Three experienced Igorot hikers recently achieved an impressive feat by climbing Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, standing at 3,766 meters above sea level. This trio consisted of Ruben Paoad, a member of the Benguet Board, along with lawyer Jerry Marave and labor arbiter JR Gayaman. On July 31, they stood proudly at the summit, which is just 100 kilometers away from Tokyo.
Their journey was no walk in the park. It took them eight hours to reach the top of Mount Fuji. Jerry Marave summed it up, saying, "It was challenging, but we had a lot of fun." Despite the hardships, the view from the summit made it all worthwhile.
The Attraction of Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a favorite destination for Filipino mountain enthusiasts. It's not just a beautiful place but also holds religious significance in Japan. It's one of Japan's three sacred mountains, and climbing it is a popular activity.
Exploring New Heights
This group of Igorot hikers, who are also lawyers, didn't stop at Mount Fuji. They previously tackled Yushan National Park in Taiwan, which stands at 3,000 meters above sea level. What started as a fun hobby for Paoad, Marave, and Gayaman turned into a passion for conquering the highest peaks.
Conquering More Peaks
Their list of accomplishments is impressive. They've climbed Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 3,142.79 meters above sea level, as well as Mount Guiting-Gui-ting in Romblon. They've also explored many other peaks in Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and other Philippine provinces.
These Igorot hikers continue to inspire with their determination and love for adventure. Their achievements show that with the right mindset and teamwork, even the highest mountains can be conquered. As they look back on their journey to the top of Mount Fuji, it's clear that their hunger for adventure will lead them to even greater heights.
