On their summit day, we were proud to show the world that Filipinos are on top of our leagues. Our very own flag landed to the top, above 29,000 feet.
1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team
- Mr. Art Valdez made the Expedition announcement as early as October 2003. From then on selection process for the members was made. The 32 initial members were then down to 22.
- The 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team which was originally planned as the Unity Climb 2007, officially launched in March 23, 2004.
- Then followed the Team’s Training in India and New Zealand on Basic and Advanced Alpine Technical Course.
- Leo and Pastour underwent training in Nepal for three months, including their acclimatization period. From the base camp, they were able to summit the Everest’s peak in 4 days.
- At the base camp was their support team which includes Mr. Art Valdez, Dr. RTed Esguerra, Fred Jamili, Levi Nahayangan and Jong Narciso and Media Partner, ABS-CBN composed of reporters Abner Mercardo, Vince Rodriguez and cameraman Val Cuenca.
2007 Unity Climb
There was a Multinational Friendship Climb back in 2001. However, to date, there is no successful Everest climb from both North (Tibet) and South (Nepal) Sides that came from one nationality. And one nationality will try to do it… none other than OURS!
The 2007 Unity Climb was the original plan in 2003’s announcement. But during the training, foreign trainers encouraged the Team to have at least two members climb in an earlier year. That would pave way for better chances of success in the said Unity Climb. And then the firsts (Leo and Pastour) will then serve as the guide for the rest of team during the 2007 climb itself. This disproves the rumor that Leo and Pastour were just compelled to take the 2006 climb just so Romy Garduce, another Filipino climber, won’t take all the spotlight in his same year Everest attempt.
This great endeavor will again test the spirit of our Pinoy climbers. It is the so-called full expedition. As planned, Leo and Pastour will be leading the two climbs from the North and South Sides. And as the title implies, Unity Climb, these two teams intend to ascent from their respective sides, meet at the peak, and then descent by taking the other team’s route (traverse routes). The Team has been preparing for three years now.
“If we succeed, we will be the first ASEAN to climb on both sides. Pera lang naman kasi ang kulang namin d’yan eh,” says Sir Art.
GO PINAY TOO!
Hail to the country’s female race! Certainly, our women climbers are also up for the challenge and determined to bring more glory for the country.
Before the Unity Climb, Sir Art tells us “and then the women, if they succeed they’re not only the first Filipinas, they’ll be the first in the ASEAN though hindi 100% ‘yan dahil ang Indonesia nag-put up ng team nila just this July. Ang labas n’yan eh makikisabay. Hindi natin alam kung sino ang mauuna.”
With all the passion, dedication and determination of our Mt. Everest Expedition Team, e-BOTAK wishes that the government can fully support them and all the capable sportsmen who are risking lives to bring honor and glory for our country. And as one nation, let us extend our support in whatever way we can. After all, it’s for every Filipino’s pride. |
