R.O.X. honors Filipino greatness in “Ating Tugatog: A photo tribute to Filipino mountaineering legends”

R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) launches “Ating Tugatog: Filipinos on the World’s Highest Peaks”, a tribute to the brave individuals to honor their achievements who have reached the world’s most formidable summits.

The initiative reflects R.O.X.’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts—those driven by adventure, resilience, and a deep respect for nature.

Running from 8 to 19 October at R.O.X. Bonifacio High Street, the exhibit showcases 40 rare and contemporary photographs chronicling five Filipino trailblazers who have stood atop some of the world’s most unforgiving peaks including Mount Everest — Romi Garduce, Carina Dayondon, Noelle Penetrante, Jeno Panganiban, and Miguel Mapalad.

More than a tribute to Filipino high-altitude feats, the exhibit highlights the core of every great adventure: preparation, perseverance, and purpose. These same values drive R.O.X. and its community of explorers.

“Every expedition demands planning, trust in your gear, and personal resilience,” said Mary Anne Oriondo, R.O.X. Marketing Manager. “By celebrating these climbers' achievements, we hope to inspire every Filipino to push their limits—whether on local trails or the world’s highest peaks.”

By highlighting real stories from the world’s most unforgiving environments, it affirms R.O.X.’s role as the outfitter of choice for explorers — providing globally trusted, high-performance gear that empowers them to reach new heights — both on the mountain and beyond.

Meet The Climbers Who Redefined Filipino Mountaineering

Romi Garduce – The Trailblazing Seafarer

In 2005, Romi Garduce became the first Filipino to summit Mount Everest, and later, the first to complete the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent. A seafarer by profession, Garduce’s discipline and methodical approach shaped his remarkable career as a mountaineer. Rare images from his Everest expedition capture both the enormity of the climb and the humility of the man behind it.

Carina Dayondon & Noelle Penetrante – The First Filipina Summiters

In 2007, Dayondon and Penetrante, alongside teammate Janet Belarmino, became the first Filipinas to conquer Everest — a feat that redefined what Filipino women could achieve in extreme adventure. Dayondon later completed the Seven Summits in 2018, cementing her status as one of the most accomplished female mountaineers in Asia. Their section of the exhibit highlights not just their triumph, but the camaraderie and resolve that powered their ascent.

Jeno Panganiban & Miguel Mapalad – The New Generation of 8K Conquerors

Nearly two decades after the first Filipino Everest summits, Panganiban and Mapalad made history again in May 2025, reaching the world’s highest peak and ushering in a new era of Philippine mountaineering. Both climbers are now part of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition Team, aiming to scale all fourteen 8,000-meter mountains. Their stories bring a modern perspective to the pursuit — balancing ambition with environmental responsibility and community advocacy.