Romi all set to complete seven-summit quest

MANILA, Philippines - When he climbed Mt. Everest in 2006, Filipino mountaineer Romi Garduce became an instant superstar. He never thought that his not-for-the-fainthearted hobby or his career as an IT professional in a multi-national company could make him the popular personality that he is today. 

Garduce began mountaineering in 1999 when he joined the UP Mountaineers, a recognized student organization of hiking and climbing enthusiasts in the state-run university. Since then, reaching the highest peaks ceased to be “just a hobby” for Garduce, but a way of life. 

After summiting Mt. Everest, considered as his greatest achievement as a mountaineer, Garduce is now aspiring for something much greater: Climb the seven highest mountains of the world. And he’s not far from reaching that dream. In fact, he’s already climbed six and is now attempting his seventh summit.

On top of Mt. Kosciosko

Garduce began his seven-summit quest in 2002 when he climbed the 19,340 ft. high Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, the fourth highest peak in the world. 

When he attempted to summit the world’s second highest peak, Mt. Aconcagua in South America in 2005, he almost gave up after experiencing difficulties. But he was left without a choice but to push through until he finally made it to the top and planted the Philippine flag there. At that time, it was the first recognized highest altitude reached by any Filipino climber on record.

When Garduce first attempted to summit the 18,510 ft. tall Mt. Elbrus in Europe, the worsening conditions of the weather at the peak became too much to endure. He finally succeeded at Mt. Elbrus on his second attempt in 2007, a year after he reached the peak of Mt. Everest.

In 2006, he began his trek literally to the top of the world. He climbed Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak and one of the most dangerous.

After his Everest climb, Garduce set his sights on the 20,320 ft. high Mt. McKinley in North America. It was also an unsupported climb and during the first few days, Garduce had to don a 125-pound backpack of gear and supplies. All the adversities he went through were wiped out when he reached the top and saw the scenery around him. 

Romi after his Mt. Denali climb

Last July, Garduce climbed his sixth summit — the Mt. Carstenz Pyramid in West Papa New Guinea, Indonesia. 

Garduce may have climbed mountains high enough to see the curvature of the Earth, but he’s not quite finished yet. On Dec. 23, he will attempt to plant the Philippine flag atop the 16,067 ft. tall alpine mountain called the Vinson Massif in Antarctica. If he succeeds this climb, he will be the first Filipino to summit all of the world’s seven highest peaks.

“I think the key message is: even if it looks impossible or very difficult, if you’re focused on the task at hand, you will be able to accomplish it,” Garduce said.

GMA Network, in cooperation with Primer Group of Companies, will exclusively document Garduce’s quest to complete the seven summits in a special called Pito para sa Pilipino: The GMA Seven Summits Expedition, which will air on GMA and GMA News TV in the first quarter of 2012.

ghlights ng pag-akyat ni Romi Garduce sa pitong pinakamatataas na bundok sa pitong kontinente ng mundo.