JoUrNeY To EvErEsT

As Herecleo "Leo" Oracion proudly announced it, via satellite radio on May 17, 2006 at 3:30pm Nepal time, "The Philippine eagle has landed at the summit of Everest." At this great hour, Leo Oracion became the first Filipino to reach the highest peak on Earth. And in a matter of 14 hours, our Philippine pride was duplicated, as Erwin "Pastour" Emata, became the second Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

Truly, Leo and Pastour are "World-class Filipinos." We, Filipinos, spread around the globe, are very proud of you. We pray in unity for your safe journey back home. God bless you and the rest of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition team. May this inspire more great achievements by Filipinos for our beloved, the Philippines.

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"Everest should be approached with respect.

On Sagarmatha (Nepalese name for Everest),

you do not race against anyone.

It is between you and the mountain.

If she allows you to the summit, you are lucky.

You should never say you will conquer her,

because in the end she will always win."

- Pastour Emata,

lifted from Ninascoops,

published on the www.philstar.com, 05/18/06

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In a few days, another Filipino, Romeo Garduce, will hopefully achieve the same feat as Leo and Pastour, as he becomes the third Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. God bless you, too, Romeo!