Efren Penaflorida: The CNN Hero of the Year

“If there’s a will, there’s a way”, for the nth time this old adage was again proven to be true. Add to that, the accomplishment of Efren Geronimo Penaflorida Jr, an uncommon educator from Philippines. Armed with kariton (improvised pushcart), books, pens, tables and chairs; Efren and his colleagues brave the slums and the destitute areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to advance their noble cause, that of educating the impoverished children of his country.

At the age of sixteen (16), Efren joined by other classmates started the Dynamic Teen Company, a youth group aimed at diverting the minds of youth from street gangs, and towards community activism. Eventually, they pioneered the infamous “pushcart classrooms” as these made their way to places where no teacher have dared to teach. Efren himself can relate to his students as he himself came from a poor family; his father was a tricycle driver and her mother being a plain housewife. In spite of their family’s economic condition; Efren showed his resolve my finishing his college with a degree in Computer Technology at San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite, and another degree, that of Secondary Education at Cavite State University.

After being nominated for CNN Heroes by Club 8586, the youth group which financed his primary and secondary education, Efren was chosen as one of the 28 CNN Heroes for 2009 by CNN’s Blue Ribbon Panel. After that he was named among the top ten finalists on October 1, 2009 and eventually won the prestigious CNN Hero of the Year award last November 22, 2009. The prize of $ 100,000 according to him will be used to further finance the activities of Dynamic Teen Company.

No less than Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, president of Philippines conferred on Efren, the Order of Lakandula in a ceremony at Malacanang Palace upon his return to Manila. Efren Penaflorida’s extraordinary feat will continue to serve as an inspiration and hope to our chaotic world. Dare to make a difference?

The El Nino Phenomenon: Are We Party to the Worsening Condition?

Rains, and now drought? The sudden shift of weather pattern is really very bothering. For the past week, all I’ve been hearing from the local news was the havoc that El Nino is inflicting to the agriculture in Northern Luzon, Panay Island and parts of Mindanao. The irony of this was our situation during the last quarter of 2009, when we experienced the heaviest rains. Many of us that time were probably praying that the rain would stop; the rain was so furious that most cities in our country were either flooded or soaked with mud.

According to scientists, El Nino is a weather pattern that occurs in tropical Pacific Ocean on average every five years; it is associated with droughts, floods and other weather disturbances in many regions of the world. Mostly affected by ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) are countries around the pacific region, and that is certainly where we are. No wonder why we are experiencing this seemingly crazy weather. As of present, the government estimated the loss to agricultural products to more than a billion pesos, but this could go as high as 2 billion pesos or at worst less than 3 billions.

Many Scientists believe that global warming will worsen the effects of El Nino, that it will bring more and stronger typhoons to us. We can therefore conclude that man has a part on this. But it’s not yet late, we can reverse global warming by becoming responsible individuals and by pushing our legislators to enact laws that will protect our environment. Let us remember that this is the only planet we have. Are you with me on this?

Electric Cars: The Commercial Car of This Decade?

I was waiting for an fx ride in one of the adjoining streets of Legaspi Village in Makati when an unusual vehicle parked in front of me. To my surprise, people beside me started boarding the vehicle; my instinct told me that I should also board the vehicle, so I did. I was very curious about the vehicle that’s why I made sure that I am seated near the driver. The first thing I noticed inside the vehicle was the drop box bearing the label, “donation box”. To make sure what I’m thinking that moment was right, I asked the driver if the vehicle is headed to Landmark Department Store and how much do I have to pay for the ride. He replied that I don’t have to pay but added that I can give any amount as donation to help maintain the vehicle. After that, I asked several other questions about the vehicle and the driver gladly answered all my queries to my satisfaction.

That was my first encounter with electric cars, and honestly, I was really impressed. How I wish that all the vehicles running the streets of Metro Manila are run by electricity; that would be a welcome sight, isn’t it, that would mean lesser pollution and lesser dependence on costly oil. My curiosity about electric cars brought me further to the internet; there, I found out that there are more advance electric cars in Europe and China, electric cars that can run more than 100 kph. That is far better than the one I rode about a week ago, the top speed of which is only about 40 kph. I also found out China has already started to manufacture this commercially, it is much cheaper than those being manufactured in Japan, U.S., and Europe.

