An Appeal To Efren Peñaflorida
First of all I’d like to commend you for the good work you’ve been doing for poor children. For that alone, you truly are a person worthy of emulation. May you continue to pursue your advocacy and may you truly inspire other people to do more for the community.
I won’t be holding my breath for that though.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed that many people have taken to trivializing the whole concept of heroism and patriotism. What’s worse is they’ve turned it into a fashion statement, a trend, a passing fancy. I can only hope that those who professed to have been inspired by your “heroism” will back up their words with real actions.
Clearly, all this heroism bandwagon does is trivialize the whole concept and take away from the value of real heroic deeds and remarkable works such as your very own education advocacy. I’m certain though that you do not live for the recognition so this will hardly matter to you. My impression is you do what you do because you sincerely want to help others.
Now it has come to my attention that some politicians are trying to ride on your popularity. Obviously they want to get your endorsement.One of them is Senator Noynoy Aquino, whose camp even announced online that you had lunch with his family over the weekend. One of Noynoy’s supporters couldn’t contain herself/himself and wrote a comment not unlike this one: “Wow, 2 heroes together. Go Noy!” Imagine that they even managed to use that piece of information to add “value” to Noynoy’s campaign.
I must admit when I heard about that lunch I doubted your ability to resist their advances. All that were erased though after I heard you say on a local newscast that you do not wish to be involved in politics and that your group of volunteers will remain apolitical.
But what’s this I heard today? Word is you will be gracing a public gathering for a certain politician sometime next week. One prominent personality even sent out the misleading message that the event would be a tribute to you. Of course we all know this is just spin centered around you. Imagine that.
I am appealing to you to boycott that event. Please don’t allow yourself to be used by a candidate who instead of providing the voting public with substance has resorted to mesmerizing the people with fairy tales, motherhood statements, and all other dramatic devices.
You should realize by now that you’re no longer just an ordinary person. With your popularity you now have the power to influence others. In a country where many people would still rather just take the word of a famous person than use their own good judgment, that power can prove very potent. I urge you to use this power properly. Better yet, don’t use it at all to help any politician.
I hope you’re a man of your word. Don’t be a hero. Just do the right thing.
have you actually sent this to efren? hope you did..
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admin Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
estudyante,
i haven’t and i don’t know his contact details.
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Who is this politician? Gibo? Manny? Dick? Noynoy?
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admin Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
kevin,
your guess is as good as mine. i suggest you check the social network sites. twitter would be a good start.
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This is the sickness of our country. POLITICS. Politicians
politicalize everything to get noticed; to promote themselves and to get votes. It is like prostitution.
Anybody who has money (fame). You do sex with.
Whoever that politicians is. It is a very outrageous
thing to politicalize the work of a good Filipino hero.
Whose only purpose is to help other Filipinos.
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sana po makarating kay kuya efren ang apila na ito.. na-share ko na po sa fb account ni kuya efren penaflorida.. sana makinig sya at huwag magpagamit..
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I visited his wall on facebook. Somebody posted your link. You’ve done a really great job writing this article. keep on writing. Our country needs writers like you.
http://haduken1.blogspot.com/
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Efren,
With all due respect, you were commended for your work, not for your race. Wag na wag kang magpagamit sa kahit sinong politico para hindi ka mawalan ng respeto ng mga tao. No matter how tempting it is because they want to shower you with tributes that have fireworks and you’ll probably be bathing in sparkling wine, DON’T DO IT. Please. There’s a difference between being world-class and just appearing world-class. You have your own cause to uphold, don’t let others pollute it.
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I hate to put it this way, but Efren Penaflorida’s win was helped a lot by ABS-CBN which aired so many TV commercials urging people to win.
Naturally, he won.
Correct me if I am wrong and this doesn’t in anyway make little of the noble efforts that Efren has done, but aren’t people allowed to vote more than once in the CNN Hero thing?
Anyway, I think that because he was largely backed by ABS-CBN, guess who he is going to endorse?
This is the bullcrap that I really hate seeing.
Next time the CNN Heroes thing comes around, I am going to join it and my cause will be to give free pedicures to all peasant farmers or campaign for people to give blind masseuses a massage or something equally stupid or sappy.
Then I am going to get a billionaire to fund the production and airing of TV commercials in my favor.
