Romi Garduce - Biography - Mount Everest Climb

Mount Everest Climb

Garduce attempted to reach the peak of Mount Everest in an expedition sponsored by GMA Network concurrently with Leo Oracion's team, the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition (FPMEE) and principally sponsored by ABS-CBN. On the North side of Mount Everest was Dale Abenojar without network sponsor and corporate financial support. On May 19, 2006, Garduce reached the summit of Mount Everest from the south ridge after Leo Oracion and Erwin Emata. However, Mount Everest chronicler Elizabeth Hawley said that another Filipino climber, Dale Abenojar, is the first to summit on May 15, two days before Leo Oración. The Himalayan Database published by American Alpine Club had included Abenojar in the list of Everest North summiteers for Spring 2006 on May 15, recognizing him as the first Filipino on top of Mount Everest.

After the Filipinos successfully reached Everest's peak, Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to step in the peak of Everest, was interviewed by GMA Network in his Auckland home. He congratulated the three Filipino men (Romi, Leo and Erwin) for their determination and gave his greatest respect to the Filipino expedition team. The Himalayan Database published by American Alpine Club had included Romi Garduce in the list of Everest South summiteers for 2006.