Snapsnipers: Nagkadugay, nagkanindot ug nagkalig-on

The three Filipina mountain climbers who scaled Mt. Everest in Nepal last May 16 will receive a hero’s welcome upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) today.

Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino, all members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), were hailed as the first Southeast Asian women to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. They will be arriving at 5 p.m. today and will be holding a press conference at the VIP Lounge of the Centennial Terminal 2 at NAIA.

Tomorrow, the three mountain climbers will pay a courtesy call on President Arroyo following a motorcade around Manila. They will be accompanied by Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and PCG commandant Admiral Damian Carlos. The group will also make a stop at the Manila City Hall and the PCG headquarters in Port Area.

For their achievement, the three women will be accorded a Testimonial Parade and Review at the PCG grounds, where they will be promoted from Sea Woman First Class (SWN1) to Petty Officer Third Class (PO3).

At the same event, Leo Oracion and Pastor Emate, the two Filipinos who first reached the top of Mt. Everest, will also be promoted to Petty Officer Second Class (PO2). Their expedition leader, former transportation undersecretary Art Valdez, will be awarded the Coast Guard Legion of Honor with the rank of Maginoo, the highest award conferred on a civilian.

Lt. Teodoro Esguerra, the climbing team’s physician, will receive the Outstanding Achievement Medal with silver dolphin award.     – Nestor Etolle