cancer from CT scan in 2007 will die, according to the study.

This published research also pointed out that if the use of CT scan remains at its present number or higher, “eventually 29,000 cancers every year could be due to past CT scan use.” This translates to about 2 percent of the 1.4 million cancers diagnosed in the United States annually.

“There’s a risk with anything we do, whether it’s taking antibiotics or crossing the street,” stated Donald Frush, chairman of the American College of Radiology’s Pediatric Imaging Commission and chief of the division of pediatric radiology at Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. “We can’t lose what the benefits of CT scanning are. The benefits are that CT scans save tens of thousands of lives each year in the U.S. and really helps the medical community diagnose things. CT is one of the most invaluable medical advancements in the last 100 years,” Dr. Frush added.

One unfortunate mistake that has complicated the CT scan issue is that of a wrongly programmed CT scan which apparently has happened at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, where patients undergoing CT scan of the head were reportedly exposed to
excess radiation. This news has directed the spotlight on the risk of radiation from CT scan. In view of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on December 7, 2009 issued interim regulations requiring closer monitoring of CT scans after more than 250 cases of exposure to excess radiation were reported since October this year.

Mammography and breast cancer

On another front, a report from the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America “verified that annual mammography screenings may be responsible for causing breast cancer in women predisposed to the disease.”

The study included high-risk women and showed that low-dose mammography radiation “increased these women’s risk of developing breast cancer by 150 percent ...women under 29 who have had at least five mammograms are 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than high-risk women who have never undergone low-dose mammography screenings.”

University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands’ epidemiologist Marijke C. Jansen-van der Weide cautions physicians when screening younger women, especially those under age 30. The researcher suggested alternative screening tests like Ultrasounds, MRIs, and heat thermography, where no radiation is involved.

Clearing the air

I realize how much fear and confusion this issue has caused the public. The truth of the matter is even the medical community has been impacted by this. After all, the CT scan has been a very reliable diagnostic tool in the physician’s armamentarium for the benefit of his patients.

The debate on this matter is far from over. More studies are presently being conducted to get a good handle on this problem and determine a solution for it.

In the meantime, one thing is clear: where medically indicated, CT scan, which has saved
hundreds of millions of lives since it was first introduced, is a precious tool in competent hands. Unless a superior and safer substitute comes along, CT scan will be with us for some time in man’s fight against diseases, especially cancer.

As always, I am advising patients to discuss in detail with their attending physicians whatever concerns they may have as far as diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and other details of their condition are concerned.

The Person I Hated Most

There's a phrase that says "the more you hate the person the more you think of him or her. And the more you think of him or her the more he or she ruins your day.. It's true!
First day of December, 2009, I used to think things that can make my whole month more happier and interesting. And perhaps a preparation also for a brighter new year. I used to get along with things that could make my life more meaningful and be different from the past few years. But as I find and look for these things to happen, I didn't imagine that there are some people wants to turn you and pull you down.
As I write this blog, I want to make things clear, detailed by detailed as far as I could. But I do believe that i was not born to be a writer. So my apology to all the readers, i'm sorry if I can't make you fully understand my writings. It's just that as far as my writing is concern and as far as I could clear these things up in your mind, I will do the best as I can. But I am open to all your comments.
As my title goes..."the person I hated most"... there's this person that I consider as a "curse" in my life. "Curse". I don't know if this is the exact term to be used but everytime I met and think of this person, (she's a woman in particular) my whole day will be getting worst and I feel of having a bad luck all day.
I don't want to describe her personality here in a very exaggerated way, just as I described her as the most exaggerated one I've ever known in my whole life. I find her as a perfectionist, but she can't be as one. Because she can't even make her family complete. She's a separated woman leaving her five kids to her husband. She might be an ideal mother to her children, but if I will be asked, she failed! Don't ask me why. Coz I don't want to explain.
But if you'll ask me why she's the person I hated most, it's not only because I don't like her. There is something in her that perhaps her husband noticed and knew about it and could be the reason why they separated each other.

It's Difficult But Rewarding

To believe... when others are doubting
To work... when others are dreaming
To care... when others are neglecting
To give... when others are grasping
To forgive... when others are condemning
To smile... when others are complaining
To praise... when others are criticizing
To build... when others are destroying
To rise... when others are hesitating
To serve... when others are demanding
To persist... when others are quitting

You Can

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think can't
It is almost certain, you won't

If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to be sure of yourself
Before you can ever win a prize!

Life's battle don't always go
To the stronger or faster man
But soon or late
The man who wins is the man who thinks...
He can.

I Shall Not Pass This Way Again

by Joseph A. Torrey

Through this toilsome world, alas!
Once and only once I pass.
If a kindness I may show,
If a good deed I may do,
To my suffering fellow men
Let me do it while I can
Nor delay it, for t'is plain
I shall not pass this way again.

Footprints In The Sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.


Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.



When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.


He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.



He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.


This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:


"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."



The LORD replied:


"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."



written by Carolyn Joyce Carty

Take Time

This is one of my favorite poem my mother taught me before she died six years ago. I posted this in my room and whenever I read this, or even take a glance on this, I remembered her and I can't keep my tears to fall. I want to share this to all of you and hopefully can give inspiration to all.

