Race for Mt. Everest
Garduce recalled that he transformed into a tough warrior during this decadeold expedition.
His team left for Nepal just before Christmas on December 23, 2011 and boarded the flight to Antarctica on December 29, 2011.
Journeying to the South Pole, his team was on board a Russian cargo air craft which landed on a runway made of blue ice. Garduce felt the rush running through his spine upon being greeted with hot coffee amid a cold -32 degree Celsius. With his backpack weighing close to 100 pounds, he was challenged to reach Camp 1 and 2 of the massif, standing 9,600 feet and 10,000 feet above sea level.
“We weren’t able to celebrate Christmas because there was only one bar that was open at that time, it was a good thing we met a few Filipinos that time. As for New Year, nagbatian lang kami ng ‘Happy New Year’ walang fireworks o kung ano dahil nasa camp na kami at that time [As for New Year, we just greeted each other ‘ Happy New Year,’ no fireworks or anything because we were just at the camp],” he narrated.
Even if the region was powered with 24- hour sunlight, the decrease in temperature was always felt. From Camp 2, Garduce’s team made the trek to the “high camp” with an elevation of more than 12,000 feet. From there, Garduce was a mere 3,600 feet close to both the peak and the culmination of his 10- year quest.
What does he think about during those climbs? “I think about my problems,” he laughed. “Problema sa pera, office work, women— yung mga usual na iniisip mo kapag wala kang ginagawa [ Problems on money, office work, women— the usual things you think when you don’t do anything].
“You shouldn’t think too much about reaching the peak and pressuring yourself because it may just lead to anxiety attacks and too much fear and anxiety is never good.”
And when he reached the summit? “Usually it’s just relief that you did it— no realization moments or time to reflect on your life— because you are just too tired. Maybe you could have moments like that in easier climbs though.”
Garduce was supposed to be joined by fellow Filipino mountaineer Levi Nayahangan, but was unfortunately unable to reach the summit due to a respiratory infection.
“I am very happy and I would like to thank my supporters including GMA 7 and The North Face,” he said. Asked how he ranked Mt. Vinson, among the seven peaks, he replied “I would say Mt. Vinson is the fourth most difficult because of the physical effort, the terrain and the challenge of the harsh environment. It was very cold.”
Garduce said Mt. Everest remained the most difficult yet his most favorite expedition of all.
“It was a turning point of sorts for me. After that I felt more confident that I could complete the Seven Summits,” Garduce told The Manila Times.
“Just like most other climbers, Mt. Everest becomes a measuring stick of sorts, once you’ve reached Everest the other summits would be easier. So those who attempt the seven summits usually put Everest in the middle of their list. But there are those who choose to put Everest last. But mahirap yun kapag di mo nakaya kasi masasayang lang yung first six summits [ However it will be difficult if you can’t finish Everest because all six summits will be useless].”
Doesn’t he have any regrets about not being the first to reach the summit of Mt. Everest?
“I honestly don’t care. It was never an issue for me even if many insist it’s an issue. I could have been the first because I was the most prepared and I was already in position. But I chose not to.
“Hindi ko gusto bahiran yung Everest dream ko ng karera . . . Mas nangingibabaw yung i- preserve ko yung integrity ng pinangarap kong akyat kesa