RP sports stars wish Garduce 'success' in Mt. Everest climb

Philippine sports stars on Tuesday expressed their personal aspirations toward Filipino mountaineer Romi Garduce who hopes to reach his mission to climb the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. Among those who wished Garduce success on his quest included Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players, Efren “Bata" Reyes, and Manny “Pacman" Pacquiao. “Kahit kami, patuloy na sumu-subaybay sa pag-akyat ni Romi sa Mt. Everest. Malaki ang tiwala namin na magagawa niya ‘yan," PBA player Alvin Patrimonio told GMA7’s 24 Oras. “Good luck Romi! Iba ang galing ng pinoy! Kayang-kaya mo ‘yan! Reyes said. “Lakasan mo ang loob mo at magdadasal ako para sa ‘yo," Pacquiao said. Other mountain climbers who were also friends of Garduce said they were very much confident that Garduce will attain his goal because of his strong determination. “Alam kong kayang-kaya niya ‘yun. Sa’yo Romi, goodluck! Ang tagumpay mo ay tagumpay nating lahat," said Analiza Ang, a boxer and one of Garduce’s friends. On Monday Garduce has reached the base camp of the world's highest mountain and his bid to climb the summit is about to be witnessed by his countrymen. A GMA7 special coverage team will be linking up with Garduce at the base camp. “Medyo mahaba-haba pa ang lalakbayin natin kasi ang buong April ay para lang sa pag-akyat at pagbaba ng Camp 1, Camp 2 at Camp 3. Tingin ko, ang mas mahirap na akyatin ay ang Camp 3 kasi doon na ang daan papuntang summit," Garduce said in an interview upon reaching the base camp. Garduce is the first Filipino to attempt to climb the world’s highest mountain. GMA-7 Network and North Face, a renowned manufacturer of expedition gears, are among Garduce’s sponsors in his ascent to Mt. Everest.-GMANews.TV