One on One: Efren Penaflorida

This week's One On One was a lot of fun... Efren Penaflorida is a hero.
Efren is a teacher and social worker in the Philippines. He is the founder and head of the Dynamic Teen Company which offers Filipino youth an alternative to street gangs through education, recreating school settings in unconventional locations such as cemeteries and trash dumps.

In March 2009, Efren was featured as a CNN Hero as part of the news network's program to honour individuals who make extraordinary contributions to help others. On November 22, 2009, he was named CNN Hero of the Year for 2009.

I had the chance to meet Efren when I visited the Philippines a few years ago, and found him to be a incredible man. When I started this blog I knew I had to have Efren take part and share his story with you all...

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Chef D: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your family... Who inspired you to be the person you are today..

Efren: I grew up in a slum. My parents are poor. I was bullied in school. I met my mentor. He taught me to be brave and study well. Here I am now.

Chef D: What gave you the idea at such a young age to start up a incredible company "Dynamic Teen Company"

Efren: My mentor told me that i could get even with the bullies by forming a team or group that would protect bullied students.

Chef D: Are you working on any upcoming projects that you can share with us... Also do you have plans on expanding your company, go worldwide?

Efren: Currently raising funds for mobile schooling in Temporary Learning Spaces in Central Philippines.Temporary Learning Spaces will be alternative to classrooms that were destroyed by the Super typhoon. We are raising 10 Million Pesos!

Chef D: Can you tell us something about Efren Penaflorida that we might not know about you. Also is there a city or country that you haven't Visited or a person that you haven't had the chance to meet but would love to one day.

Efren: I love to dance! A country? England or UK. Person; Obama.

Chef D: And finally when at home with your family what is the one dish or recipe you all enjoy to have, can you share that with us today...,

Efren: We all love Kare-kare, but will trade it for a big plump stuffed TURKEY! hahaha
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Kare Kare Recipe

Serves: 6

Ingredients:
3 lbs oxtail (cut in 2 inch slices) you an also use tripe or beef slices
1 small banana flower bud (sliced)
1 bundle of pechay or bok choy
1 bundle of string beans (cut into 2 inch slices)
4 pcs eggplants (sliced)
1 cup ground peanuts
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup shrimp paste
34 Ounces water (about 1 Liter)
1/2 cup annatto seeds (soaked in a cup of water)
1/2 cup toasted ground rice
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper

Directions:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil
Put in the oxtail followed by the onions and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hrs or until tender (35 minutes if using a pressure cooker)
Once the meat is tender, add the ground peanuts, peanut butter, and coloring (water from the annatto seed mixture) and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes
Add the toasted ground rice and simmer for 5 minutes
On a separate pan, saute the garlic then add the banana flower, eggplant, and string beans and cook for 5 minutes
Transfer the cooked vegetables to the large pot (where the rest of the ingredients are)
Add salt and pepper to taste
Serve hot with shrimp paste. Enjoy!
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