A Filipino has reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain—and he wasn’t the one many expected would do it first. 
Heracleo "Leo" Oracion made it to the top of the 8,848-meter (29,035-foot) Mount Everest at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Nepal (5:30 p.m. in Manila), ending the suspense of a tropical nation riveted by the stories of a handful of its countrymen conquering the peak.
"The Philippine eagle has landed at the summit of Everest," Art Valdez, leader of the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition, quoted Oracion as saying through satellite radio, in a press conference in Makati City.
Exec. Secretary Eduardo Ermita congratulated Oracion. "The indomitable spirit of man, especially if that men are Pinoys, [shows that] we are equal to anyone in the world; therefore we all rejoice that they have accomplished this feat," Ermita said at a press briefing.
Valdez said Oracion, the Everest team’s lead climber, had only one sherpa guide with him on the way up Everest. He said Oracion, a 35-year-old native of Lucban, Quezon, reached the Hillary stretch of the mountain, which is 1,000 meters from the peak, at 12:30 p.m.
On the way down
Oracion was already on his way down from the mountain, hoping to help his regular climbing partner, Erwin "Pastor" Emata, reach the summit too, added Valdez, the former transportation undersecretary.
A native of Davao City, Emata was set to arrive at Camp 4, the last stopover before the summit, at 2 p.m. (5 p.m. in Manila). He was set to rest at the camp before scaling the summit Thursday.
At 26,000 feet, Camp 4 is also known as the Death Zone, since it is here where climbers may suffer from fatal illnesses such as cerebral edema, when water from extreme cold enters the brain, and pulmonary edema, when water seeps into the lungs. Oracion left this camp at 9 p.m. Tuesday (11 p.m. in Manila). 
the rockstar's story: I'm Haryl harzie Acha. Born last All-Saints Day 1987. Proud to represent the Pearl of the Orient, the Philippines and the City of Smiles, Bacolod. I'm 5'5" in height.. Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo pero with Spanish-Chinese blood mix.... I am.. "makulit", sociable & spontaneous. I'm a very simple urban dub. Nothing special on me. I'm just your guy next door.. the upper-middle class guy! I'm a sane person but sometimes a real jackass! I always come up with wild & crazy stuff at the weirdest times. :: I do a lot of talking.. a talk that larded with jokes. Other people says I'm a really laid back person which I think is a good thing. I'm also a joker, though most of the times my friends find my jokes corny, but i still tell them. Still, sometimes I could be the most boring man on earth. :: I had this I-don't-give-a-damn attitude. I don't bother what other people say like doin' a backbite and insecure criticisms. 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But for now I'm enjoying mah work and chillin out at night. :: I'm a INC, and go to church every Thursday & Sunday. :: I can cook an omelet and an instant pancit canton.. I do my own laundry.. :: I just hate pretense. :: I totally hate CLASSISM and DISCRIMINATION in all kinds [esp. on the basis of racial and social status]. Niggas in the hood do not appreciate that shit! Just don't let others feel they are discriminated, belittle 'em and to treat 'em with scorn if you don't like 'em. Don't be a snooty idiot if you don't want to be dump on too.. I'm a strong believer in karma. :: So, what else you don't know about me? You just even read my autobiography! Anyways, please add me in your cyber friends and thanx so much for those who accepted my invites.. I'm that nigga that you can always holla to.. Leave me a COMMENT. 
