Filipino Mountain Climbers Unveil Pink Flag Atop Africa’s Highest Mountain

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Faced with icy winds up to 20 degrees below zero, six Filipino mountain climbers unveiled pink flags and banners to show their support for presidential candidate Leni Robredo and vice-presidential candidate Kiko Pangilinan.

Team leader Rofil Sheldon Magto and climbers Yelena Nina Magto, Andrei Nikolai Magto, Grace Feraer, Vanessa del Rosario and Gregg Yan endured a week-long 70 kilometer trek through alpine and sub-zero conditions to reach the highest point in Africa, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet (5,895 MASL or meters above sea level). 

The Filipinos proudly waved the Philippine flag and a pink flag, along with banners bearing the text Gobyernong Tapat, Aahon Lahat at 5895 MASL, Gusto Namin High Altitude, Hindi Yung May Attitude, and Mountaineers for Leni. Philippine presidential elections shall take place on May 9^th 2022.

“It was not an easy feat for average Filipino climbers like us. We persevered despite the odds because we know that we are not only representing our country but also showing the world that our individual choices and actions, when made collectively, will have a positive and lasting impact for years to come,” said Rofil Sheldon Magto.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, East Africa and is the highest mountain on the African continent. It is one of the world’s Seven Summits, pertaining to the highest mountains per continent. 

The other Seven Summits include Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Denali in North America, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. So far, only two Filipinos – Romi Garduce and Carina Dayondon – have been able to complete all Seven Summits. 

Three Stars and a Sun. The Philippine flag flutters above the highest point in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania rises well above the clouds at 19,341 feet or 5,895 meters. (FC Mtey & Gregg Yan)

View from the top. Fierce winds up to 20 degrees below zero keep snow and ice from melting, despite sun rays that can cause sunburn in mere minutes. Scientists fear that global warming might cause Mount Kilimanjaro’s remaining ice caps to completely melt away. (Gregg Yan)