The Philippines celebrates an extraordinary mountaineering achievement as three Filipino climbers successfully summit Mt. Everest within days of each other.
On May 15 at 7:15 a.m. (Nepal Time), Rhisael “Ric” Rabe from Cotabato City became the first Filipino in nearly two decades to reach the top of the world’s highest peak. His ascent via the South Col route was announced by his wife, Aileen Rabe, who praised his quiet determination despite being unsponsored and unpublicised.
Just days later, on May 18, fellow Filipino mountaineers Elaine Jhon Panganiban (Jeno) and Miguel Angelo Mapalad joined him in history, reaching the 8,848.86-meter summit as part of the Seven Summit Treks expedition team. Both climbers are members of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team.
Guided by Nepalese Sherpas Dawa Nurbu Sherpa and Danuru Sherpa, Panganiban and Mapalad showcased resilience and endurance as they completed their historic climb.
Their milestones follow those of Filipino climbers Leo Oracion and Erwin “Pastor” Emata, who reached the peak on May 17 and May 18, 2006, respectively, as part of the 2006 Philippine Mount Everest Expedition.
This remarkable achievement marks a triumphant moment for Philippine mountaineering, proving the strength, determination, and courage of Filipino climbers on the world’s greatest peak.
