Manila: A second Filipino mountaineer reached the summit of Mount Everest yesterday, a day after his compatriot conquered the 8,848-metre peak. A third Filipino is also on the way.
Erwin "Pastor" Emata reached the top at about 5:54am yesterday, GMA television network said in a report of the climb which was sponsored by its rival network ABS-CBN.
The report quoted Emata as saying that his climb was made easier and faster because a path he took had already been made by Leo Oracion, the first Filipino Everest conqueror who used the popular South Col route, the same trail climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
President Gloria Arroyo said the entire nation was rejoicing in the successful climbs of the two climbers.
"The entire nation also shares the joy and pride of the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition team led by Leo Oracion on their achievement.
Even as we speak, we also heard news of the outstanding feat of another Filipino, Erwin 'Pastor' Emata," said Arroyo in a statement.
"The conquest of the world's highest peak is a mark of Filipino excellence, perseverance, and courage in braving the hard trek of nation-building," she added.
A third Filipino climber, Romeo Garduce, is also expected to reach the summit of Mount Everest soon.
Oracion and Emata are expected to be back at Mt Everest base camp today.
