The 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition has been a glorious feat for our country. The endeavor may look like it’s only meant for those who have supreme quality and strengths.
Truth is, their story is just like the same intertwined stories of Filipinos --- stories of struggle, sacrifice, friendship, dreams, hope, faith and triumph. These heroes share the common sentiments of every Juan dela Cruz. And what they have achieved can also be achieved by anyone of us, as long as we believe in our selves and put our very best because after-all KAYA NG PINOY!
Pastour exclaims, “kahit yung mga foreigners na nakilala namin, na-a-amaze sila, wow Filipino, climbing Mt. Everest… can I ask for your website? Also, nagsimula pa lang yung training namin, mga instructor namin is ano na eh, confident na sila. Ang kulang lang daw namin is exposure. Kita nila yung lakas ng Pilipino!”
“We’re the last to settle at the base camp, nahuhuli kami kasi naghagilap pa kami ng resources… but we’re the first to break camp, the first to leave, kasi we’re the first to accomplish it eh,” Sir Art re-iterates.
Sir Art also sees the high resemblance of what they have endured and conquered to the plight of Kababayans abroad.
“The ones that will really appreciate more what we have accomplished are the Overseas Filipinos because they are looking for something to look up to. They’re looking for positive news in this country, something to be proud of.
We’re no different from OFWS trying to make ourselves accomplish something abroad. Nung dumating kami sa base camp, we’re no different from the probinsyanos na pasok ka doon sa Everest eh siempre first time mo noon. Mt. Everest yun, andun agad ang siga ng mga climbers.
In two weeks time, kami ang pinaka-siga, ang base camp ng Pilipino. Ganun kagaling ang Pilipino.”
If we really come to think of it, the story of the 1st Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team imparts a great lesson on nation-building and an immense challenge to our leaders. It also inspires everyone of us to do the exceptional and show the world that the Filipino race is on top of our leagues and we are capable of making this country a better place to live in or a better nation to be talked about.
 Leo Oracion, Kit Zulueta, Pastour Emata, the camp's Ku.JPG) |
| (L-R) Leo Oracion, Kit Zulueta, Pastour Emata, the camp's Kuya Bulado and the author |
We now close with the truly encouraging words from the wisdom and leadership of Mr. Art Valdez, whom for his part also learned a lot from his climbers.
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