I am pretty certain I’ll win and you know what I am going to do, I am going to give Efren Penaflorida a dirty finger.
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Efren G. Penaflorida Jr. Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Hello po pinoybuzz,
Kung yan po ba ang magsasalamin para sa inyo ng gawain ng isang tunay na Pilipino sa isip, salita at gawa ay iginagalang ko po ang inyong opinyon.
Maligayang Pasko po sa inyo.
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Pinoy Buzz Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Ginoong Efren,
Hindi ako magkukunwari at sasabihin na mas alam ko kung ano ang gawain ng tunay na Pilipino sa isip, salita, at gawa.
Ano ba talaga ang tinutukoy na mga salitang “tunay na Pilipino”? Ito ba iyong karaniwang nakikita natin sa ating mga kababayan? Kasi, kung ganun, hindi masyadong maganda ang ibig sabihin ng “tunay na Pilipino”.
Ang tunay na Pilipino ay madaling mauto at mabuyo dahil hindi sanay maging kritikal sa pag-iisip.
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Are you referring to this event?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-ZG6U3Lwy8
So, who is this politician again?
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I do not see anything wrong with Efren having lunch with the Aquinos, or Villar or anyone else. He did receive a medal from GMA. That goes with the territory. As far as the suggestion of some that he not using this award as a pulpit, what good is light hidden in a bushel?
I am part of the group that will honor his work with a rally/concert this Friday in Makati. His story must be told a million times–a story of an ordinary guy who can make a huge difference. He symbolises the theme I personally believe in–TAYO ANG TAUMBAYAN. TAYO ANG PAGBABAGO. We don’t need politicians to save us. We need ourselves to do it.
Hopefully, his example becomes an inspiration to the jaded politician, or the cynical everyman, or those who have lost hope.
Of course people will fawn over him and politicians will associate themselves with him if they can. That’s for him to resist. The real work of a hero is not to remain ’stampita pure’ but to work in the real world and meet with the real people both good and bad and hopefully touch them in a positive way. For him to lock himself so he can be ‘pure’ is crazy.
If you can’t trust him to do the right thing, then he is not the hero you are looking for. Please, let us control being cynical and instead help him. More importantly, I am hoping he inspires in all of us the courage not just to blog, to tweet but to also act, join an org, pursue action everyday to make this country more liveable for everyone.
Just my two cents worth.
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admin Reply:
December 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
mr. paredes,
i’ll be honest and tell you that i don’t see any real value to this event. i also seriously doubt it would inspire people to do real work. i could be wrong but the only person i see who’ll benefit from this thing is the candidate you’re supporting.
also, believe me when i say i never expected efren to remain pure. you say that’s crazy i say that’s unrealistic. however, i’m certain staying away from politicians shouldn’t be so hard to do.
if we really want this country to improve we have to change our behavior, attitudes and belief systems. maybe we should start by ridding ourselves of our seemingly perennial need for heroes. we should also consider stopping all this “emotionalism.”
btw, thanks for visiting.
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BenK Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Mr. Paredes,
If you’re honoring Efren Penaflorida for his work, why are any politicians involved at all? Someone is hitching is his wagon to someone else’s star, is all that is.
I couldn’t blame Efren for doing it, really, if he didn’t seem to be going about it in a way that indicates he’s believing his own press, which is really disappointing. A guy in his position, who has to work hard with limited resources, should be beating these candidates over their heads with his award to demand answers about how they’re actually going to fix things so the country doesn’t NEED Efren Penaflorida, and he’s not doing that. The people in power (or those who want to be) should be proud of Efren, but ashamed of themselves for not leading but in simply being content to follow the guy in the pushcart. I’d think much better of Efren, and of people like you who have a voice that other people listen to, if you’d all start pointing that out. The country is teetering on the brink of being regarded as a failed state — I think it’s more than past time for something a little more substantial, something that demonstrates a little more serious intent than concerts, yellow shirts, and L-signs.
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Jim Paredes Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 11:42 am
We invite EVERYONE. If politicians show up, it is their right. But they will not be invited to the main stage.
One thing I can tell you. Politicians win hands down over us because, whatever their motives are, they show up and do their agenda.
