Cris “Kesz” Valdez is the 2012 International Children's Peace Prize Awardee. (It is the highest prize in the whole world for children division) At age 13, his “Championing Community Children” charity raises funds by selling candles to give “Hope Gifts” (packages with slippers, toys, candies, clothing and basic needs) to the needy children of Cavite City. He has already helped about 10,000 Filipino children, the majority of which are subjected to abuse, violence, and child labor. He provides aid on health and hygiene, as well as on children's rights. (from wikipilipinas). He's currently under the care of our CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida and his mentor Kuya Bon Manalaysay.
I also have a graduation speech where I highlighted his life and passion for the young ones/ You may check it out here. I can't imagine, after few months, his name will be at news again. He's bringing pride to our country despite of his age. Indeed, everyone can make a difference. Age and economic background don't matter.
Support his cause through 'liking' and 'sharing' his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kesziam
His twitter account is: @iamKesz
[Pitong Katanungan kay Kuya Kesz Valdez]
Kuya Marlon: Ano ang pinaka-magandang ugali ni Kesz na gusto mong ibahagi sa kapwa-kabataan?
Kuya Kesz: Siguro po 'yung paghanap ng positibo sa mga pangyayaring mahirap tanggapin sa buhay po.
Kuya Marlon: Sino si Kesz 10 years from now?
Kuya Kesz: 23 na po ako nuon. Baka po med proper na po ako at may advocacy pa rin. Malapit na maging duktor.
Kuya Marlon: Ano ang pinaka "striking event" sa buhay mo?
Kuya Kesz: 'Yung nasunog po ang braso at likod ko dahil sa pammamasura na siyang nagdala sa akin sa pangangalaga ni Tatz KB (KuyaBon-KuyaEfren) po.
Kuya Marlon: Paano ka nagsimula sa iyong advocacy na tulungan ang kapwa kabataan mo?
Kuya Kesz: Noong 7th bday ko po, nagwish po ako non.
Kuya Marlon: Ano ang pinaka-gintong aral na natutunan mo kay Kuya Efren at kay Kuya Bon?
Kuya Kesz: Huwag mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil ikaw mismo ay pag-asa.
Kuya Marlon: Ano ang ginagawa ni Kesz sa buhay tuwing ordinaryong araw?
Kuya Kesz: Naglalaptop po, games, reading, kulitan at dance practice.
Kuya Marlon: Sa iyong sariling pananaw, ano ang sikreto ng pagiging kampyeon sa Peace Prize for Children Award?
Kuya Kesz: Wala naman pong sikreto. Siguro 'yung maglingkod po na hindi nakatuon sa premyo kundi sa pagtulong sa mga bata lang po.
I pray that God would rise and create more Kesz's in this generation. =)
