International media house CNN recently organized and hosted a celebratory rally for Efren Peñaflorida, one of the ten CNN Heroes for 2009.

The event was held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Manila as part of CNN's efforts to raise awareness on how Filipinos can support Peñaflorida through online voting.

Computers were set up in the area where the audience and mall goers can cast their votes for free (internet users may visit the following links if they decide to vote: www.cnn.com/Heroes or http://ironnie.com/supportsefren).

This will help determine whether Peñaflorida will emerge or not among the other nine CNN Heroes as the CNN Hero of the Year for 2009. The award is given to the CNN Hero who can garner the most number of votes online until November 18.

Notables such as ABS-CBN News Head Maria Ressa, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, and Cavite City Mayor Bernardo Paredes showed up at the event to give their own remarks for Peñaflorida and the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), the organization he founded and represents. The organization is founded in 1997 with an aim to educate underprivileged youth and steer them away from bad influence.

Peñaflorida is part of the 10 individuals chosen by CNN from over 9,000 submissions from 100 countries in its annual search for simple individuals who have made a significant difference to their home countries through service and social and development commitment.

Ressa explains that the CNN Heroes was born "four or five years ago for people who can see the world the way it is, and yet have hope that they can do something to change it."

Peñaflorida is scheduled to fly to Los Angeles, California on November 19. He and his other nine contenders will attend the grand awarding ceremonies of CNN's Hero of The Year Award in Hollywood's famed Kodak Theatre on November 26. He said he does not know yet when he will return to the Philippines as he is still making arrangements to extend his visit in the US for the benefit of the Filipino community.

He disclosed that if ever he bags the Hero of The Year Award, 90 percent of the cash incentive will go to DTC's improvements and projects while the remaining ten percent will be allotted for the A Blessed Church in Cavite City.

The CNN Hero of The Year Award comes with a US$100,000 cash prize.