They do not just marinate in intellectual discourse pointing out the wrongs of the world from behind computer screens and being happy to read their own words. We can learn from them in this way. This is not the time to be armchair revolutionaries. It’s time to show up, walk the talk, and inspire each other.
I see no issue in Efren doing this except one thing: If you think that Efren’s kariton of hope is mightier than the backhoe of despair, then please attend. If you see hopelessness, cynicism and even doubt, and discourage efforts of your fellowmen who act based on what they think is good and right, then that is your prerogative.But we will not be swayed by your negativity.
Whether you think attending this rally or even saving the Philippines is worth it or not, you are absolutely right. YOU decide the meaning to things with your choices. We all do.
I think of Dylan Thomas ‘ quote in times like these. ‘Do not go quietly into the night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.’
My generation fought EDSA 1 without twitter, computers, cellfones. We SHOWED UP.
I’d rather light a candle than curse the darkness and more shadows.
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
mr. paredes,
i certainly admire efren for what he has done and i do acknowledge that sometimes to get more things done you must do even “dirty” things. if efren’s celebrity helps open up doors for him to continue, expand and improve his kariton classroom advocacy then that is ok. i can accept that. however, i would probably lose respect for efren if and when he endorses any politician especially noynoy. just being honest sir.
also please don’t be quick to dismiss those you describe as “armchair revolutionaries” hiding behind computer screens. i’m sure you’ll appreciate the fact that words have power too. some of us choose to take to the streets; others choose to write and spread the word.
anyway, good luck to you on this endeavor. i sincerely hope everything you said in defense of this concert would be proven true.
BenK Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Good answer. I salute you for your eloquence, Sir. But when the lights go off, the candles go out, the banners come down, and everyone goes home, the real work is still left to do. All the inspiration in the world is meaningless unless someone actually lifts a finger to apply it.
When I’m through talking for a while, I’m headed to Mindanao to work on a development project (maybe more than one), to help the people be able to answer to their own economic productivity rather than some jackass with a bunch of guns. When you’re through talking, what are you going to do? Or is talking where it stops? That, sadly, seems to be the limit for too many people here.
admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
mr. paredes,
i’m just wondering what exactly is it about noynoy that made you support him right from the beginning?
admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
mr. paredes,
just want you to know i will be a little disappointed if you showed up on stage wearing yellow.
Tired of the song and dance Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Dear Mr. Paredes, what is the value of organizing rally after rally and concert after concert and getting all caught up in the euphoria of wanting to change the world, and then, when it’s all over, nothing lasting, practical and concrete comes out of it? We don’t just “marinate in intellectual discourse pointing out the wrongs of the world from behind computer screens”. While others are out crying and singing and dancing and shaking their fists and lighting candles, we are doing the hard work, we are running businesses, we are funding foundations, we keep people in their jobs, we are doing the real, tangible things that keep this economy and this country running. You’re right. If we don’t feel right about the Efren event, then we shouldn’t go. But don’t patronize our generation just because we’re not into rallies and singing and dancing and crying and lighting candles. If we don’t “SHOW UP”, it’s because we’re busy doing the real work that matters. We don’t spend all our lives looking for one villain after another to kick out of government and leave other people to clean up the mess. It’s obvious to everyone Efren is being exploited for certain people’s political ambitions. When the elections are over, let’s see if those people will still be around.
AsiaWest Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
How can someone like Noynoy, with a comparatively lackluster performance history, which obviously does not make him much of a man of action unless you call grandstanding “action”, inspire people “to act”?
If you want real change in the country, especially in regards to eradicating corruption, how about trying to create employment in our country in order for us not to try alternatives, such as going abroad or, especially, doing something illicit. You cannot ask people who thrive or survive on certain practices to simply stop without offering an alternative or a means to a way out.
Now in regards to Efren Penaflorida’s case, well, I am happy and glad that someone rose to the occasion to fill-in a gap in our society. But, just as duck tape cannot be a permanent solution to a leak in the plumbing (instead of fixing the actual plumbing), Efren’s solution cannot be a permanent solution, much less a replacement, to a lack in our system of education.
