Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

In a few hours I'll be off to some remote island in the west coast of the peninsula. So I leave you this sad song from Gary V. Let your tears flow for this one. Reminiscence of the ghost of your Christmas past.

Or just enjoy this Jose Mari Chan classic with memories from your teens. You know, the school Christmas parties with Jollibee meals, exchange gifts wishing you don't get the picture frame. Hoping that your monito/monita was not your teacher. And yes the puto bumbong, bibingka and tsokolate after the "simbang ligaw" I mean simbang gabi.

But if you're into games like me. I'm sure you'll enjoy Ariel Rivera's Sana Ngayong Pasko with the Flyff twist.

Lastly, here's Sungha Jung wishing you a 메리 크리스마스!

Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

~ Jempres

Pushcart educator named CNN Hero of the Year

Efren Peñaflorida is "CNN Hero of the Year". Although i got the news just moments after it was announced last week, I've only just seen the awarding. Here's a script of his speech.

"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry," Peñaflorida said upon accepting the honor. "Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need.

"So to each and every person inside this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream, as I am the change that I dream, and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

Truly remarkable.