17/05/2025
๐๏ธ Peaks of Passion
Hiking is helping young Filipinos discover new ways to spend their leisure time in the magnificent Philippines, an archipelago in South-East Asia recognized as the Pearl of the Orient, with its gorgeous rice fields and charming beaches. Hiking is more than simply physical fitness for those in their teens, twenties, and early thirties. It's a way of life, an opportunity for adventure, a source of happiness, and a close bond with the natural world.
The thrilling journey of two Filipino climbers, Miguel Mapalad and Jeno Panganiban, two Filipino climbers who started climbing Mount Everest on April 14, 2025, have a story that reflects this rising love of the outdoors.
For many young Filipinos, the mountains are a peaceful escape from the noise of cities and the world online. Hiking gives them a real break, a chance to turn off their phones and connect with nature. In today's fast-paced society, hiking is an excellent method to exercise and improve your mental health to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This is especially important for young people who are typically under a lot of stress due academic responsibilities and societal issues.
Furthermore, young people enjoy new experiences and adventures and hiking can be their simple way to explore, with easy or difficult trails and breathtaking scenery around. Hiking also gives a chance to spend time with friends and family, creating good memories and sharing the experience of a tough climb that makes relationships stronger. Hiking groups and social media also help people connect with others who love the outdoors.
Consequently, hiking may be quite inexpensive when compared to many other hobbies or sports. It's a reasonably priced method to get active and see new locations, especially if you have excellent shoes and there are several trails around the nation with entrance fees under 100 pesos. Young people also discover the beauty of nature when they go hiking. They frequently become more concerned about preserving the environment as a result. This gives young people an increasing understanding of the value of protecting the environment.
Jeno Panganiban, 29, a business owner, and Miguel Mapalad, 42, a mountain guide, trying to reach the top of Mount Everest are really inspiring to young Filipino hikers. Their big goal, as part of the "Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team" that wants to climb all 14 of the world's highest mountains, shows how strong Filipinos can be and how they can chase big dreams.
This is the first time in 18 years that Filipino climbers have tried to climb Everest. Their journey, which started with a walk to the base camp and will hopefully end with reaching the top in May, shows the same spirit of adventure, never giving up, and strong mind that many young Filipinos find when they hike on their local mountains.
Even though climbing a local mountain might seem very different from climbing Everest, the reasons behind it are similar. The desire to push yourself, to see the amazing power and beauty of nature, and to achieve something hard connects these experiences. Panganiban's love for mountains started with a simple hike with friends in college, just like how many young Filipinos start hiking.
Mapalad's long experience climbing mountains in Asia and Nepal shows what's possible for those who really love mountaineering. Their Everest trip is a story of inspiration, showing that with passion and hard work, even the biggest goals can be reached.
Panganiban and Mapalad's climb is more than just their own challenge; it makes the whole country proud.
Their goal to put the Philippine flag on top of Everest shows the hopes of a nation that always wants to achieve more. Their hard work, even with the dangers and difficulties of being away from home and dealing with extreme weather, shows the Filipino spirit of strength and "can-do" attitude.
As young Filipinos continue to explore the beautiful places in their country, finding peace, adventure, and connection through hiking, the journey of Panganiban and Mapalad is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with passion and determination. Their Everest climb is a symbol of the human desire to explore and a source of inspiration for a new generation of Filipino adventurers who are finding their own way, one step at a time, on trails close to home and on the highest peaks in the world.
We are so proud of Sir Jeno & Miguel
Thank you for Carrying the Dreams of All
Filipino Mountaineers ๐ต๐ญ Mabuhay
Group of Philippine Mountaineers ๐ต๐ญ
