CNN Hero of the Year 2009

Let me share with you the great news of the Filipino who won CNN Hero of the Year Award.  I voted for him after I learned that he was among the nominees, then he was included in the 10 finalists, and finally, he won the award.  One great Pinoy, uplifting the image of the Philippines through his work.


Efren Penaflorida, we salute you.

Here's the news taken from ABS-CBN News online:

(UPDATE 2) Pinoy is 2009 CNN Hero of the Year

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

abs-cbnNEWS.com
11/22/2009 4:31 PM

MANILA – For bringing education to poor Filipino children through his “Kariton Klassroom,” Filipino Efren Peñaflorida has been awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year at the conclusion of "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night.



According to CNN Web site, Peñaflorida has been selected after getting the highest number of online votes. More than 2.75 million votes were cast for 7 weeks.



He bested nine other contenders from different countries. Hollywood star Eva Mendes presented the award to him.



The Filipino received $100,000 to continue his work with his group, Dynamic Teen Company, according to CNN. The $100,000 cash prize is on top of the $25,000 he got after his name was included on the top 10 CNN Heroes.



In his acceptance speech delivered before 3,000 people, Peñaflorida encouraged the crowd to unleash the “hero in you.”



"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," Peñaflorida said. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.”



He also urged them to “serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.”



“As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be," he added.



During the gala night, the top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from an initial pool of more than 9,000 viewer nominations, were each honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter, according to the Web site. Each of the top 10 Heroes received $25,000.



Read CNN"s full story here



CNN reported that presenters included Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.



Grammy Award-winning artist Carrie Underwood, R&B crooner Maxwell and British pop sensation Leona Lewis performed during the gala event.



The event will be broadcast on Thanksgiving, November 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the global networks of CNN.



‘Kariton Klassroom’



Penaflorida first came to the public's consciousness when his group, the Dynamic Teen Company, won the Bayaning Pilipino award for its heroic work in bringing education to poor children in Cavite.



The group later began the “Kariton Klassroom,” which is a mobile classroom that brings around all their teaching materials to the different areas they service.



Since 1997, more than 10,000 volunteers are now helping in educating more than 1,500 kids in depressed areas in Cavite.



Because of this campaign, Peñaflorida was included on CNN’s list of heroes for this year.



'Start within themselves'



Prior to the announcement of winners Saturday night, Peñaflorida was interviewed by ABS-CBN North America News Bureau.



During the interview, he said, if Filipinos wanted to see change, they should start within themselves.



“Kasi hindi naman po magagawa ng isang tao lang ang pagbabagong inaasam natin sa bayan natin. Iyong pagbabago kasi magsisimula iyan sa sarili natin. So kung gusto nating baguhin ang country natin, mag-i-start iyon sa puso natin. And then collectively, iyong pagbabago na iyon ay talagang magiging malaki,” he said.



And now that he is the recipient of the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year award, more poor and uneducated Filipino children will benefit from his award.



"Iyong 90% cash grant mapupunta sa Dynamic Teen Company. Iyong 10% sa church…. Nothing for me,” he said.



He said he was there as a representative of the children and the volunteers he works with.



“Nandito po ako para i-represent ang mga bata, iyong mga dedicated volunteers, iyong mentor ko, iyong selfless and hardworking Filipinos,” said Peñaflorida.



Peñaflorida may be a star to many, but for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, the real heroes are the volunteers.







“Personal hero ko is iyong mga dedicated volunteers na kasama ko sa Dynamic Teen Company at sa Club 8586 na walang sawang tumutulong at sumusoporta sa amin. Of course ang Panginoon, ang Diyos, na talagang nagdala sa akin dito at Siyang dahilan bakit ako nandito rin." – With reports from Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau, and TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News





