CNN Hero of the Year – Pushcart Educator From the Philippines

Efren Penaflorida, a pushcart educator from Cavite City, Philippines has been named “CNN Hero of the Year” in 2009 for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out-of-school youth through his “pushcart classes.”

CNN’s Anderson Cooper revealed Efren Penaflorida’s selection at the end of the third-annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Saturday night.

After seven weeks of online voting at CNN.com. and more than 2.75 million votes were cast, Penaflorida was selected and will receive $100,000 to continue his work with the Dynamic Teen Company. Ninety per cent of the said amount will go to DTC and ten percent will go to church, this is what he said during an interview.

In 1997 at the age of 16, Penaflorida and three of his high school classmates formed Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) which aims to turn away kids from joining gangs and involving themselves in petty crimes. After a decade, they have 10,000 volunteers who are working for that cause.

According to Penaflorida, it was at Club 8586, Inc. where he met his mentor who changed his perspective. They joined in their volunteer work and jail outreach programs. Since that time, their eyes were opened to reality, how kids who aren’t properly guided grow up to be criminals rotting in jail cells or worst, ending up at the cemetery.”

“It was Michael who thought of the concept,” Penaflorida recalls. “He was the one who did the shelves and the built-in blackboard.” They stocked the pushcarts with pens, books, tables and chairs and this is where the “pushcart classroom,” started. They replicate a school setting every Saturday in the most implausible places like the cemetery and the municipal trash dump.

Because of hardship and pure sacrifices, Penaflorida and his team came to a point where they almost gave up. But again, it was his mentor from Club 8586 who kept encouraging them. He said, “Why would you be ashamed of doing something you know is right?” and that inspired them again to continue their advocacy.

His mentor believed that the Internet was a good way to let others know of their cause so they can reach out to even more kids in need. So he filmed the group’s “pushcart classroom” one Saturday and uploaded the video in youtube.com. It didn’t take long for the said video to catch attention worldwide. Eventually, this is where a staff member from Oprah’s Angel Network, a foundation inspired by respected daytime TV host Oprah Winfrey, found out about it. And because of this, Penaflorida’s story was featured on the site. In December 2008, someone from CNN noticed Penaflorida and his group’s efforts and got in touch with them, suggesting that they submit Penaflorida’s story for CNN Hero of the Year.

The top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel were each honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter. Each of them receives $25,000 as well. The heroism of these ordinary people is really inspiring. They are like seeds of hope in this world of darkness and hopelessness.

Write What You Think

There is something delightful and fulfilling about putting your thoughts, ideas, goals and basically anything you want to accomplish in writing.

Writing can be a very frustrating effort at times especially when there are days when you have felt utterly stupid that you can’t even spell the word “appropriate” (or is it aproppriate?) but it is also rewarding. It can produce a variety of emotions and a great outlet after those hard days’ work.

Every people have different ways of catching their thoughts but the following ideas will you putting your thoughts into writing because it works for me.

Tip #1 – Always Carry a Notebook

Bring notebook with you wherever you go in order to capture even the silliest ideas for an article, or chapter and even paragraph.

Tip #2 – Make it a habit of writing every day

If the idea strikes simply grab that notepad and pen or you can use your cell phone in case you forgot to bring pad and starting to write even few lines. Don’t mind about the arrangement of words it will come up easily when you have time to arrange it.

Tip #3 – Put into practice writing in your head

Try writing your little ideas in your head until finally it will have an outline and if the time comes that the continuous flow of thoughts hits you, you already have heading, keywords and an outline for your piece.

Tip #4 – Read related topics about your ideas and learn the style of different writers

It is not a sin to adapt what you think is more comfortable style to you even if they come from another writer; it’s just improving your crafts. Just don’t lose your own style in the end.

Tip #5 – Practice extending your vocabulary

Imagine that one word a day of learning will extend your vocabulary by 365 words per year, and after a year it became thousands and so on. Use different word with the same meaning for your writing to minimize word redundancy.

Tip #6 – Learn correct grammar

Your writing like your other work is your signature and many readers will follow you if they know that you carefully and intellectually outlined your thoughts and words correctly.

Tip #7 – Write and don’t stop to write

Remember that the more you write the better you become. And if you become better, the more you want to write.

Use the power of words to share your ideas and enthrall the interest of your readers. Writing can be very effective tool if you are into internet business marketing, you can use more of your writings to attract traffic and sell products.

Writing your thoughts down can change your life and personality for the better.

Setting Good Example – They Become Who You Are

Family

Most parents worry a lot about their children’s behavior. How their kids are behaving and treating other people. I know you sometimes get caught in an embarrassing situation because they are being reprimanded by his/her teacher.

