Efren Peñaflorida won this year's CNN Hero of the Year award. This is
definitely a recognition that doesn't just show how good Filipinos are in
sports but that we are good people of good heart most importantly.
I am touched with this man's words during his acceptance speech, which I got
from Inquirer's online site. He said,
“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. 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. So to each and
every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home,
the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others
above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell 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.”
I so agree with him. In each one of us lives a hero that is just waiting to
be unveiled. We are all heroes only if we allow ourselves to be one. We are
all heroes only if we allow that desire to come out. I, for instance, I have
this desire to one day be able to make a difference. I believe I can even in
the smallest way I could. But that is still waiting to be realized. Why?
Because I am scared to start making a difference.
That scenario I guess is the problem we have to overcome. There are a lot of
people like me who has great desire but too scared to conquer that desire.
With Efren's triumph in realizing his desire to make a difference, realizing
a dream that he once had, I was stunned. Now I say, I will be working on
that difference that I want to materialize. I won't hesitate. That desire
should turn to passion.
To you Mr. Efren Peñaflorida, I believe you just don't deserve neither a
salute or be applauded, your example deserves to be followed. I guess, the
best legacy that you could give to this nation, is the legacy of being able
to not just inspire but allow other Filipinos to be like you.
To you, Mr. Efren Peñaflorida, you are indeed a hero not just in words,
praises, or deeds. You are a hero of passion and love for the Filipino
nation. Kudos!
*****
Watch his acceptance speech. Just click THIS.