R.O.X. honors Filipino climbers who conquered the world’s highest peaks through “Ating Tugatog,” a photo exhibit at Bonifacio High Street. The event highlights stories of courage, preparation, and the spirit of adventure that define the Filipino mountaineering community.
I recently attended R.O.X.’s “Ating Tugatog: Filipinos on the World’s Highest Peaks” photo exhibit at Bonifacio High Street, and it was one of those experiences that quietly inspires you to look at adventure more deeply. The event, which runs from October 8 to 19, showcases 40 rare photographs that tell the incredible stories of five Filipino climbers who reached the world’s most challenging summits: Romi Garduce, Carina Dayondon, Noelle Penetrante, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad.
Walking through the exhibit felt like being part of their journeys. Each photo captured not just the beauty of the mountains but also the quiet determination behind every climb. It reminded me that mountaineering is not only about reaching the top; it’s also about preparation, teamwork, and the will to keep going despite the odds, values that R.O.X. has long championed in its mission to support the outdoor community.
R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) has always been more than just a store for adventure gear. It’s a space that brings together explorers who share the same love and respect for nature. During the event, I had the opportunity to see how the brand continues to empower adventurers by providing reliable, high-performance equipment that helps them conquer new heights, whether that’s scaling a mountain or exploring a local trail.
Mary Anne Oriondo, R.O.X.’s Marketing Manager, shared during the event that every expedition begins with meticulous preparation and the right mindset. Her words resonated deeply as I looked at the faces of these mountaineers captured in the photographs, calm, focused, and full of purpose. She said that by celebrating these achievements, R.O.X. hopes to inspire Filipinos to push their limits and chase their own versions of adventure.
The exhibit introduces us to the legends who paved the way for Filipino mountaineering. Romi Garduce, the first Filipino to summit Mount Everest in 2005 and later complete the Seven Summits, is featured with powerful images from his climb, each frame showing both the scale of the challenge and his quiet humility. Carina Dayondon and Noelle Penetrante, who made history in 2007 as the first Filipinas to conquer Everest alongside teammate Janet Belarmino, also take the spotlight. Their section of the exhibit highlights not just their victory but the camaraderie that powered them through.
Then there’s the new generation, Jeno Panganiban and Miguel Mapalad, who continued the legacy by summiting Everest in May 2025. As part of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, they aim to scale all fourteen 8,000-meter mountains in the world. Their journey reflects a modern approach to adventure: balancing ambition with environmental awareness and a commitment to inspire others.
What struck me most about “Ating Tugatog” is how it captures the human side of extreme adventure. These climbers didn’t just face freezing temperatures or thin air; they faced themselves. Their stories remind us that adventure doesn’t have to be grand; it can start with a single step outdoors, a hike with friends, or simply choosing to explore more.
If you’re around Bonifacio High Street, I highly recommend stopping by the R.O.X. store to see the exhibit. It’s a simple yet meaningful celebration of Filipino resilience, courage, and love for the great outdoors. You’ll walk away not only amazed by what our local climbers have achieved but also inspired to embrace your own version of adventure.
Follow @roxphilippines or visit rox.com.ph to know more about “Ating Tugatog” and the growing R.O.X. community of explorers.
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