In an awe-inspiring display of endurance and national pride, three Filipino climbers—Ric Rabe, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad—have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in May 2025. This accomplishment not only adds to the growing list of Filipino mountaineers who have conquered the world’s tallest peak but also underscores the growing prominence of the Philippines in global adventure sports.
Scaling the daunting 8,848.86-meter elevation of Everest, these climbers faced extreme weather conditions, treacherous terrains, and oxygen-deprived altitudes to plant the Philippine flag at the top of the world. Their feat echoes with historical significance and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino adventurers.
The Filipino Climbers Who Reached the Summit
Ric Rabe, a determined climber from Cotabato City, became the ninth Filipino to reach the Everest summit. He completed his climb on a Friday morning through the South Col route without the backing of major sponsors or media attention. Rabe’s journey reflects the pure spirit of mountaineering—quiet determination over public spectacle.
Joining him at the summit shortly after were Jeno Panganiban of Pasig and Miguel Mapalad of San Juan. These two were part of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, a group committed to elevating the country’s status in the world of extreme mountaineering. Together, their ascents highlight both individual perseverance and collaborative achievement.
The Significance of the Climb
Climbing Mount Everest is no ordinary feat. Standing at over 29,000 feet above sea level, it is a test of physical strength, mental fortitude, and strategic execution. With fewer than 6,000 people in history having stood atop Everest, each successful summit is a momentous occasion—especially for a nation still carving its place in the world of high-altitude adventure.
This year’s achievement marks nearly two decades since the first recorded Filipino summits of Everest in 2006. With the addition of Rabe, Panganiban, and Mapalad, the story of Filipino mountaineering continues to evolve, offering not just national pride but also setting a powerful example of courage and ambition.
Humble but Heroic: Ric Rabe’s Solo Journey
Ric Rabe’s journey to the top was one of resilience and humility. Unlike many climbers who rely on corporate sponsorships or media support, Rabe financed and prepared for his climb in relative obscurity. At 51 years old, his physical endurance and mental grit defied both age and circumstance.
His wife, Aileen, summed up his philosophy best: “True mountaineers climb with humility, not headlines. They don’t boast; they just quietly conquer.” Rabe’s story resonates with many Filipinos who believe that heroism doesn’t need a spotlight to shine.
The Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team
The Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team is an ambitious project designed to propel Filipino climbers onto the global stage. Comprising dedicated athletes, the initiative seeks to conquer 14 of the world’s highest mountains—all exceeding 8,000 meters.
Panganiban and Mapalad, both experienced mountaineers, are key figures in this movement. Their recent Everest success signals the team’s capability and long-term vision. It also opens doors for more climbers from the Philippines to be part of international expeditions and challenge the limits of physical and mental endurance.
Echoes of History: Comparing 2025 with 2006
This year’s climb invites comparison with the milestone year of 2006, when Leo Oracion and Dale Abenojar made headlines as the first Filipinos to conquer Everest. Abenojar claimed to have reached the summit on May 15 via the North Col, though his ascent remains mired in controversy due to the absence of video documentation. Oracion’s more documented climb occurred on May 17 via the South Col.
Ric Rabe’s unheralded ascent, much like Abenojar’s, was completed without fanfare. In contrast, Panganiban and Mapalad, like Oracion, were part of a larger team and backed by structured logistics. These parallels draw fascinating lines between past and present Everest expeditions.
The Dangerous Allure of Everest
Mount Everest remains one of the most dangerous places on Earth. In a sobering reminder of this reality, Filipino climber PJ Santiago II tragically died during his attempt on the mountain this year. His passing adds to the long list of lives lost in pursuit of the summit.
The dangers include extreme cold, rapidly changing weather, avalanches, and the infamous “death zone” above 8,000 meters where the oxygen level is critically low. Filipino climbers undergo rigorous training to minimize these risks, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.
The Climbing Process: Routes and Strategies
There are two primary routes to the summit: the South Col route through Nepal and the North Col route through Tibet. Ric Rabe chose the South Col, the more commonly used path that offers a more straightforward but still perilous journey.
Essential gear includes oxygen tanks, crampons, insulated suits, and GPS devices. Sherpa guides and support teams also play a crucial role in the success and safety of each expedition. Strategic planning, including acclimatization schedules and weather monitoring, is vital for survival.
Women on the Summit: Past Filipino Female Climbers
Filipino women have also left their mark on Everest. In 2007, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, and Janet Belarmino became the first Filipino women to reach the summit. Their achievement shattered stereotypes and inspired a new generation of Filipina adventurers.
These women continue to influence the community, promoting inclusivity in what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport. Their legacy lives on in every Filipino climber who dares to dream big.
The Growing Filipino Presence on the World’s Peaks
Since 2006, more than a dozen Filipinos have conquered Everest, including Erwin “Pastor” Emata and Romeo Garduce. This steady increase reflects both improved access to training and a shift in national attitudes toward extreme sports.
Young climbers and outdoor enthusiasts are now more inspired than ever to pursue high-altitude challenges. Social media and local organizations have also played a role in nurturing interest and providing educational resources.
National Pride and Global Recognition
The 2025 summit has sparked widespread celebration across the Philippines and among the global Filipino diaspora. Messages of congratulations poured in across social media, with hashtags like #PinoyOnTopOfTheWorld and #Everest2025 trending for days.
This event is not just a sports milestone—it’s a cultural and emotional victory that instills pride in the Filipino identity. It demonstrates that with enough grit and determination, Filipinos can excel on the most prestigious stages in the world.
Personal Stories from the Summit
Each of the three climbers has their own story of struggle and success. Rabe’s quiet dignity, Panganiban’s methodical approach, and Mapalad’s energy reflect the diverse backgrounds that converged at the top of Everest.
Back home, families watched and waited anxiously for updates. The emotional reunions, shared over video calls and social media posts, added a deeply human layer to their towering achievement.
Training for the Top: What It Takes
Climbing Everest requires years of preparation. Physical training involves endurance exercises, strength building, and high-altitude simulation. Mental resilience is equally critical; climbers must be ready to deal with isolation, fear, and exhaustion.
Financial preparation is another barrier. Costs can range from $40,000 to $100,000 per climb, depending on logistics. Filipino climbers often fund their expeditions through a mix of personal savings, crowdfunding, and private sponsorship.
Climate Challenges on Everest
Climate change is reshaping the Everest landscape. Melting glaciers, shifting icefalls, and unpredictable storms now pose greater threats than ever before. Climbers must be more adaptable, relying on real-time data and climate-aware strategies.
These conditions have led to increased avalanche risks and more frequent weather delays. As global temperatures rise, the Everest climbing season may become shorter and even more dangerous.
What’s Next for Philippine Mountaineering?
The success of Rabe, Panganiban, and Mapalad could trigger a new era in Philippine mountaineering. More expeditions are being planned, not just to Everest but to other formidable peaks like K2, Annapurna, and Lhotse.
To sustain this momentum, there is a growing call for government and private sector support. Investments in training centers, sponsorship programs, and public awareness campaigns can elevate Filipino mountaineering to new heights.
Conclusion
The 2025 Everest summit by Ric Rabe, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad stands as a defining moment in Philippine sports history. Their stories of grit, humility, and unity remind us that greatness often comes not from fame, but from purpose.
As the Philippine flag waved at the highest point on Earth, it carried the hopes and dreams of a nation ready to conquer even greater heights. This triumph is more than an individual achievement—it’s a collective symbol of what Filipinos are capable of when passion meets perseverance.