THE OSCARS OF GIVING

These people have taken a lot of time and effort into giving themselves up for love. Like any artist, there is a lot of sacrifice coming from each of these heroes. But I'm definitely proud that the Hero of the Year is a Filipino.
2009 has a been a big year for the Philippines, and I think it's starting to receive the kind of attention it truly deserves.
I admit I have my doubts and reservations about my own kind. The things I hear from my mother, a first generation Filipino, has educated me on many stories of theft, robbery, and lies--some stories that originate within my own family lineage. It's heart breaking to know, and embarrassing to be in any correlation to, but it is the truth of the homeland: corruption is everywhere, especially in the human heart. And it is good to know that there are some people who are trying to manipulate goodness despite the greed, negativity, and crime--someone still has inspiration.

Mr. Penaflorida,
you are a pioneering artist. the kind that needs to be spoken of in textbooks, and taught in classrooms. I am certain that your heroism is an art that provokes emotions from any audience.
and though I have never personally met you, your over generosity is very addictive behavior. Thank you for being a role model across all color lines, and thank you for not being fearful of giving yourself to good deeds.

Thankful,
RAE