Then you wonder how it can be prevented and where you went wrong. “Did I truly set a good example for my kids? Is it too late to do changes?

The most influential person on our kids’ personality

When they are young, parents are the most influential persons on children. They spend most of their time with their parents from the time they are born. They observe us and learn everything about us. They listen to our voices and watch our actions and often mimicking them. At that young age, parents are their role models and it is our obligation to set forth the best example we possibly can for them. They will act as they see mommy and daddy acting.

Parents should remember the following advices:

• Don’t use abusive language in front of children –If parents use disrespectful language around their kids, then the children will eventually begin to repeat what they hear. They mimic what they hear. It’s but natural to sometimes lose your temper, or say things you shouldn’t, let out a few swear words if you can’t help it, and so forth. But you must to draw a line at what you feel is acceptable.
• Never promise what you cannot do – You are a role model, your integrity matters most to your kids. They will value every promise and they will become a better person honoring their every word.
• Be firm and polite while talking – Reprimanding and shouting them all the time will not help a little. Talking with them politely even they do something out of control is the best way you can do.
• Practice What You Preach – You can lecture your kids all their lives, but what they really remember is your actions. Telling them that smoking is bad, yet they see you puffing away are a truly absurd thing. You demand respect and yet don’t offer much back in return – you cannot insist them to respect you, respect is earned.
• Spend Time with Children  – This part seems a little complicated for most parents especially when they are both working. But quality time doesn’t mean to spend longer time with your children. You need both of them of course, but if spending longer time with your kids is not possible, make it a quality time them.
• Being perfect is impossible – Don’t try to pretend you are perfect; it will just result in frustration, lies, and worst, boring life! Don’t worry about your kids see your weaknesses every once in a while, or even that you make mistakes. It teaches your kids to accept their fault and weaknesses and make appropriate changes.

Setting good example with your kids especially if they are still living at your home is never too late, and even if they are living independently, you can still set a good example. Bear in mind that they will become who you are so you better make a good footprint for them to follow.

Let’s laugh a little

I just saw this video and it makes me happy for a while, I hope you do too.

Cory, The Democracy Icon is gone

The Democracy Icon is gone. Last August 1, 2009 at about 3:18 am, Former Philippine President Maria Corazon “Cory” is dead. She died of cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer at the age of 76.

Mrs. Aquino was a world-renowned advocate of peace, democracy and women’s empowerment. She was the 11^th and the first president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. Mrs. Aquino was also  the first female Asian president.

She was very associated with color yellow, a color that signifies the democracy from the death of her husband, the assassinated former senator on August 21, 1983.

Mrs. Aquino was a known figure in 1986 EDSA Revolution also known as People Power. A very peaceful revolution that ended the 20 years of Former Dictatorship.

Mrs. Aquino was selected as Time Magazine’s “Woman of the year” in 1986, in 1999 as one of the “Most Influential Asian of the 20^th Century.” And in November 2006 as one of “65 Great Asian Heroes” together with Mahatma Gandhi, Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kuan Yew and many other well-known personality.

In 2008, she was diagnosed to have colon cancer and after how many months of struggling in pain and series of medication, The Democracy Icon finally lose her battle from colon cancer.

Freelance Work At Home – A Starter Tips for Applying Jobs

Having a work at home job can be a great opportunity to earn money.  Some small entrepreneurs use sites to supplement their income and attract new clients. Freelance work at home allows many different opportunities. You can be a data entry encoder or a content writer. Whatever your situation you are in right now, surely you want to win jobs you apply for.

But not all freelance providers became successful in this field. There are some factors that separate professionals who get jobs from those who don’t. Let’s talk about this.

Customize your proposal

1) Always customize your proposal. A customized proposal demonstrates that you take time reading and understanding the job description. If you want to apply for a better job, specify your resume to match the job. When a freelance provider submits a customized proposal it tells possible employers she is more likely to spend the time it takes to do a quality job.

2) Your bid is a sales letter. Those who are credible in their proposals are far more likely to win jobs than those who do not. If you are not an expert in sales letter writing, don’t be depressed and lose hope. Majority of freelancers are like you. ‘I can do that; please contact me and here is my number” is one of the saleable line. Even a small effort at writing a convincing proposal will make you stand out in a crowd of applicants.

3) Always provide samples of your work. Providing pertinent examples to the job you are applying for will made the buyer think you are ready to work with them. They will know your potential with the example you will provide them. Employers want to verify your skill and it makes you saleable.

4) Provide good communication. Good communication always starts with providing multiple ways for a potential employer to contact you. You can provide the conventional methods such as email address and phone number, and also add your instant messenger information. Most of the employer wants to conduct brief interview through instant messaging, with that, you are one step ahead with other applicants.