Now in relation to Efren’s presence in any politician’s camp, which in this case happens to be Noynoy’s, could, in all intents and purposes, be interpreted as an endorsement, unless Efren himself explicitly says otherwise. If Noynoy &/or company would pretend or deny that this is in fact an exercise of political opportunism right there, then all I can say is…well, so much for Noynoy’s honesty. How can one lead the rest of us into fixing a task so daunting as eradicating corruption if one finds pretensions like this to be excusable simply because one’s intent is or seems noble? Corruption, dishonesty, or pretension–they all spring from deceitfulness.
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[...] I know it says it’s a free concert but Efren’s participation actually makes it a sellout. [...]
Admin, so are you saying that the politician who will grace this event is Noynoy Aquino? If yes, then he must be very desperate in getting all the possible superstars of all the superstars in order for him to reach the highest popularity come election time. Who’s next on his list?
Mr. Paredes, I have admired your principles since I was young but change is inevitable and we have to see objectively and not let our emotions get in the way. My family and I were pro-Aquino for a very long time but that turned sour since Noynoy’s alliance with Erap in 2007 and Tita Cory’s apology to Erap. We got disenchanted by those 2 scenarios. Please don’t tell me that you’re not aware of those. For us, those were un-Aquino traits. It seems that Noynoy doesn’t really practice what he preaches (Tanggalin ang Tiwali, Itama ang Mali) — he himself is a good friend of a convicted plunderer. We had loved them but enough is enough. Tama na, sobra na. Hindi kami bulag. Noynoy — Hindi ka Nag-iisa (dahil marami kayong magkaka-uri… TRAPO). Don’t give us false hopes because truth be told, Noynoy is just a creation of the media and the Cory magic. Noynoy is not Cory and definitely not Ninoy. Nevertheless, our respect and admiration still go to Ninoy whose legacy will never be tainted.
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admin Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
july,
not really sure if that’s the plan. in any case this whole event seems like one big “yellow endorsement” considering the participation of personalities widely known as noynoy supporters. it’s one big “pretend” free concert that is actually a political gimmick.
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jim paredes Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 11:53 am
I myself do not put Cory or anyone in an altar. They are people with weaknesses and make mistakes as well. But, under the circumstances, who or what is/what the alternative?
All politics is local, as the saying goes. In other words, one does not participate in it in a vacuum. You deal with the ground, with the reality that is there, and hopefully, not all your ideals get gobbled up.
I look at Noynoy right now tactically. I will support him as long as he delivers or leads us to change. If he doesn’t, then I will kick his butt as well..
This rally has nothing to do with Noynoy, or Villar or anyone running. It is about US. Tayo ang taumbayan. Tayo ang pagbabago. If candidates show up, that is their right, just as it is everyones’right to go. All are invited. But they will not appear on the main stage.
To everyone, stop being cynical. Are we so damaged that we cannot get ourselves to praise the good an ordinary man does? Why the F… does it have to be so complicated with imagined sinister motives? Efren is doing good and must be honored. Now, if, when he does wrong, then let’s kick his butt as well.
But now is not the time for that. Let’s honor what he has done.
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
mr. paredes,
i don’t know if you’ve heard about it but time magazine has honored that young man who died saving several people from drowning during the onslaught of typhoon ondoy. you might want to at least mention his name later on during your programme. for me Muelmar Magallanes’ heroism is even more worthy of praise. it’s just too bad he died.
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joanne Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
great ones dont live to see the fruits of their heroism, that’s probably so because you can see how much they have given…
july Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Mr. Paredes, as you quoted
“I look at Noynoy right now tactically. I will support him as long as he delivers or leads us to change. If he doesn’t, then I will kick his butt as well..”
So, have you tried kicking Noynoy’s butt when he got a convicted plunderer to endorse him in 2007? Do you honestly believe that Tita Cory’s apology to Erap for the EDSA 2 was appropriate? Look, PGMA may have done a lot of big mistakes but they don’t make Erap clean. Not at all. Clearly, the Aquino-Estrada friendship is politically motivated and that makes Noynoy a TraPo also. So, what kind of change are you talking about? Oh yes, change — change for the worse. Again, Noynoy Aquino Hindi Ka Nag-iisa — dahil marami kang kauring TraPo.
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july Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Also, Mr. Paredes, can’t you engage people in a discussion without using the “F” word? I’m quite disappointed.
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Your last line is a killer. Slow clap for you.
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admin Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
onetamad,
thanks. much appreciated.
