Garduce’s summit of Carstensz Pyramid in July
Seasoned mountaineer and environmental advocate Romeo “Romi” Garduce, an official athlete under the Athlete and Expedition Program of the Center for Outdoor Recreation and Expedition (C.O.R.E.), is all set to conquer the world’s seven highest peaks known as the Seven Summits.
Garduce is just one of the many Filipinos aspiring to surmount the Seven Summits of the world. He started his quest in 2002 by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa making him the first Filipino to successfully reach its peak. From January 2005 until July 2011, he accomplished six summits: Mt. Aconcagua in South America, Mt. Everest in the Himalayas, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, Mt. Denali in Alaska, Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia and just recently, Puncak Jaya or Carstensz Pyramid in Indonesia; each of them standing more than 2,000 meters high.
At present, Garduce prepares for the challenges of Vinson Massif—the last mountain to complete his Seven Summits list. Vinson Massif is a 4,897 meter giant, the highest mountain in Antarctica. The ascend is set on December of 2011 with Levi Nayahangan climbing alongside Garduce. Nayahangan, an experienced triathlete and Garduce’s climb partner in the recent Carstensz Pyramid expedition, will be documenting Romi’s every step in his pursuit to reach the peak of Vinson Massif. Freezing temperature and chilling winds await the mountain’s bold climbers.
Romi Garduce with climb partner Levi Nayahangan on top of Indonesia’s highest peak
Garduce is not on this quest alone as the Filipino people is certainly one with him. One major mover of this expedition, C.O.R.E., is on full support to Romi’s defining quest. C.O.R.E is the advocacy arm of the retail giant, the Primer Group of Companies. Its mission is to influence more Filipinos in protecting and taking pride in the country’s rich resources. Through collaboration with Filipino athletes, ecotourism advocates and private sectors, C.O.R.E. is able to support athletic and scientific expeditions, and organize activities concerning travel, environment, sustainable lifestyle and outdoor recreation.
C.O.R.E. believes in the outstanding abilities of many Filipinos. “Through Romi’s success, we hope to encourage many Filipinos in pushing their boundaries and pursuing athletic success,” says Kristine Villaflor, Athlete Manager for C.O.R.E.
C.O.R.E. trusts that conquering the Seven Summits of the world is just one of the many victories Mr. Garduce, and every other Filipino, will be taking home.
The recent Carstenz Pyramid summit was supported by expedition manager, C.O.R.E.; official outfitter, The North Face; media partner, GMA Network; major sponsor, Recreational Outdoor eXchange (R.O.X) and minor sponsors, Petzl and High5 Energy Gel.
Follow C.O.R.E on facebook and check us out regularly for updates on this historic quest to complete the Seven Summits of the world.
