Aside from being hailed as 2009’s CNN Hero of The Year, Efren Peñaflorida also made headlines early this year when he made a public declaration of his feelings for Angel Locsin in Boy Abunda’s The Bottomline. The talented actress was supposedly the girl of his dreams whom he had been praying for for five years. He even asked permission from Angel’s father so that he could formally court her at the time. But he ended up being just friends with Angel instead.

When ABS-CBN.com and other entertainment reporters caught up with Efren at the press launch of Chowking’s newest endorsers, the 29-year-old was quick to say that he would rather talk about his foundation (Dynamic Teen Company) than his love life. Asked if he’s aware that Angel’s going out again with ex-boyfriend Luis Manzano, Efren merely replied, “Not on my priority list.”

Apparently, the only thing that’s keeping him inspired these days is his constant interaction with the students from his “kariton classroom.” “Ang perspective ko bilang isang guro, mas fulfilling kapag nakikita ko yung mga bata na natututo magsulat at magbasa, especially kung nae-engganyo silang mag-aral. Kahit isang bata lang yung matulungan namin, that’s already a big achievement for me.”

Efren is also happy because of the growing number of dedicated volunteers who share his vision in instilling the importance of education among the youth. “If you want change to happen, the concept of bayanihan is important. Kasi when you push a cart alone, it’s very hard. So ‘pag mas madami kang kasama, mas napapadali yung work. Siyempre hindi naman kaya ng isang tao lang yung pagbabago,” he stated.