Article from:http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/288563/pinoyabroad/pinoyachievers/top-12-pinoy-achievers-for-2012
[excerpt from the Web article]
The year 2012 was a great year for many Filipinos abroad, especially those who joined international pageants and sports competitions.
Five Filipino pageant winners, including 2012 Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon made it to the Pinoy Abroad section’s list of top 12 Filipino achievers for 2012.
Rounding up the list are international singing sensations Jessica Sanchez and “Random Girl” Zendee Rose and boxing greats Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.
The top achiever on our list, however, is relatively unknown — 13-year-old Kesz Valdez, who won the 2012 International Children’s Peace Prize for his work to improve the lives of his fellow street children.
Here are the top 12 Pinoy Achievers for 2012:
(1) Cris “Kesz” Valdez
13-year-old Kesz Valdez wins 2012 International Children’s Peace Prize
In September last year, 13-year-old Kesz Valdez was named an awardee of the International Children’s Peace Prize.
Valdez won for his work as head of a charity organization that educates and hands out gifts to thousands of youngsters in his poverty-plagued hometown.
South African human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu gave Valdez his award, declaring him a “voice for the voiceless” and a “true inspiration”.
Valdez is the first southeast Asian to receive the International Children’s Peace Prize. He was also the youngest among the three finalists nominated for the recognition. The two others were Amina,15, of Ghana and Anwara,16, of the West Bengal region of India.
Valdez dedicated his award to his guardian Harnin Manalaysay, who cared for him after running away from his family due to abuse and maltreatment.
During his acceptance speech, Valdez likened one of his experiences of maltreatment — being scorched in a pile of garbage — to a “baptism of fire.”
“The day I suffered the burns on my body was like my baptism of fire. It was so painful that night at the dumpsite, the hospital and the days that followed. I cried out of pain. On the other hand, that was also the day I was rescued,” he said of his ordeal.
“The fire that burned my skin and flesh is the same fire that started a flame in my soul. A flame that would warm cold hearts, a flame that would shed light to the path of the lost, a flame that would spark hope, lighting an entire sea of darkness and desperation. Mr. Harnin, the father I look up to, taught me these principles and keeps on reminding me daily by his own life’s example,” he added.
Source:
http://c3champs.org/?p=126