SENATE COMMENDS FILIPINO MOUNTAINEERS: Sen. Richard Gordon presents to (from left) Arturo Valdez, Heracleo Oracion and Erwin Pastor Emata copies of Senate Resolution 79 commending the first Philippine Mount Everest Expedition and other Filipino climbers for their unparalleled courage and unwavering determination to be the first Filipinos to scale Mount Everest. Part of the resolution reads that when Oracion planted the Philippine flag on the summit of the worlds tallest mountain, he proved that with focus, hard work and fortitude, Filipinos can make a difference in the world. Oracion and the whole expedition team received the recognition from the Senate in simple ceremonies held during the Kapihan sa Senado forum Thursday morning (June 1). (Photo by Joseph Vidal,PRIB)