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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider How three Filipinas reached the summit of Mt. Everest

How three Filipinas reached the summit of Mt. Everest

Reading through an extraordinary feat of Filipino mountaineering

Published May 22, 2025 02:20 pm
On its coldest days, Mount Everest records a spine-chilling -60 degree celsius. At a towering height of 8,850m (29,305ft), reaching the summit is no easy feat. As you get higher, you need to stop now and then to acclimate and allow your body to adjust to the intense environmental changes. Yet, these conditions didn't hamper three Filipinas, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, and Janet Belarmino, from achieving their dream of reaching the highest point in the world back in 2007.
AT THE PEAK OF IT ALL (From left) PCG Commander Carina Dayondon, expedition leader Art Valdez, and PCG First Class Petty Officer Noelle Wenceslao
AT THE PEAK OF IT ALL (From left) PCG Commander Carina Dayondon, expedition leader Art Valdez, and PCG First Class Petty Officer Noelle Wenceslao
Hoping to honor the legacy of the three Filipinas, "Live the Dream 2" is a book authored by expedition leader Art Valdez. In it, we learn about the untold stories of the team that accomplished the world’s first and only all-female traverse of Mt. Everest.
Launching at the Rockwell Center in Makati City on May 17, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Carina Dayondon and Petty Officer First Class Noelle Wenceslao Penetrante were both present to share some of their memories of the climb.
REACH FOR THE TOP Live the Dream 2 follows how three Filipinas reached the top of Mt. Everest
REACH FOR THE TOP Live the Dream 2 follows how three Filipinas reached the top of Mt. Everest
“It’s been 17 years, but every time I think back to that moment on the summit, I’m reminded that our story is every Filipina’s story,” shares Carina. “It’s about rising above doubt, and pushing past limits you didn’t know you could break.”
Noelle shared how their Everest adventure remains important for women's representation. “We didn’t climb Everest to be remembered—we climbed because we believed we could. And now, we hope other women will see that they can take on their own Everest, whatever it may be.”

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