Now I am left wondering, what are the efforts being done by our government to acquire this technology or are there any effort at all. I am quite positive that in three to five years time, this technology will sweep the world’s car industry. I suggest that we prepare for it, or to be more precise, let’s embrace it’s coming as early as we could or should we prefer to be more cautious? What say ye?

The Impending Pacquiao-Mayweather Fight: The Perfect Match

Despite the recent debacle on Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, millions are still hoping that this fight would happen. Unlike the mega fights that we’ve seen before, this clash seems to have all the ingredients that will make a unique and greatest blockbuster fight of all time. Already, the fight is being anticipated by millions to happen on March 13, 2010, but a slight setback occurred as both parties did not agree to some conditions of the fight.

Let me cite some of the reasons or ingredients why I think this will be the greatest match in boxing ever. First, because it’s a fight between the current and the former pound for pound kings; we know for a fact that before Manny Pacquiao assumed the throne of pound for pound king, Floyd Mayweather was the one holding the scepter. Second, it is a clash between the east and the west; Manny is from the Philippines an eastern region in Asia, while Floyd is from U.S. a western region located in the Americas. Third reason would be, because Manny is the best offensive puncher while Floyd is considered as the best defensive boxer today. Fourth, because it is the battle between good and evil; Manny is perceived as the good because of his charity works back in his home in Philippines and for his no trash-talking reputation. Floyd on the other hand was reported to have spend his millions in night life which includes wine, women and gambling, he is perceived as the bad boy of boxing because he trash-talk his opponents. And lately due to their contrasting answers to recent interviews, Floyd said that he is fighting for himself while Manny said that he is fighting for his fans and country. So we might as well call this as the battle between the "selfish and the selfless".

There you have it folks, five (5) compelling reasons (maybe you can add more) why the Pacquiao-Mayweather clash can be considered as “the perfect fight”; and beside this, we all know that both have legions of followers to ensure the success of this most highly awaited match. Do you know of a fight in the past or in near future with better ingredients such as this one?

President Barak Obama’s First Year Performance

He was almost embraced by everyone, they have seen in him a savior not only of his country’s economy but of the entire world. He is the first black president of the United States, an enduring testimony to democracy’s equality rights regardless of race or color. The hopes of the people are high; at last they have a man in White House who can fulfill their dreams, for America and the rest of the world.

These accolades are faint compared to the whole world’s cheerful glee to Pres. Obama’s election into office. Even the traditional enemies of U.S. are excited as these developments seem to promise a more peaceful world, and finally the recognition of the rights they are fighting for. Such was the atmosphere that greeted Pres. Obama, all the expectations are high and the whole world on the brink of a global financial crisis seems willing to throw their support on his administration.

But then reality sets in; only a few months after assuming the office of president, criticisms started pouring-in against his administration. Maybe their expectations and timetable for Pres. Obama to do his “program of reform” are different from what they see now happening. To be fair with Pres. Obama, his administration has been quite successful in arresting the tide of U.S. economy out of recession. But still, many are saying that he could have done more. Please share your idea on this?

Alternative Medicine: Is it A Right Solution to Our Ailing Bodies and Pockets?

There is no doubt that our traditional health care solutions using the benefits of modern medicine cost way above our pockets could afford. If there is a positive thing that came out of this, it is people becoming more health conscious than never before; simply because they don’t want to get sick as it may further strain their already meager budget.

It is only during the last few years when I heard candidates use the issue of health care to attack the incumbents; and promises to improve the same in order to secure votes. Health is such a big issue even in national budget allocations; the tendency of governments is to increase the budget for health care every year especially with the growing numbers of diseases sprouting like mushrooms everywhere, not to mention the dreaded diseases such as HIV, mad cow, dengue, bird flu and the resurging diseases which we once thought was already controlled are now threatening the survival of human race on this century.

We are fighting a losing battle as far as diseases are concerned, and even if we have money for the finest medicine and treatment, it still won’t guarantee a cure. The result was, more and more people are embracing the alternative cure; not only because it is a lot cheaper but because it cures better and more permanently as related by many. They claimed to have experienced a more lasting cure using alternative medicine but the traditional medical profession is not convinced. What is your thought on this?