5) Follow up your application. If you haven’t received a reply yet, contacting them again is the best thing to do. It is much better if you can still provide new samples of your work. Employers often take consideration for those who follow up their application. This is very vital when you are trying to differentiate yourself from tons of applicants.

6) Show confidence. If you have the skill that is needed for the jobs you are applying for, show confidence in yourself. Never ever beg, it’s unprofessional and don’t bid wages far less than your worth. Your portfolio is the only key that makes employer begs to hire you.

The key for bidding for freelancing jobs is to prove you will provide quality work within time requirements and money budgets.

Advantage and disadvantage of home based jobs

Home based or online jobs are booming internet business nowadays. You can be a freelance provider or you can be the boss. With the continuous access to internet, lots of opportunities are waiting for us to enjoy.

What are the advantages of working homebased?

1. You can choose the career you want. You can start internet business or be a provider but either way, the pressure is less and you can enjoy your own time working.

2. You can work anytime you want. Some of us are day people and some are night people. If you have your online business, the time is yours to work at your best. If you are provider, lucky for you if your boss allows you to have time flexibility. Less pressure and you can enjoy your vacation very much.

3. You can work anywhere you want. When you have laptop, you can bring it to the place of your preference and enjoy the working atmosphere you desire as long as there is an internet connection.

4. You can have quality time for your family. If you are working nine-to-five, chances are you wake up early and work until 6 pm or more then there is the traffic jam that leaves you exhausted and your kids are already asleep when you got home. With working home based, you can have all the time you want bonding your family.

5. You can work in the comfort of your home. Where can you find jobs that there is no boss, no co-workers that are watching your shoulder all the time? You can work while eating, even you raise your feet, in front of TV, go to bathroom anytime you want. Nothing else but a homebased jobs.

6. The opportunity and earnings are limitless. Your dedication, determination and time allocation will make you decide how much earning you will get.

Now, let’s talk about the disadvantages of working home. Though there are some, the positive sides are overwhelming.

1. If you used to work with a big company, you will miss the camaraderie of your co-workers. You may find all day working at computer quite boring. So it is important to have social life and outlet to neutralize your day.

2. Because you work many hours in front of computers, it’s a must that you have an exercise regimen. You may find your knees locking and there is a tendency to be obese if you are not aware of the proper diet.

That’s the only thing I find negative in working home. But it’s manageable, it’s only time management and lots of discipline to stay fit.

For what company is the best for homebased job. please see oDesk.com and bestjobsph.com.

Conquering Mt. Pinatubo takes a lot of courage.

How can I forget February 6, 2009. This is the day that I conquered Mount Pinatubo. My friend Juliet invited me long ago to come trekking with her guests, but my schedules didn’t allow me to do so. Last February 4,  she and her husband Robin visited me in my home and open up the topic again. There are three guests that they will accompany in Mt. Pinatubo but they had another batch of trekkers coming the next day. So they ask me to go with their oldest daughter Jessica (14-year-old teen).

You ask me why I didn’t blog it right away? Come guys, give the exhausted fellow time to rest (lol)

We pick up our guests to Capas with van up to Santa Juliana. The entry point where we register and the station of 4×4 jeep we ride. Bryan, the Filipino guy and his two friends, Erine (American) and Frankie (UK). They are so cool and not snobbish, although occasionally I am finding my English (it’s different when you are writing than actual talking especially with different accent) I survived entertaining the guys, with Jessica’s effort too.

Our guests, Bryan, Frankie and Erine

Before we ride 4x4, so you see, I still look fresh here

The 4×4 travelled more or less an hour to bring us in the trekking point. They can no longer drive with the narrow paths and rocky terrains.  The scenery is great and I find it first coping with them with no efforts, but after some times of walking, I feel really exhausted. Our local guide never seem to get tired. He just continue walking without a single glance to us.

Here's Jessica while we are riding the 4x4

The first mistake I committed was having a heavy backpack. Every time I walked uphill, it seem to pull me. When I can no longer take it, I politely asked our ‘Manong’ to carry my backpack. Bryan feel the same too, so he gave the bag he was carrying then. I feel somewhat relieve. We just took a short break when we reached the little falls where there is a pipe we can drink. We took the ‘Skyway’ and it lessen our time from 2 hours to almost an hour. When we finally reach the Mt. Pinatubo crater, wow it feels great! Jessica is very proud of her achievement, being the what she calls it ‘14-year-old conqueror’. She was so excited and can’t find words to describe the scenery. We were there at 9:10 AM, plenty of time to spend swimming. We took rest and eat our lunch before everyone decided to swam on the crater. They said it is a fresh water, but actually the water is a little bit salty, but not as salty as sea.

