Filipino mountaineers Jeno Panganiban, Miguel Mapalad reach Everest peak

MANILA, Philippines – After Ric Rabe successfully summited the Mount Everest on May 15, two more Filipino mountaineers, Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad, also reached the world’s highest point on Sunday, May 18.

The Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team announced the development, which saw Panganiban and Mapalad become the second and third Filipinos to reach the Everest’s peak this year.

“Summit! Mabuhay ang Filipino mountaineers. Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. We did it!” Panganiban said in a text message shortly after reaching the peak. 

(Summit! Long live Filipino mountaineers. Love live Filipinos. Love live the Philippines. We did it!)

Everest measures at 8,849 meters and has been known to have perilous terrains and extreme weather conditions en route to the top. 

“This climb was never just for them, it was for all Filipinos. To show that we can dream big, rise higher, and endure together,” the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team wrote on Facebook. 

The team also honored Rabe, and the late Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, who died in the middle of his ascent on May 14.

“But this victory isn’t theirs alone. Joining them in this monumental feat are two other proud Filipinos, sir Ric Rabe and the late Sir PJ Santiago II, whose unwavering spirit lives on in this triumph. Sir PJ may not have reached the summit, but he gave everything for this dream with love, courage, and pride for the Philippines,” the post said.

Rabe was the first Filipino to reach the peak in 17 years, or since Regie Pablo scaled the Everest on May 17, 2007. 

Mapalad of San Juan City and Panganiban of Pasig City started their final push to the mountaintop on May 14. 

Aside from the Everest, their team plans to scale all 14 of the tallest mountains in the world. 

Before that, the two are expected to descend the Everest in the next two weeks. – Rappler.com