Rare photographs of the Filipino trailblazers in their courageous mountaineering adventures

MANILA, Philippines — At more than 8,000 meters above sea level, survival depends on preparation, teamwork, and sheer willpower. It’s in this hostile environment that a handful of Filipinos made history. R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) pays homage to the climbers who have stood at the world’s highest altitudes in “Ating Tugatog: Filipinos on the World’s Highest Peaks.”  This event is a testament to R.O.X.’s enduring mission to bring together a community of explorers – people united by their shared respect, curiosity, and courage for the great outdoors. 

Running from October 8 to 19 at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, the exhibit showcases 40 rare photographs chronicling the five Filipino trailblazers who have stood atop the world’s most unforgiving peaks, including Mount Everest — Romi Garduce, Carina Dayondon, Noelle Penetrante, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad.

From left to right: Explorers Jeno Panganiban, Miguel Mapalad, Noelle Penetrante, and Romi Garduce who conquered great heights.

Beyond being a chronicle of Filipino achievement at high altitude, this event is a reminder of what drives every great adventure: preparation, perseverance, and purpose. These are the same values that have long fueled R.O.X.and its growing community of explorers. 

“Every expedition requires meticulous planning, absolute trust in your gear, and immense personal resilience. By supporting the journey of these climbers and celebrating their historical achievements, R.O.X. aims to inspire every Filipino to push their limits, whether that’s on a local trail or the world’s highest mountains. This exhibit is a powerful reminder that with the right preparation and mindset, Filipino dreams are truly limitless,” Mary Anne Oriondo, R.O.X. Marketing Manager, shared. 

By highlighting real stories even from the world’s most unforgiving environments, it affirms R.O.X. 's role as the outfitter of choice for explorers; providing globally trusted, high-performance gear that empowers them to reach new heights – both on the mountain and beyond.

Meet The Climbers Who Redefined Filipino Mountaineering

Romi Garduce – The Pinoy Trailblazer 

The first Filipino to complete the Seven Summits, Romi Garduce, who has a long connection with Primer Group.

In 2005, Romi Garduce became the first Filipino to summit Mount Everest, and later, the first to complete the Seven Summits, which are the highest peaks on each continent. Garduce’s discipline and methodical approach shaped his remarkable career as a mountaineer. Rare images from his Everest expedition capture both the enormity of the climb and the humility of the man behind it.

Carina Dayondon & Noelle Penetrante – The First Filipina Summiteers

One of the Filipinas to conquer Mount Everest, Noelle Penetrante – a testament to that Filipinas can conquer extreme adventures. 

In 2007, Dayondon and Penetrante, alongside teammate Janet Belarmino, became the first Filipinas to conquer Everest, which is a feat that redefined what Filipino women could achieve in extreme adventure. Dayondon later completed the Seven Summits in 2018, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished female mountaineers in Asia. Their section of the exhibit highlights not just their triumph but the camaraderie and resolve that powered their ascent.

Jeno Panganiban & Miguel Mapalad – The New Generation of 8K Conquerors

Members of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, Miguel Mapalad and Jeno Panganiban who made history.

Nearly two decades after the first Filipino Everest summits, Panganiban and Mapalad made history again in May 2025, reaching the world’s highest peak and ushering in a new era of Philippine mountaineering. Both climbers are now part of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, aiming to scale all fourteen 8,000-meter mountains. Their stories bring a modern perspective to the pursuit — balancing ambition with environmental responsibility and community advocacy.

Experience “Ating Tugatog” Photo Exhibit at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street from October 8 to 19. Follow the adventure and be part of the growing R.O.X. community of explorers on: 

Instagram: @roxphilippines
Website: rox.com.ph.