Here's the starting point for long walks

We cross a lot of small creeks

The falls where you can have a cold drink

Yahooo! at last the Mt. Pinatubo Crate

With some playful acts, everybody enjoyed the cold water. There are some foreigners too, who like us, wanted to see the famous Mt. Pinatubo. While we are resting, I know that something was wrong with my left knee, the knee that I occasionally feel discomfort from time to time. My second mistake is doing the long trekking without any exercise and warming up. I spent most of my time in computer and sometimes walking will not be considered a healthy alternative for having strong resistance. I jokingly told them that the only thing that made me going and exiting the site is my will-power and pride. I don’t want to be the cause of delay and any trouble with my companions. But I am telling you, I cry deep inside whenever there were downhills we encountered because of my aching knee. I tried every possible step, robotic, walking  with my feet throwing outside and inside, just to feel a little comfort. The stairs leading to the crate was one of the hardest walk every one of us experienced.

To those who love some adventure and trekking, I tell you, you will enjoy your experience here. Just follow some basic guidelines of dos and don’ts of trekking.

After the long walk, you will find the Spa town in Santa Juliana waiting for you to give a soothing and relaxing Thai massage and volcanic ash spa.I know I go to Mt. Pinatubo again and I will prepare for it.

For those who are interested to book trekking, please contact this site : www.pinatubotrek.blogspot.com and contact Ms. Juliet Corpuz. She will surely give you a great deal.

At last I conquered Mt. Pinatubo!

After a month, I returned to Mt. Pinatubo and the trekking time is lessen by almost 50% due to the road improvement. I enjoy the experience this time.

Independence Day (Fourth of July) Trivia

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a national holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Here are some trivia regarding Independence Day:

• The Liberty Bell was first heard from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, calling citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
• Three former US President died on Independence Day. Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on July 4, 1826 in the 50th anniversary of the event while James Monroe died July 4, 1836 in Richmond, Virginia
• Calvin Coolidge was born July 4, 1872
• Only in 1941 did the Congress declared July 4 a federal legal holiday.
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.
• Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.
• The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam”. This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.

If you know any related trivia about 4th of July, feel free to share

Healthy Ways to Unleash Your Anger

If we heard the word “anger” the first thing that comes to our mind is negative feeling, a negative emotion that often resulted to vicious actions. We are like a dragon that ready to throw fire. But there are many ways that anger can turn into positive outcome and productive results.

Here are some convincing reasons to give up anger:

1. Anger is a destructive emotion. Anger, in fact, is a healthy emotion but it can be destructive if you don’t know how to handle it.

2. You are the first person damaged by your anger. Holding out to your anger is like grasping a very hot coal and ready to throw to the subject of your anger, you are the one who gets burned.

3. Your actions done as a result of anger are likely to be irrational and hence harmful and not effective.   “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”

4. If you are carrying anger then you’re setting up barriers for yourself.   When you get angry you interfere with your creative and objective side to help you achieve your goals and purpose and as a result you don’t move forward.

5. Anger can ruin you physically and emotionally.   Don’t stay too long with your frustrations and disappointments because it can lead us to many physical problems such as hypersensitivity, irritability, and insomnia. Your emotional and social life can be affected too.

Feeling angry is not wrong after all, but when it leads a person to become destructive, either physically, verbally, or psychologically, then it becomes wrong. Anger can be useful in many ways. Here are some practical tips for turning your angry feelings into useful energy.

You must acknowledge your anger

Denying its existence is one of the unhealthiest responses to feelings of anger. If you do not allow your mind to acknowledge that angry feelings, your body will have to bear the burden. If you feel the blood rising to your head, your ears are getting that hot sensation, your stomach being tied in knots, your fists clenching, and your heart pounding, then admit to yourself that anger is hitting you.

Uncover the cause of your anger

What triggered your feeling is sometimes obvious: a trusted person lied at you, the toilet bowl was not flushed, or the result you expected never happened. Sometimes you need to dig deeply. Just be specific in naming the event that sent your blood boil.

Confide in someone you trust

Find somebody you can confide your feeling, someone that is objective about the situation and who are not afraid to be honest with you. But beware of somebody who just riles you up further and can fan your flames.

Take action to solve the issue that is frustrating you

First, determine if you have any control over the situation. If you don’t have any control, just letting go of the situation, and working on how you feel about it.

Do something to make your anger productive

If you have a yard, go outside and do yard work, gardening or do a hobby that you are passionate about like painting, drawing, or simply redesigning your room. You will feel great about the progress that you make.

Get physical

Get connected to your body, and channel your rage into an activity that can release tension. Exercise, dancing, and running are great examples.

Life is so short; don’t waste it being angry most of the time. Stay happy and make your anger productive. As the saying goes, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

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