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Mr. Paredes,
I just hope Efren doesn’t begin endorsing one candidate or another.
I hope the stories I have been hearing aren’t true.
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Hi,
How sure are you that this is only a political gimmick? If you want, you can go to the concert or join the march and see for yourself if you’d be seeing any politicians doing a grand stand on the event itself. I, myself, is against using Kuya Efren in politicking but I think Kuya Ef is wise enough to know if this event is a political event or a plain people’s movement only to give tribute to him and inspire or encourage people to be heroes in their own right.
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admin Reply:
December 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
toni,
i’m sure of it, period. the indicators are there. how sure are you it is not?
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july Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hmmm… is it true yellow ang color ng pushcart n’ya ngayon?
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
yellw pushcart? wadapak!
july Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Pero totoo nga kaya ito? I hope not. haven’t seen any video / photo of the said event eh.
admin Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 11:04 am
july,
the event has come and gone. thankfully efren did not endorse anyone and according to one of the commenters here actually kept a low profile.
there are some photos here . notice the shirt of the lady on efren’s right. the noynoy groups obviously tried but failed to suck efren in to their game.
july Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Thank goodness, it’s not a yellow pushcart. Thanks admin for posting the link.
Ronnie Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 8:42 am
their first two carts are named “kari” and “toni”.. kariton. hehe. and when tita cory died, they painted kari “tita kari” yellow in tribute of her.
just a heads up in case you notice it. it was painted prior to noynoy’s candidacy and definitely not for him.
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july Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for the clarification.
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I think that Efren’s hitching up with any politician would be the anti-thesis of his kariton project, which was meant to address a problem caused by problems in the education department. He should stay in grassroots to remain respectable.
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Heroism involves deciding to stop blaming others and stepping up to the plate. Unfortunately, our culture is geared towards the collective instead of individual action. That’s why our populace is able to withstand the constant erosion of its purchasing power and economic growth–in a family of 10, 2 would get jobs, the other 8 would depend on them. Sure, the 2 would get called heroes because the 8 depend on them but they might become better heroes if they force the other 8 to support themselves. Of course, that usually doesn’t happen because such an act would be interpreted as not having “utang ng loob” and be kahihiya.
And so it goes.
Great post and great blog. Please add my blog http://www.dailyrandomsites.com to your blog roll, please use the title Filipino Culture.
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To admin..
Good for you.I am glad you are doing it. More power. Please encourage others to do what they can. We have no quarrel. There is no gain when some belittle other people for doing what they need to do as they see it.
Your Better Philippines header I hope means a more hopeful, not a cynical, quarrelsome country.
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
mr. paredes,
this blog’s only hope is to see a philippines that is inhabited by people who know what needs to be done to take this country to greater heights. the way i see it that can happen but only if filipinos start seeing things clearly with their minds and they starting making right decisions. in my opinion having hope is good but having a clear plan and the drive to carry it out is always better.
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the other 9 nominees are just as heroic as peneflorida,his only edge over those people is our patriotism…admit it the only reason he won was because many Filipinos are computer literate and we voted for him…and if penaflorida decides to take this opportunity which we gave him to mainstream politics or to support any politician or be one,that’s just sad!
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Hsing Tao Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 3:26 am
Filipinos did not vote for him out of patriotism. They wanted to have someone to latch on to because they themselves have nothing to show for. If Filipinos are really patriotic then The Land of the Tontos and Huwanas (Philippines) will not be so poor. They would respect each other and work together to not throw garbage anywhere, have discipline on the road, follow laws etc… Kaso ang Pinoy sa on line voting lang nagpapakita ng “Patriotism” KUNO. Stupid people. Kaya wala na talaga asenso.
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joanne Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
i really hope you are not a Filipino,even in the midst of poverty and misfortune,no one has the right to insult a striving nation and its people…
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joanne Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
who do you think you are?well whatever you are not worth it…i’m guessing stinoy ka,i wonder where you get the temerity to say those things eh sampid lang nman kayo sa bansa namin.i really hope you are not a Filipino by blood.
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admin Reply:
December 14th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
joanne,
in all probability hsing tao is just as filipino as you. the only difference is he likes to say it as he sees it.
try to see beyond his words. at the very least, they are expressions of a deep desire to see filipinos rise up to the challenge of achieving real greatness both individually and collectively.
more often than not those who choose to be blind to the problems of this country are really the ones who are hurting it. be assured those who see and recognize what needs to be corrected are guided by something deeper than superficial “patriotism.”
btw, may i remind you tsinoys are also filipinos.
