On a high: Why scaling Mt. Everest matters to these Filipino mountaineers

2 months ago 10

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Mountaineers Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad hope to become the first Filipinos in 18 years to reach Mount Everest’s peak

The Philippine flag could be back on top of the world’s highest peak after nearly two decades.

Mountaineers Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad aim to be the first Filipinos in 18 years to reach the top of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain.

“This is for the Philippines,” the 42-year-old Mapalad told Rappler in Filipino. “More than ourselves, the idea of bringing our flag on top of the Everest in 18 years is the ultimate goal of this expedition.”

“It’s hard, but it’s not impossible. It is every mountaineers’ dream to reach the peak of Everest, so it’s all about fulfilling that dream, not just for us but also for Filipinos,” the 29-year-old Panganiban said.

No Filipino has made it to Everest’s peak since Regidor ‘Regie’ Pablo in 2007.

From 2010 to 2019, the success rates of Everest climbers have increased to about 65%, or two-thirds of mountaineers scaling the mountain. Meanwhile, the death count has remained at under 1%, according to a study by the University of Washington.

The two acknowledged the challenges posed by the mountain, which has been known for extreme avalanches, treacherous terrain, and harsh weather conditions.

“I think that is why it is special,” Mapalad, who hails from San Juan City, said. “Few have been successful in their climbs, so it will really take a lot of preparations and hardships for us to finish the mission.”

This Everest climb is part of their Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition, a plan to scale 14 of the tallest mountains in the world.

The mission will run until the final two weeks of May and the first week of June, which, the two said, is the best time window to scale the snowy mountain.

The 14 highest peaks in the world are known as the “eight-thousanders,” as they all rise above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet):

Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters / 29,031.7 feet) – Nepal/China
K2 (8,611 meters / 28,251 feet) – Pakistan/China
Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters / 28,169 feet) – Nepal/India
Lhotse (8,516 meters / 27,940 feet) – Nepal/China
Makalu (8,485 meters / 27,838 feet) – Nepal/China
Cho Oyu (8,188 meters / 26,864 feet) – Nepal/China
Dhaulagiri I (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet) – Nepal
Manaslu (8,163 meters / 26,781 feet) – Nepal
Nanga Parbat (8,126 meters / 26,660 feet) – Pakistan
Annapurna I (8,091 meters / 26,545 feet) – Nepal
Gasherbrum I (8,080 meters / 26,509 feet) – Pakistan/China
Broad Peak (8,051 meters / 26,414 feet) – Pakistan/China
Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters / 26,362 feet) – Pakistan/China
Shishapangma (8,027 meters / 26,335 feet) – China (Tibet Autonomous Region)

Climbing all 14 is considered “one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering,” said Panganiban, adding that the feat demands “not only exceptional physical strength but also mental resilience.”

An “intimate understanding” of high-altitude survival is also important, he said.

“For those who dream of this challenge, it’s about more than summiting mountains. It’s a journey of perseverance, teamwork, and respect for nature,” Panganiban noted.

Last October, the two Filipinos scaled the 8,163-meter Mt. Manaslu in Nepal to prepare for the Everest climb. In comparison, the Everest has an elevation of 8,849 meters or 29,031 feet.

The team is also planning to reach the peaks of Mt. Cho Oyu, and Mt. Lhotse this year.

“We are also thinking of inspiring the next generation of climbers in the Philippines. This is for them to see that the Everest dream is possible for us Filipinos,” Panganiban said.

“I think what we are doing is bigger than us,” added Mapalad, who is considered the veteran of the team.

Mapalad has reached numerous peaks in the Himalayas, South America, and even in some parts of Africa. He has also been on top of Philippine mountains, such as Mt. Apo in Davao, Mt. Guting Guiting in Romblon, and Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales.

Panganiban, who hails from Pasig City, has scaled Mt. Fuji in Japan, and Mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia among other Asian peaks.

They will fly back to Nepal in April to start their preparations for the Everest camp, alongside other foreign climbers.

For them, it is a mission of a lifetime.

“I am so thrilled and nervous as well, but in order for us to do this, we need to be in our best shape physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Panganiban said.

“Until we reach the peak, we’ll be enjoying the journey,” Mapalad added.