Filipina conquers 7 Summits of the world

A Filipina has raised the Philippine flag in the international arena—this time, of mountaineers—for reaching the seven highest peaks in each continent of the world.

Carina Dayondon who hails from Bukidnon started her journey as a mountaineer back in her college days when she joined a group of mountain-climbing enthusiasts.

Even after becoming a first lieutenant in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Carina did not give up her passion.

It was her determination that led her to join the Mt. Everest Team and become one of three Filipinas to reach the summit in 2007.

Aside from her passion, a plot twist in her family's life—her sister being diagnosed with cancer in 2012—gave her a stronger will to conquer the seven summits.

"Dun ulit nabuhay 'yung pagnanasa ko na tapusin ko 'yung seven summits kasi gusto kong on that seven summits, it would be a good platform para magbigay ng cancer awareness... to continue empowering the Filipinas din," she said in an interview with the UP Mountaineers in May.

Carina was able to mightily wave the Philippine flag at these peaks:

    2006 Mt. Denali - North America

    2007 Mt. Everest - Asia

    2013 Mt. Elbrus - Europe

    2014 Mt. Kosciuszko - Australia

    2015 Mt. Kilimanjaro - Africa

    2017 Mt. Aconcagua - South America

    2018 Mt. Vinson Massif - Antartica

The Filipina mountaineer, however, said the journey was not always smooth.

She failed to reach the summit of Mt. Aconcagua on her first try but successfully arrived at its top on her second attempt.

Even after traversing the highest peaks and gaining fame, she is keeping her feet on the ground.

"Itong mountaineering is character building kasi it teaches you to be humble. Hindi lahat puro summit if aakyat tayo ng bundok. Kailangan din natin magpakumbaba na hindi natin kaya minsan ang kakayanan ng bundok," Carina said.

Furthermore, she encouraged more women to go beyond feeling intimidated and to venture into male-dominated sports. — BAP, GMA News