Oracion's kin await news from Everest

The family and friends of Filipino mountaineer Leo Oracion eagerly awaited news reports Wednesday as the climber counted only a few more hours to reach the top of the world, marking a first for the Philippine nation. Oracion, a member of the Philippine Everest Team, is now at the Balcony of Mt. Everest, GMA News' Jiggy Manicad reported from the mountain's Base Camp. At 27,500 feet, the Balcony is a narrow and slippery route between the Camp 4 and the summit of the world’s highest mountain. Oracion is expected to trek two to three more hours before reaching the summit at 29,035 feet. In his hometown in Lucban, Quezon, 30 kms south of Manila, Oracion's friends and family are preparing a warm reception for the mountaineer's return. Oracion's mother, Siony, told GMA News that she knew her son would make history in mountaineering. The 35-year-old climber began his passion for the mountains since he was a teenager, first climbing Mt. Banahaw in the province. Neighbors of Oracion pitched in front of their houses several streamers saying “Mabuhay Ka, Leo Oracion!" Oracion, 35, has been recognized for his involvement in different outdoor sports such as biking, running, swimming, kayaking and mountain climbing. He participated in international adventure races such as the AXN Challenges in different parts of Asia and a 10-day expedition race is New Zealand. Another Filipino mountaineer, Erwin "Pastor" Emata, is now at Camp 4, the last of the four numbered camps en route to the summit, Philippine Everest Team member Ted Esguerra said in a satellite phone interview. 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 enters the lungs. Another Filipino mountaineer, Romi Garduce, is reportedly at Camp 3, which is about 5,000 feet away from the summit. In his previous interviews, Romi said he wants to follow the pace of his body and mind in executing his summit assault. He also put weight on the advice of Nepalese sherpas, who know the weather conditions in the Himalayas very well. Garduce hit Camp 2 on Tuesday, marking the second day of his summit assault. Garduce described his summit assault as the most critical stage of his mission, which he began two months ago as he underwent several weeks of acclimatization training. “We need more prayers, more positive thinking and hopes for all Filipino climbers here. Tuloy-tuloy na ito," he said. GMANews.TV