as of 11/24/2009 5:36 PM

news courtesy of ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

Halloween 2009

My son had a blast during Halloween! They had a party in school on the 29th, where everyone put on their costume and they paraded around the school vicinity and the nearby streets. Unlike last year, i wasn't as prepared for the costume, we almost decided to miss the Halloween hullaballoos but then again, on the last minute, changed our minds and opted to join.
My son's costume wasn't far from what he wore last year, however, we didn't have time to make the casket so he just went as the dead inside the casket.
On the 31st was the real thing. We went trick or treating at the nearby mall (where we go to every year) and joined the parade. We didn't get to win at the supermarket costume contest because this year wasn't as organized as the last. There were too many participants and it was very crowded, that my son wasn't seen by those who chose the participants. It didn't matter that much anyway, we were there to just parade and scare people. And no fail, the same as last year, my son stole the scene for being scary hahaha. People still stopped took a scared look at him and took pictures!
Come Nov. 1, we joined the Nickelodeon Shocktober Halloween show. We didn't get there in time for the costume contest (he would have been chosen again for best costume), but nevertheless, he was still able to join the games on stage and sure enough he won lots of stuff again.
Oh well! I'm sure you are eager to see how he looked like but then I'm having problems posting pictures on my blog. Will try posting next time. Instead, we just posted it in our facebook accounts.

It's been a long time

Sorry, dear friends, if i hadn't been able to update my blog. Been through busy days and i didn't have the time to blog.
Anyways, hope you'll enjoy the next ones.

My nephew Joshua turned 4

Last Sunday, Joshua, my nephew (from my sister Rina), turned four!  He's so big for his age! Anyways, they weren't planning on a party and were just gonna bring food for his classmates in school, but...... thanks to his ninang (me... whose such a great party thinker/planner) and his favorite lola (my mom), we had a little get together in their house.Oh, what food? nothing much, just spaghetti, chicken, lumpiang shanghai and ice cream for some of the kid neighbors.  Yummy!  such a typical "handa" for a kids birthday!
  Anyways, he is so addicted to transformers, that i made him "Transformers" invitations and he got "Transformers" toys for gifts.  And what else, he wants more.... hahaha.
Happy Birthday Josh! Ien and I love you.... (even if you keep making us bugbog!)

After the storm

Thank God, Manila was not hit by typhoon Pepeng except for some rainshowers and strong winds here and there.  I hope my relatives in the Ilocos province were not badly affected. I pray for help for those in the Zambales area and Tuguegarao. 
Well, let this be a lesson to Filipinoes, most specially those in government agencies.  We are all aware that typhoons and the like never fail to come year after year.  Let us all be ready for eventualities such as this. I think God and Mother Nature gave us a wake up call.  It is the people's fault that we are flooded. Why? because some settlers have made mountain and riversides into subdivisions. Trees were removed, mountain sides carved, rivers destroyed.  Doesn't these changes affect the environment, it weakens the land structure, and without trees, what will absorb the rainfall? where will the water flow if the riversides are filled with houses and garbage.
Let us leave them as how God created them. Nature is there for us, let us protect it instead of making money out of it.
Oh well, it's just my point of view.

Another Typhoon

As bad as it sounds, another typhoon has just entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It's been just a few days after the onslaught of the Typhoon Ondoy, leaving a lot of Filipinoes homes under water or in ruins.
This new typhoon is said to be stronger!  Please, I encourage everyone to please pray for the Philippines!  We really need it at this time.

Another Typhoon is coming

PAG-ASA, the weather station here in the Philippines has already advised through the news that another typhoon is coming.  Right now, it's still in the "Tropical Depression" status, when it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, it becomes a Tropical Storm.  Tentatively, it'll be named Peping.

After the devastation of Typhoon Ondoy a few days ago, I pray that we won't be hit as much.

Typhoon Ondoy

Just two days ago, our country experienced one of the most devastating storms,  Typhoon Ondoy. Metro Manila was the hardest hit, suffering flash floods, specifically in the areas of  Pasig, Rizal, Manila, and Paranaque and other nearby areas.  Floods were simultaneous, burying different areas in flood waters that were as high as houses in as fast as a few minutes.  People panicked, due to the strong current and fast onslaught of flood water.  They had to climb the roofs and waited hours for rescue to come. Rescue was very slow due to the difficulty in reaching the areas.


