At altitudes above 8,000 meters, where the air is thin and every step is a battle for survival, history has been written by a handful of Filipinos who dared to push beyond their limits. This October, R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) pays tribute to these trailblazers with “Ating Tugatog: Filipinos on the World’s Highest Peaks,” a photo exhibit running from October 8–19 at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street.
The exhibit showcases 40 rare photographs documenting the extraordinary journeys of five Filipino mountaineers who braved the planet’s most unforgiving peaks, including Mount Everest: Romi Garduce, Carina Dayondon, Noelle Penetrante, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad.
Far more than a chronicle of achievement, Ating Tugatog is a powerful reminder of the values that fuel every great expedition: preparation, perseverance, and purpose. These same values lie at the heart of R.O.X.’s mission to nurture a community of explorers bound by courage, curiosity, and respect for the great outdoors.
“Every expedition requires meticulous planning, absolute trust in your gear, and immense resilience,” shared Mary Anne Oriondo, R.O.X. Marketing Manager. “By supporting the journeys of these climbers and celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire Filipinos to push their own limits—whether on local trails or the world’s highest mountains.”
Meet the Pioneers of Filipino High-Altitude Mountaineering
- Romi Garduce – The Pinoy Trailblazer
In 2005, Garduce became the first Filipino to summit Mount Everest, later completing the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent. His discipline and humility remain hallmarks of his legacy, captured in rare images from his Everest climb. - Carina Dayondon & Noelle Penetrante – The First Filipina Summiteers
In 2007, Dayondon and Penetrante, alongside Janet Belarmino, became the first Filipinas to conquer Everest. Dayondon would later complete the Seven Summits in 2018, becoming one of Asia’s most accomplished female climbers. Their story is one of camaraderie, grit, and breaking barriers for Filipino women. - Jeno Panganiban & Miguel Mapalad – The New Generation
In May 2025, Panganiban and Mapalad reached the top of Everest, marking a new chapter in Philippine mountaineering. Both now belong to the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, aspiring to scale all fourteen 8,000-meter giants. Their journey blends ambition with environmental stewardship and community advocacy.
Through their stories, Ating Tugatog underscores the enduring Filipino spirit — proving that with courage, preparation, and heart, no summit is out of reach.
Experience the “Ating Tugatog” Photo Exhibit at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street from October 8–19.
Follow @roxphilippines or visit rox.com.ph to be part of the growing community of explorers.
