SPOT.ph: You are hailed as a hero, but who are the people that you look up to?
The true heroes here are the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly serve the impoverished children on the streets and in the slums. They give their time unselfishly and endure struggles.
And of course our mentor, whose name I'd rather not disclose, who believed in us when nobody else did in the beginning. He sees the potential in every person he crosses paths with and tries to bring out the best in each of us. For me, and my other colleagues, he's not only a hero, but a maker of heroes as well.
SPOT.ph: What do you think of the upcoming 2010 elections? What should the youth keep in mind when choosing a new leader?
To my fellow young voters, make sure you pray for the right leader rather than being influenced by the hype and advertisements. Let's choose that person who sympathetically knows and hears the cry for change in every Filipino's heart and one who naturally thinks of himself less but more of the people, especially the children, who are non-voters. A leadership that will empower Filipinos and not pamper us with dole-outs, will stand for what's right and not for convenience and will think of the country's welfare rather than staying in power.
SPOT.ph: How can people help with Dynamic Teen Company (DTC)?
We want to share everything we know to help make positive change a reality in the near future. Our programs can be duplicated and the pushcart is very replicable with no patent nor franchise.
Just help us fulfill the dream for an equal chance for all children to experience learning the fun way. You can help us in a million ways, only your imagination can limit you. Help by adapting the system, tell our story, be inspired and inspire others too. Put up your own cart of learning, send us stuff we can use, help us build our dream center. Remember that "you are the change that you dream and together, we are the change that this world needs to be."
You can help Efren Peñaflorida's cause by voting for him as the CNN Hero of the Year. Voting ends on November 19.
Click here to read more about the Dynamic Teen Company and how you can help.
Click here to read CNN's story on Efren Peñaflorida.