Some even died because they were either swept by the flood or drowned.  There were even those who died rescuing others. 

We appeal to all those who have the means to please help by donating to the foundations helping the typhoon victims.  They are accepting donations in cash and in kind.  People are in dire need of clothing, food, water, blankets, etc. Tune in to the Philippine news channels like ABS-CBN News and GMA-7 News on how you can send help and for updates.

Belated Birthday Greetings

belated birthday greetings to my Dad last Monday, September 21st. I was not able to post because i don't have a computer at home and since it was a holiday, i didn't get to go to an internet shop.
To my daddy, Mateo Inducil, who is now in Canada, Happy Birthday from Ien and I.

Countdown before Christmas

it's 102 days before Christmas..... hmmm, how come it's still hot???!!!!

Under the weather...

thank God it's Friday.  I don't have to bring my son to school tomorrow..... I'm so in need of rest coz i don't feel too good.  I've been very irritated because of my cough and colds and i don't really feel well.  Blame it on the extreme weather conditions here. Just a few days ago we had one typhoon, "Maring", then we were given one extremely hot day, and now, it's raining cats and dogs again.  i don't know if its another typhoon, knowing that it's typhoon season here but i hope the rain stops!  oops, on second thought, just make it not so strong. The only thing I'm thankful for is that the rain makes the temp cold, and i like the cold better than the heat....

Christmas countdown

it's 106 days before Christmas and still counting....

Countdown before Christmas

It's 107 days to go before Christmas!.......

Countdown 'til Christmas

It's 113 days before Christmas..... and still counting......

114 days 'til Christmas

It's 114 days before Christmas... and counting

Countdown before Christmas

It's September 1, the start of the " 'ber" season..... meaning, we are gonna start our countdown til Christmas.  As my friend, cherie mentioned in one of her blogs... i confirm, i think the Christmas season here in the Philippines is the longest.  People will start buying christmas gifts little by little, to avoid the Christmas Rush in December.. as for me, not that I don't follow, but if finances will permit, why not.

So officially, in honor of this, I will start a Christmas Countdown.

It's 115 days, before Christmas.

Polka sa Plaza

My son, auditioned to be part of the group who will represent their class in the Buwan ng Wika Dance Competion. Yesterday, the program commenced at Brainshire Science School, where my son is currently a grade 3 pupil.  They danced the "Polka sa Plaza", one of the folk dances here in the Philippines.  Luckily, after just a few days of practice, they won in the Folk Dance Competition.  Let me share with you some of the still pictures that I took of my son and his classmates wearing the traditional Filipino Barong and the Balintawak dress.

My Very First Blog Award

Thanks to my dear friend Cherie, for giving me my first ever Blog Award.  New as I am in the blogging world, you still gave me. Thanks! It's one Cupcake I will treasure always.

Worry not, I might give one of my own creations as an award in the near future.  So, please keep on reading my posts.

Bong's Birthday

It's my brother Bong's birthday today...Happy Birthday!!!!

What I think about School Projects

School Projects have always been attention grabbing for moms like me. I don't know why teachers keep asking for projects that are not "do-able" by kids. Most of the time, it's the mom who does it... the research, buying the materials, planning & executing. The only thing the kid does is...... submit the project in school. I'm not saying that teachers should not give out project assignments, its just that, i think they should find projects that are suitable and that the kids can do. I don't know how this can help them if the mom does all the work. But for me, what i do is, i let my son do his share in making it. I just give him ideas and instructions on how to go about it. So, be it hard as it is, he has to do his share or else!
So for you moms there, let them help, don't do the whole thing by yourself. Anyways, they are the ones who get the grade not you.

Mei's loss

In the midst of my excitement on my blog spot, i was suddenly engulfed by sadness. I just received a text message from one of my closest college friends, Mei. Her dad died. I am sure the whole family is hurting. I am so sorry for their loss. May God rest his soul.

