MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) Efren Peñaflorida, the CNN Hero of the Year, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday via Northwest flight (NW281).

Peñaflorida, beaming while holding the CNN plaque, was welcomed by his co-teachers and students at the Dynamic Teen Co. who screamed upon seeing him. They mobbed, hugged and kissed him, while chanting “Kuya Ef” and “Bayani!”

One balikbayan reacted, “wow, it was a pure joy!”

The 28-year-old native of Cavite City brought home worldwide accolades for the "pushcart classroom" he has pioneered in the streets of Cavite.