Enchong Dee as Efren Peñaflorida on MMK

Enchong Dee was chosen to play as Efren Peñaflorida on the life story of the CNN awardee on Maalaala Mo Kaya this Saturday, February 20.

Viewers will have some glimpse on
how Efren Peñaflorida Jr. was able to
surpass the struggles in his life and eventually become CNN’s 2009 Hero
of the Year.



In 1997, the 16-year old Efren founded the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), which pioneered the use of
kariton classrooms.” These
“pushcart classrooms”
contained books, pens, tables and chairs
that were used to teach the urban youth
in Cavite City.

Over 9,000 nominations were sent in by
viewers of CNN and the unique case of
Efren was one of them. After a voting
period of seven weeks, it was announced
that the Filipino social worker received
the highest number of online votes. He
was able to beat nine other CNN’s Hero of the Year contenders from
different countries.

For this achievement, Efren has been conferred the Order of Lakandula by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But who exactly is Kuya Ef and how did
he grow up to be a hero? Find out more
about Efren Peñaflorida Jr. on
ABS-CBN’s drama anthology airing this Saturday.