David Hill climbed Ama Dablam
28 October, 2025
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In the thin, frigid air of the Himalayan sky, where the wind whips at speeds that can tear a person from the mountain and every breath is a conscious, labored effort, a single step is a monumental victory. On May 15, 2025, at approximately 9:15 AM local time, Rhisael “Ric” Rabe took the final step onto the highest point on Earth.
With his successful ascent of the 8,848.86-meter (29,031.7-foot) summit of Mount Everest, Rabe didn't just conquer a mountain; he ascended into the annals of Philippine mountaineering history, becoming only the sixth Filipino to ever achieve this extraordinary feat.
For Ric Rabe, a seasoned mountaineer and a proud son of the Philippines, this was more than a climb; it was the culmination of a lifelong dream forged in passion, discipline, and an unyielding love for the mountains. His journey to the top of the world was not a sudden impulse but the logical peak of a career spent scaling the toughest terrain the Philippines and the world have to offer.
Long before he set foot on the Khumbu Icefall, Rabe had proven his mettle on the steep, jungle-clad slopes of his homeland. As a veteran of numerous major expeditions, he had honed his skills, built his resilience, and developed the profound respect for nature that is essential for any climber daring to challenge the planet’s highest peaks.
His preparation for Everest was a masterclass in dedication. It involved years of physical conditioning, meticulous technical training on ice and rock, and a deep study of the mountain’s fickle and often deadly weather patterns. This was a battle fought not just on the slopes of Nepal, but in the gyms, on the local trails, and in the mind of a man wholly committed to his goal.
Rabe’s summit push began from the highest camp, Camp 4, at the South Col, situated at a breathless 7,950 meters (26,085 feet). In the dead of night, under a canopy of intense, starry skies, he and his Sherpa team began their final assault.
The route from the South Col to the summit is a grueling gauntlet that tests the very limits of human endurance. Climbers must navigate the treacherous Triangular Face, traverse the precarious Geneva Spur, and, in the final stages, tackle the daunting challenges of the Hillary Step—a near-vertical rock face that demands every ounce of a climber’s remaining strength and technical skill.
For hours, Rabe persevered. Battling extreme altitude, sub-zero temperatures that could freeze exposed skin in minutes, and the ever-present risk of altitude sickness, he pushed onward. Each step was a deliberate act of will, a testament to the years of training and the powerful dream that fueled him.
And then, after a grueling climb through the "death zone"—the altitude above 8,000 meters where the human body begins to deteriorate—he reached it. The summit. The roof of the world.
On the summit, a small, windswept dome of snow and rock, Ric Rabe experienced a moment few will ever know. He stood where only a handful of his countrymen had stood before him. The Philippine flag, which he carried with him as a symbol of national pride, was unfurled against a breathtaking backdrop of the world’s greatest peaks.
The curvature of the Earth was visible beneath him. Mountains that would be giants anywhere else were now mere foothills. In that moment of unparalleled triumph, the exhaustion, the struggle, and the years of sacrifice melted away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and profound humility.
“This summit is not mine alone,” Rabe was quoted as saying after his descent. “It belongs to every Filipino who dares to dream big. It is for my family, my supporters, and my guiding team at Makalu Adventure, who believed in me every step of the way. We did this together.”
By becoming the sixth Filipino to summit Everest, Ric Rabe joins an elite and inspiring group of pioneers:
| Climber Name | Year | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Leo Oracion | 2006 | The first Filipino |
| Erwin Emata | 2006 | Summited just two days after Oracion |
| Romi Garduce | 2006 | Completed his climb shortly after, completing a historic trifecta for the Philippines |
| Noelle Wenceslao | 2007 | The first Filipino woman to summit |
| Carina Dayondon | 2007 | Part of the first Southeast Asian women's team to summit |
Rabe’s success reignites the spirit of these trailblazers and serves as a powerful beacon for the next generation of Filipino adventurers. He has proven that with unwavering determination, meticulous preparation, and the heart of a lion, no peak is too high to climb.
As a valued member of the Makalu Adventure family, Ric Rabe embodies the very principles we hold dear: preparation, respect, and the relentless pursuit of adventure. His historic achievement is a stunning validation of what is possible when human spirit meets expert guidance and unwavering support. We are immeasurably proud to have been a part of his journey and to have provided the logistical backbone and expert Sherpa support that are critical for a safe and successful expedition.
Ric’s journey is a reminder that the greatest mountains are not just made of rock and ice. They are made of dreams. And today, a Filipino dream stands on top of the world.
Inspired by Ric Rabe’s incredible journey? The mountains are calling you, too. At Makalu Adventure, we specialize in turning monumental dreams into achievable realities. From the Himalayas to the Andes, our expert guides are ready to help you plan your next great adventure.