Hsing Tao Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I am not insulting Filipinos. I am describing them.
great post,
they have ben posting invitations regarding this event, but only in their own pages. it’s really is alarming.
and oh yeah, i’ve seen that twit, “having lunch with the cnn hero.”
also, flaming supporters with hatred, very unlike of a leader.
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So Efren wins CNN’s Hero of the Year and he now he can’t endorse any candidate? Assuming, for the sake of argument that he does endorse Noynoy. What is wrong with that? You people have grown so cynical and negative. Noynoy hasn’t even won yet and he is already being pulled down. Let me ask you Mr. Pinoybuzz, if Efren endorsed Mr. Gordon, would you still feel and react the same way? I think not.
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
mark,
if efren does endorse noynoy then it would be best to ask him why especially if you intend to follow his lead. if efren provides you with a sound basis for his endorsement then that’s ok. if he doesn’t then best to ignore his endorsement.
the point here really is this:
efren should now be more careful about publicly supporting any of the candidates. he might just pick one that is clearly bad for this country.
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Mark Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
So you are okay with asking Efren his reasons for supporting a candidate. I am just wondering, if you truly want to know, why then write about the Noynoy-Efren connection with such negative undertones? Also, if he does give his reasons, will you ever be satisfied? Who then do you think is good for the country?
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
mark,
i’d rather he does not endorse anyone. what i said above is a suggestion for you since it seems to me you find nothing wrong with him endorsing anyone.
negative undertone? true because it really is a bad move for efren to publicly support a candidate for the simple reason that many filipinos will simply follow his lead considering his celebrity status. if most filipino voters were of the rational, thinking type then i’d see no problem in that.
if he does give his reasons for endorsing someone, there’s no guarantee i’d be satisfied. that will depend on what he’ll say. of course if he says he supports this or that candidate because he is honest or because he is the son of saints then you can be sure i won’t be.
who do i think is good for the country? anyone who has a clear plan of action especially with regards to improving the economy, which should be the main concern if we really want corruption, poverty, unemployment and all the other problems besetting our country to be solved once and for all. does noynoy have such a plan? as far as i know he doesn’t.
admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
if i were efren i’d charge these politicians a minimum of P5 million for my endorsement. with that money he can surely do more good if he chooses to. it would be stupid of him to endorse any of these candidates for free. now, that would be crazy.
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I hope in our democracy, we allow any one including celebrities to endorse and campaign for their candidates, just as we allow the media giants to earn millions from those who can afford to pay infomercials! (Though I’m really disappointed in the recent Supreme Court decision on non-violation of premature campaigning before the actual campaign period — How I wish we can have a real level playing field!) Those who endorse just have to live with the consequences of their endorsements, just as I have to apologize to my friends that I endorsed EDSA Dos, and the solution turned out to be worse than the problem! So let’s be patient with one another and learn our lessons along the way, as we make history!
Let’s salute Jim Paredes and his friends in dirtying their hands in the messy (and violent) politics in our “elitist democracy” that puts the rich/powerful and celebrities at a great advantage over others in our media (esp. TV)-dependent society!
I also salute your letter to Efren, so he can really think a hundred times before doing any endorsing (or non-endorsing) of candidates in our forth-coming critical Election. May his decisions and actions add to his track record of the true HEROISM that he has already inspired in us! His Kariton Klasrums are a clear challenge and indictment to the irresponsibility of most of us (college graduates esp. from prestigious universities) who have done little, if not nothing, to make our elected leaders accountable to reform our educational system and not leave so many out-of-school youths in our communities!
So what now do we do in this election? Just remain non-partisan and refuse to campaign for our prayefully chosen candidates (often the choice of the “Lesser evil”), when there are so many pretenders (who have money and celebrities and media!) who already have loyal fans to vote and campaign for them — to win and keep us in the dumps for another 6 years when Vietnam and Cambodia are set to overtake us soon? As educated Pinoys, let’s dare to decide/choose and campaign for our chosen competent and righteous candidates/parties in this election!