Take time to think, it is the source of power

Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom

Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth

Take time to be quiet, it is the moment to seek God.

Take time to be aware, it is the opportunity to help others

Take time to work, it is the price of success

Take time to love and to be loved, it is God's greatest gift

Take time laugh, it is the music of the soul

Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness

Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish

Take time to dream, it is what the future is made of

Take time to pray, it is the greatest power on earth....

Closed Doors vs. Opened Doors

We need to learn to thank the Lord for closed doors

just as much as we do for open doors. The reason

God closes doors is because He has not prepared

anything over there for us.



If He didn't close the wrong door we would

never find our way to the right door. Even

when we don't realize it, God directs our

paths through the closing and opening of

doors. When one door closes, it forces us to

change our course. Another door closes; it

forces us to change our course yet again.



Then finally, we find the open door and walk

right into our blessing. But instead of

praising God for the closed door (which kept

us out of trouble), we get upset because we

'judge by the appearances. '

And in our own arrogance, or ignorance, we

insist that we know what is right.



We have a very present help in the time of

need who is always standing guard. Because

He walks ahead of us, He can see trouble

down the road and HE sets up road blocks and

detours accordingly.



But through our lack of wisdom we try to

tear down the roadblocks or push aside the

detour signs. Then the minute we get into

trouble, we start crying, 'Lord how could

this happen to me?'



We have got to realize that the closed door

was a blessing. Didn't He say that 'No good

thing will He withhold from them that love

Him?'



If you get terminated from your job - don't

be down, instead thank God for the new

opportunities that will manifest themselves

- it might be a better job, or an

opportunity to go to school.



If that man or woman won't return your call

- it might not be them, it might be the Lord

setting up a roadblock (just let it go).



One time a person had a bank he had been

doing business with for many years tell him

'NO' for a $10,000 loan. The Lord led him to

call another bank. That bank approved a

$40,000 loan for him at a lower interest

rate than his own bank had advertised.



I'm so grateful, for the many times God has

closed doors to me, just to open them in the

most unexpected places. 'The steps of a good

man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights

in his way.' (Psalms 37:23)



The Mountain top is glorious, but it is in

the Valley that I will grow!



Always Remember God gives you...

Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet

Enough Trials to keep you Strong

Enough Sorrows to keep you Human

Enough Hope to keep you Happy

Enough Failure to keep you Humble

Enough Success to keep you Eager

Enough Friends to give you Comfort

Enough Wealth to meet your Needs

Enough Enthusiasm to make you look forward

Enough Faith to banish depression, and

Enough Determination to make each day a

better day than the last..



Life must be lived forward but can only be

understood backwards. Commit to the Lord in

whatever you do and your plans will succeed.

(Proverbs 16:3)



If you love God share this and He will

continue to open and close doors for you.

'Rowing harder doesn't help if the boat is headed

in the wrong direction'

Paralisadong Paraiso 1

Ito ang munti kong tindahan. Maliit lang siya kaya nga munti, di ba? Pero kahit ganito lang kaliit ang tindahan ko marami naman itong laman na paninda. Pwera bigas, lahat ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng tao ay mabibili dito. Gaya ng asin, asukal, posporo, vetsin, mantika, panggatong, at kung anu-ano pa.
Noong una, bago ko naisip magtayo ng ganitong uri ng negosyo akala ko kailangan ng malaking halaga para kapital. Pero kahit limang daan lang puhunan mo kung talagang gusto mong magnegosyo, huwag lang bawal yung mga produkto mo, magagawa mo. Ang mahalaga lang naman doon ay sipag at tiyaga, sabayan lang ng panalangin at pagpupunyagi tiyak makakaraos din. Yun lang ang prinsipyo ko sa buhay. Yun din lang ang hawak ko... noon.
Noon, bago ako nagdesisyon magtayo ng sariling negosyo, kahit dito lang sa bayang kinalakhan ko,wala akong ibang inisip kundi ang makapagtayo ng kahit maliit na espasyo mula sa lupain ng mga kamag-anak ko. NAgpagawa ako ng isang "griller" na piuna-assemble ko ng aking tiyuhin. Dito ko i-aaplay ang natutunan ko sa aking trabaho mula sa lalawigan. Magluluto ako ng l;echon manok.
Kaya nagpakahirap ako at inipon ko ng husto ang bawat sentimong kinita ko sa aking trabaho kahit yun ay barya-barya lang. Wala kasi akong sweldo nun, at ang baryang inipon ko ay mula pa sa allowance na binibigay sa akin araw-araw. Working student ako noon sa isang lechon house. nagtatrabaho sa umaga at nag-aaral sa gabi. At mula sa singkwenta pesos na allowance ko araw-araw, bente pesos niyon ay mapupunta sa aking pinaka-iingatang alkansiya.

Anong Hiwaga Meron Ang Larawang Ito?

abangan....

King and Queen of Hearts 2009

this video was taken during the coronation night of "King and Queen of Hearts 2009" as part of fiesta celebration in the town of Dalaguete, Cebu. My cousin Isaiah John Heredia held as 1st runner-up on the said event.

Cellphone VS Bible

Cellphone VS Bible [+ favourites]

wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our
cellphone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several time a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. ...

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry
About our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think "where are my priorities?

And no dropped calls!


Doesn't it make you think??