Makati welcomes Everest climbers with parade

First posted 00:26am (Mla time) May 30, 2006
By Nikko Dizon, Jocelyn R. Uy
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on Page A17 of the May 30, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


EXPECT confetti to rain down on Ayala Avenue on Wednesday as Makati hosts a victory parade for mountaineers Leo Oracion and Erwin “Pastor” Emata, the first and second Filipinos to conquer Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

The two are expected to return to the country at 6 p.m. today via Philippine Air Lines.

“As in the past, Makati will provide a world-class welcome for a group of world-class Filipinos,” Mayor Jejomar Binay said in a statement. The parade will coincide with the culmination of the month-long celebration of Makati’s 336th Foundation Day.

“Makati is a city which celebrates determination, passion and teamwork, which are the hallmarks of the Philippine Everest Team. We are proud to host them on their arrival and to give them a welcome that is uniquely Makati,” Binay added.

Oracion, Emata, and other members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition (FPMEE) team will hold a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) upon their arrival today.

From there, the group will proceed to ABS-CBN, the team’s broadcast partner, for more activities.

At 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oracion, Emata and other members of the team, including former Transportation Undersecretary Arturo Valdez, will march on Ayala Avenue—from Gil Puyat Avenue to Edsa—at 2:30 p.m.

Binay encouraged Makati residents, office workers and executives to throw confetti from buildings during the parade.

Asked why Romi Garduce, the third Filipino to reach the mountain’s summit, was not included in the parade, Joey Salgado, head of the Makati public information office, said it was the FPMEE that requested for a parade. Emata and Oracion are members of the FPMEE, while Garduce’s Everest expedition was backed by television network giant GMA7.

“They called us up and said they wanted to have a confetti parade in the city,” Salgado said.

Makati has played host to several victory parades for Filipinos who had brought honor to the country, including boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, Miss International titleholder Precious Lara Quigaman and the Filipino delegation to last year’s Southeast Asian Games.

Thats real nice of the president (though im not a fan of GMA), it gives those heroes a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that their country appreciates them and should bring some much needed pride back to the country.