CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. gave “The Buzz” host Kris Aquino an “Ako Mismo” dog tag in commemoration of his recent triumph.
 
The TV host is one of only four people who own the “Kuya Ef” edition dog tag. The other three are Angel Locsin, Efren himself and one of his “Dynamic Team Company” members.
 
Efren received the prestigious recognition---a first for any Filipino----on Nov. 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California, for his outstanding achievement of championing education for the youth through his organization that teaches street kids for free.
 
The Cavite hero believes that, to quote that Mariah Carey song, “a hero lies in you.”
 
“Bawat isa po sa’tin may kabayanihan sa puso. Kailangan po natin itong i-unleash.

“Wag po sana nating dungisan ‘yung kabayanihan na ‘yun ng ating sariling interes, pag-iimbot, at kasakiman. Simulan na po natin na kumilos at simulan po nating mag-angatan hindi po maghilahan pababa.
 
“Kahit po tayo mahirap, hindi po ito hadlang para makapag-isip po tayo ng paraan para makatulong sa iba. Kahit bata pa po tayo hindi po hadlang para makapagbigay po tayo ng ambag sa lipunan,” said the 28-year-old Order of Lakandula awardee.
 
Kim Chiu bids teenybopper roles adieu
Young actress Kim Chiu takes on her most offbeat role yet in Star Cinema’s forthcoming Metro Manila Film Fest entry, “I Love You, Goodbye.”
 
“Sobrang iba talaga siya. Kahit ako nagdalawang-isip ako kung tatanggapin ko siya. Maldita siya, laging galit,” said Kim of Ysa, the name of the character she plays in the film.
 
Kim is set to welcome 2010 with Gerald Anderson via the Star Cinema movie, “Paano na Kaya.”
 
Bayani Agbayani attributes successes to his folks
New Kapuso actor Bayani Agbayani offers all of his achievements to his parents.
 
“Ang lahat ng paghihirap ko [ay] nilalaan ko sa magulang [ko na nagturo sa akin na kung] magtrabaho ka [ay] aangat ka, [lalo ]at [kung] wala kang tatapakang ibang tao,” he said during the “Story of your Life” segment on “Showbiz Central.”
 
Born Bayani Rogacion Jr., the actor used a simile to describe his return to GMA-7.
 
“Para lang akong nag-bakasyon at ngayon nakabalik na ko sa bahay ko.”