Josh's Mug

Remember i mentioned that i've been making and selling personalized mugs? Well, I made one for my nephew Josh. He wanted a mug with a dinosaur design and voila! i made him one. My mom says he loves it, and wants another one with the "long neck" dinosaur. Ok, josh will make you one next time, right now, it's just the T-Rex, the raptor and you :)

Having a Party?

If you're planning a party, first you have to think of is the occasion. The theme depends on what your reason for having a party is. Next, find a location. It may be in your own house, a restaurant, a clubhouse, or anywhere you think would be best. Next, you have to have a way to invite your friends over. How? you can simply talk to them personally or over the phone or to make it more memorable why not make an invitation. You can do this manually if you are artistic or better yet, find someone who makes them to make the task easier and faster.
Next comes the food... you can cook your own or have someone cook or cater for you. Cakes or desserts are a nice addition too.
Other things you can have are party stuff like balloons, tables, chairs, tissues, and other things you need.
Last, so that your friends will always remember that they were at your Fabulous party, why don't you give them giveaways? you can do personalized gifts or order some very nice tokens as giveaways. For kiddie parties, they will always expect a lootbag or goodie bag.

Gift Ideas

if you're thinking of what to give to your friends as gifts or keepsake, you might like this...

personalized mugs and other personalized stuff. people absolutely love them.

check out this pics of samples of mugs i made.

How to make a Holloween Costume

I was looking at old pictures and it reminded me of a few occasions.
I can still remember last year's Holloween. I had been thinking what costume to make for my son. You see, he always joins costume contests during this time. He had been super heroes and zombies in the past, just had variations to make each year different.
Well, last year, it was indeed different. I made him wear a casket! Would you believe?! and luckily, he won 3x! one in school, another in a mall, and at a Nickelodeon Holloween Show.
So, how did we do it?
It started with my wild imagination.... hahaha. I bought large carton boxes and hired someone to paint and cut it into a casket shape. I had them put a hole so that we can see his face and he wore it through a large opening at the bottom. His hands were able to hold his pumpkin pail because of the holes on the sides. I dressed him up with a "Bangkay" attire (here in the Philippines, it was how old folks dressed their dead). I even had a white cloth tied to hold his face and cotton inside his nostrils to make it authentic. We used fake blood some bandages and we even had plastic spiders, fake spider web and centipedes.
People freaked! We walked around the mall for Trick or Treat and my son became an instant celebrity! Everyone couldn't get enough pictures of him and they even posed to have their pictures taken with the walking corpse!
When i thought of that, I immediately thought of another costume for my friend's daughter, we searched through youtube and came up with the head on a plate idea. How we made it? I'll put that in another blog.....
I'll post some pictures and videos next time when it's nearing the Holloween season so that you can have a good picture of it.
Hmmm, what will i think of next?!

Hectic Day

Such a rush! Have to finish the revision on a tarp design for my client. Yesterday i totally forgot to tutor my student. Feel sad, I heard my nephew was brought to the hospital yesterday. I hope he's ok!

So, in a few minutes I'll be going back to designing two mugs and a tumbler for printing later. It's a gift for a son's birthday and an order from my sis.

About the King of Pop

Until now, people are still talking about MJ, his music, his life, his death...

As always, people remember you and what you've done in your lifetime only when you are gone. But then again, let's hope there are still those who appreciate us while we are living and not the other way around.

I am glad to announce that MJ lived during my lifetime. He was a musical genius and indeed a great entertainer. His songs and dance moves were one of a kind and will never be forgotten.

I am a fan. I even watched him perform live during his concert here in the Philippines in the past. I watched his videos, listened to his music, collected the cds and so on and so forth.

He was great. He was truly amazing. He was the best he could be.

My hat's off to you MJ!

May you now sing with the angels and entertain God in his Kingdom.

rainy days....

it's another rainy day, just got back from picking up my son from school. hmmm, cold weather is nice. they say it's the nicest weather to sleep, but then again, i've to finish a design, i've a student to teach, review my son for his quiz tomorrow, and so on.... oh well, seems like my day isn't over yet.