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
david,
that’s my hope too that we reach a level of maturity in our handling of elections. it would really be great to see celebrities and other prominent personalities exercising their powers of influence responsibly and the voting public using their brains instead of their gut or emotions in choosing their leaders.
unfortunately, we really still have a long way to go as evidenced by the fact that many people view noynoy as this country’s savior just because he is the son of cory and noynoy. i’m sure you can see that there is something very wrong about that.
i wouldn’t be too concerned about efren or any other prominent individual giving their endorsement if the candidate they wish to support at least has something to show for in terms of achievements and plans.
indeed, let’s dare to decide, choose, and campaign for our candidates. i only hope we do that after carefully looking beyond the candidates’ fluff, motherhood statements and other political gimmicks.
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let’s put it this way… what we people do if efren supports our personal candidate? syempre matutuwa ka tayo diba?? please let efren do whatever he wants to do.. anyway… when he is still nothing.. no one cares whatever he does.. now that he is a national figure… everyone is concern… wake up pinoys… if you truly believes that efren is good.. why not support whoever he wants to support? nobody one to use him… it’s his decision long time ago… i’ve seen him wearing that shirt with national map long before he was nominated as CNN’s hero of the year..
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admin Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
teody,
did i get this right?
are you saying if you believe in efren and he says he supports candidate x you’ll just follow his lead? what about using your own analytical mind?
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Efren now has a bigger role to take. He’s only human. I’m sure he has his own choice of candidate but honestly, I don’t even want him to endorse my own candidate for fear that people will only recognize Efren’s endorsement instead of my candidate’s credibility and ability.
Efren is not an ordinary guy anymore. We voted for him not because of his affiliation with someone popular but because we believe in his work and passion. That’s the big difference with our elections. People tend to vote based on somebody’s endorsement. I just hope that he will be true to his promise that he’ll remain apolitical. I can still remember Kris’ words when she interviewed him on The Buzz: “Can you be my friend?” I don’t think that it would take a genius to read between the lines.
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Pinoy Buzz Reply:
December 11th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
July,
What I am reading between the lines is unmentionable…
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july Reply:
December 12th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
LOL! Honestly, I only watched that portion of The Buzz because of Efren. But when Kris opened her mouth and uttered those words, I immediately changed the channel.
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Pinoy Buzz Reply:
December 13th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Whenever Kris is on the tube and I can’t switch channels because the commander is watching her, I just go to my “happy place” till commercial break.
Efren then is in a bind now. Kawawa naman. Pati pag-endorse ng kandidato, inuupakan na. I bet if he endorsed your preferred candidates, hindi kayo magre-react ng ganito.
Funny cause he hasn’t even endorsed anybody yet…
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admin Reply:
December 12th, 2009 at 11:55 am
mark,
no he is not in a bind. it’s simple. just don’t endorse anyone. will it cause him great loss if he doesn’t endorse anyone? as for your assumption that we (who’s we anyway) would react differently if efren endorses our candidate… wrong again. please read the post and the comment thread carefully. i have repeatedly pointed out that he shouldn’t endorse anyone. clear enough? i hope so.
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july Reply:
December 12th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
It’s election season. Everybody who is involved in politics is already magnified and I don’t want Efren to be in that awful situation. Sayang naman. Kapapanalo lang, mababahiran na agad ng putik nang dahil lang sa pulitika. There’s always the right time and the right place for everything. The timing is not good at all most especially when Kris made a pasimpleng hirit on The Buzz already. Only a hypocrite would say that there’s nothing wrong with Kris’ statement. Yeah, right. Just like when Vilma Santos transferred to LP and Kris blurted out on SNN: “Congratulations to me!” Emphasis on the word: ME.
Anyway, at the end of the day, it’s still Efren’s choice. It’s up to him if he’ll be TRUE to his words or not.
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he said that he will not endorse anyone and i believe that he will stay true to his word.
i passed by the rally last friday and to my knowledge, he did his best not to have a photo opp with any politician. they even called him up the stage but he refused. he just led the parade pushing his pushcart, signed on the wall of democracy, then left.
to be honest, i thought the rally was an advocacy frankenstein.
