Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino made a big mark in history as the first Southeast Asian women to conquer Mount Everest. They also set the record for doing a traverse climb on Mount Everest in which only a few tried and made it because it is known to be twice as hard.

The three mountaineers used the north route in Tibet and on to the south route in Nepal, accomplishing their goal on May 16. Of the three, Noelle Wenceslao was the first to arrive at the summit at 8:10 a.m. Manila time, overcoming acute mountain sickness and pulmonary edema. Carina Dayondon came in second at 8:20 a.m. Manila time, followed by Janet Belarmino three hours later.

The Everest expedition team is scheduled to disembark at the Centennial Airport Terminal 2 this afternoon aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand. A motorcade and courtesy calls are schedule in the following days. They will be escorted by Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza and Vice Admiral Damian L. Carlos, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard.

During a testimonial parade and review to be held at the Philippine Coast Guard headquarters, the three will be promoted to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. Expedition leader Arturo Valdez will also be awarded the highest award conferred on a civilian official by the PCG, the Coast Guard Legion of Honor Maginoo degree. Likewise, Lieutenant Ted Esguerra who is the team's physician will receive the Outstanding Achievement Medal.