Romi Garduce’s Seventh Summit Quest: Vinson Massif, Antarctica

I’ve been supporting and blogging about Romi Garduce’s quest to conquer the seven summits ever since OAP started. (See: 21 posts categorized “Filipino Seven Summiter“)

He is a former IT colleague from Procter & Gamble Philippines. I can still remember my first-ever fun climb to the summit of Mt. Maculot in Batangas, which he initiated. He’s always loved the mountains and  “kinikilig” when he is on top of the summit.

He became popular when he and his two other Filipino companions successfully reached the top of Mt. Everest in May 2006. He personally inspired me when he shared with us an experiential account and inspirational talk about his successful climb up Everest. (see: Romi’s Everest and My One Big Dream. What’s your Everest?)

In the office, Romi is known as a happy-go-lucky person, but when it comes to mountain climbing or diving, he is the take-charge guy, the person you want to be with because you know you’ll be safe with him.

This Christmas 2011/New Year 2012, he is finally completing his 10-year quest to be the First Filipino to ever reach the seven highest summits in the seven continents!

Here is a photo timeline of Romi’s “Seven Summits” Quest:

SUMMIT #1: Africa – Mt. Kilimanjaro (2002) – 5,895m

Sept 2002. Garduce on top of Uhuru Peak, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, East Africa)

SUMMIT #2: South America – Mt. Aconcagua (2005) – 6,960m

Jan 1,2005. Summit of Aconcagua with Magnus (Sweden) and Pablo (Argentina), Andean Range (Argentina)

SUMMIT #3: Asia – Mt. Everest (2006) – 8,848mMay 2006 Mt. Everest Summit Photo

(See: Romi’s Everest and My One Big Dream. What’s your Everest?)

SUMMIT #4: Europe – Mt. Elbrus (2007) – 5,642m

Aug27, 11.02am Local time – Romi made it to the top of Mt Elbrus’ West Peak 5642m (Highest in Europe). This is the 4th of the 7 SUMMITS!

SUMMIT #5: North America – Denali Peak (2008) – 6,194m

Post-summit picture of Mt. Denali climb

SUMMIT #6a: Australia and Oceana – Mt. Kosciuszko (Dec. 2008) *highest peak in Bass List – 2,228 m

Dec 28,2008. On top of Mt. Kosciuszko

SUMMIT #6b: Australia and Oceana – Carstensz Pyramid (July 2011) *highest peak in Messner List – 4,884m

July 22, 2011. Summit Photo

SUMMIT #7: Antarctica – Vinson Massif (Dec. 2011/January 2012) – 4,897m

On December 23, 2011, Romi Garduce will attempt to summit Vinson Massif in Antarctica to complete the seven summits milestone.

Watch this video in You Tube: Romi Garduce’s 7th Summit Vinson Massif in Antarctica

In this video during the send off press conference,

• You’ll get the complete details of his preparation and itinerary for his Vinson Massif climb; 
• You’ll get to know Romi’s character, personality and his attitude towards conquering the seven summits; and 
• You’ll get to hear Romi share his secrets about his quest to be the first Filipino to reach the seven summits.

Romi, good luck on your Vinson Massif climb! We will pray for your safety and success. 🙂

Thanks to Romi, we will finally have the First Filipino to have ever climbed the seven highest mountain summits in the seven continents of the world!

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
Email me: anton@diaz.ph
Follow Me FacebookTwitterFlickr Youtube

Full Disclosure: Romi Garduce is a colleague and IT friend from P&G.

P.S. Romi Garduce will attempt to summit during the first weeks of January 2012. This would indeed be a great New Year’s gift to the Filipino people. 🙂