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admin Reply:
December 12th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
ronnie,
good if he avoided contact with any politician.
in a way this is really more an indictment of politicians and their handlers and supporters who sought to exploit efren.
did you see that woman who was beside efren? i think she was wearing a noynoy shirt and i don’t know if you’re aware but one of the organizers of the event is a pro-noynoy group. good thing mr. paredes went neutral and wore white (at least that’s what i saw on tv). but of course we all know he is also a prominent noynoy supporter.
i hope these political groups would just let efren be. they should also consider initiating a massive information drive about their candidates’ plans for the country instead of fielding celebrities to mesmerize the voting public.
if we want change let’s start by doing away with all the trapo campaign styles.
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comment from Ronnie
he said that he will not endorse anyone and i believe that he will stay true to his word.
-Ewan ko lang Parang narinig ko na yan kay Manny Pacquiao
but to survive in this country there two suggestion i would like to suggest
1. Join the Political system
or
2. make the US Colonize and Purify this goverment renaming it to
“Rizal State – the 51st state of USA”
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Ronnie Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 8:30 am
efren is no pacquiao. the latter refuses to be heroic unless the price is right.
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[...] blogging for a better philippines|pointing out truths others deny or ignore « An Appeal To Efren Peñaflorida [...]
Mark my word: NO ENDORSEMENTS OF ANY POLITICAL CANDIDATE!
I mingle with Pinoys who happened to be teachers, students, sikyo, market vendors, tambays, bankers, housewives, celebrities, pastors, priests, Muslims, and politicians. I respect them as my kababayans and that’s just it.
I cannot turn my back on people who wants to shake my hand or greet. I am happy that they now recognize our work. I will not betray my kids and co-volunteers. Our pact is that I won’t endorse any political group or person. I was not backed up by ABS-CBN alone, Ako Mismo played a bigger role and so is Definitely Filipino.
After we won in CNN, I was met by the producers the next day and spilled to me the reality that even co-heroes and some past honorees supported our cause and campaigned. It brought me to tears because all along my only bigtime backer is God! To Him be all glory.
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Romy Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 3:15 am
If you make yourself used by politicians your award will lose its shine.
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july Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Thank you very much, Efren. Now, I can say that our vote for you won’t go to waste. God bless.
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i respect you more for stating that categorically.
i have a small problem though. how do we know you’re the real efren?
can you answer me this just for verification purposes?
in what live program did you recently guest wherein you said you will remain apolitical? i’ll give you a clue to refresh your memory the host asked you if you have a vow of poverty.
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Efren G. Penaflorida Jr. Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 8:20 am
RPN 9 Evening News with Marigold Haber and it’s Bonifacio Day.
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admin Reply:
December 15th, 2009 at 9:15 am
thanks for responding.
anyway, i just hope you understand that this post is in no way a criticism of you. my only goal with this was to caution you about traditional politicians who will try to ride on your current popularity.
i sincerely appreciate the fact that you did not give in.
just like you we are also in the business of education. our goal is to open up the eyes of filipinos to the fact that there is much about us as a people that need to be changed if we are to move up to the next level. our complacency and naive acceptance of dogma and media messages has kept us stuck in the bottom. we can get out of the rut but we can only do it if we are willing to see and acknowledge our failings.
being positive and optimistic isn’t bad at all. but we need to be able to recognize our faults. we can’t fix what we don’t know, can we?
what you’re doing has indeed opened the eyes of many to the power of volunteerism. i can only hope that those you’ve inspired would also take action. superficial “patriotism” can easily go out of fashion, i’m sure you’d agree.
more power to you.
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I am very glad to hear that CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida Jr. did not and will not let himself be used by any politician. I remember him making that promise(?) when I interviewed him at our radio show, Sentro ng Katotohanan last October 15, 2009 (DWBL 1242KHz TTh, 8.30-9.30PM)..
Everyone can still listen to that interview by accessing the file from http://www.infinitemb.com/stream/5383/Sentro_October_15_2009.mp3/
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Kay Efren ba ito?
http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/262/61287817.jpg
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Efren G. Penaflorida Jr. Reply:
December 16th, 2009 at 12:14 am
Yan po ang tinutukoy nyong dilaw na pushcart si Kari(values and feeding cart), brown and red si Toni(play center & kids rights cart) , Black si Trio (Literacy and Comlab cart) at Green si Nick (hygiene clinic & clothes cart)
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