GMA backs Garduce's 'Seven Summits' quest

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) supports veteran mountain climber Romi Garduce in his quest to be the first Filipino to scale and summit the seven highest mountains in seven continents.

GMA’s “Seven Summits Expedition of 2011” showcases Garduce as he climbs the last two mountains to attain the great feat.

He has successfully summited six of the famous seven peaks –Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa (2002); Mt. Aconcagua in South America (2005); Mt. Everest in the Asian continent (2006); Mt. Elbrus in Europe (2007); the Denali Peak in North America (2008); and Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia (December 2008).  

He’s now preparing to climb the 16,023-foot Carstenz Pyramid in Indonesia, the tallest mountain in the Australasia/Oceanea geographical region which is considered more challenging than Mt. Kosciuszko in Australia. 

By climbing both peaks, Garduce joins an elite group of mountaineers to achieve this feat and is prime to complete his Seven Summits campaign in Antarctica later this year.

From 1991, Garduce espoused environmentalism through close encounters with Mother Earth as a member of the University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM). And two decades after his first climb, Garduce continues to raise awareness for the environment through his treks.

“The expedition is a testament that we Filipinos value our tenancy on Earth. This is also my serious attempt to put the Philippine flag on this world renowned record,” Garduce said.

A mountaineer for almost half his life, he knows the rigor of preparing for a climb, which takes much longer than staying on the summit. “It takes more than competence and training to be a winner in this adventure sport. We derive meaning only if we back the summit with a cause,” he added.

By December, Garduce will end his 10-year odyssey by attempting to conquer the formidable Vinson Massif, a 16,067-foot mountain near the base of the Antarctic Peninsula in harsh below zero temperatures and become the first Filipino to have successfully climbed the world’s Seven Summits.

Catch a detailed account of Garduce’s expedition this July and December 2011 as GMA News and Public Affairs takes the lead in adventure sports coverage. Feeds on the summits will be aired on all GMA and GMA News TV newscasts and bulletins.