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As I was working yesterday, Evan was on the other corner of the room playing by the Christmas tree. Yes, the Christmas tree is already up. FYI, we Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebration ever. We start celebrating it as soon as the Ber months (September, October…etc) start. But that’s not what this post is all about…. Going back to my story, Evan suddenly came up to me with his hands behind his back. Smiling, he reached out his hands to me revealing the 3 red poinsettia flowers from the tree and said “I love you, Mommy!”
It was very cute and sweet! In response, I hugged him tightly for a little while. I was so touched, I took a break from work to play with him. 
One of the nominees for the CNN Hero of the Year is a Filipino, Efren Penaflorida. To learn more about his heroic deed, below is an article from Inquirer.net.
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Online votes urged for Filipino as CNN Hero of Year
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 04:24:00 10/25/2009 Filed Under: Internet, Heroism, Media, People
MANILA, Philippines – Efren Peñaflorida may be the farthest thing from a traditional politician, but he needs your vote.
The Department of Tourism has rallied behind Peñaflorida who is one of the 10 finalists in this year’s CNN Hero of the Year search for his work with street children.
Secretary Ace Durano urged Filipinos to vote for Peñaflorida in the CNN contest, which recognizes ordinary citizens who make an impact on their communities.
Voters have until November 18 to log on to the web link http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/index.html.
Peñaflorida is one of four nominees in the “Championing Children” category of the heroes search.
“The time to celebrate Philippine heroism is long overdue. This is our chance to share with the world the Filipino’s sense of selflessness, and to honor the little acts of kindness that we, his kababayan [compatriots], can very well take inspiration from,” Durano said.
Peñaflorida was nominated for his Kariton Klasrum (Pushcart Classroom).
The project, now on its 12th year, brings education to where the street children are and giving them a chance to learn to read and write, keeping them away from gangs.
The project, which is maintained by volunteers from Dynamic Teen Company, has taught over 1,000 street children as well as child laborers from the slums.
“People like Efren remind us that our country is blessed not only with natural resources, but with true wonders such as individuals who dedicate their lives to heroic work,” Durano said.
CNN Heroes is a search for “people driven to exceptional achievement in service to others.”
This year’s search has six categories, namely, Championing Children, Community Crusader, Defending the Planet, Medical Marvel, Protecting the Powerless, and Young Marvel.
A blue ribbon panel selected the individuals for the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009. The hero who will get the most online votes will be named “CNN Hero of the Year”, and will be recognized during the “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” to be aired next month.
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Let's support Efren to become the CNN Hero of the Year. Cast your vote now:
Vote for Efren Penaflorida
