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  • Writer's pictureThe Uphill Press

YOUNGEST FILIPINO SIBLINGS AIM FOR EVEREST

by Marian Chriselle Galvan

Faminialagao siblings Jemima (left) and Yuji (right) standing atop Island Peak, Nepal on May 22, 2019. (Photo Source: ‘Yuji & Jemima Faminialagao Y Espinosa Mt. Everest Expedition 2020’ Facebook page)


She’s walking through a pine forest, conditioning both her physical and mental state. Chills hit her rosy cheeks as she breathily shouts “push, push, push’’ as self-encouragement to go on climbing the trail. Meanwhile, he has arrived 30 minutes earlier than his sister, taking in the breathtaking views of Mt. Himlung Himal. At 3,570m above sea level, the brother-and-sister duo meets at the entrance of a village still far from their common destination.


Climbing up famous mountains all over the world both as hobbies and professional ventures: this is the life of Jemima and Yuji Faminialagao, 20 and 18 years of age respectively, the youngest Filipino siblings to ever climb Mt. Everest.


As part of the Sandugo Basekamp Everest Expedition 2020, the two young yet heavily experienced mountaineers carry the nation’s pride on their backs as they aim to conquer the ‘dream climb’ of every mountaineer. Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain above sea level. It is often described as the most dangerous mountain to climb.


In preparation for Mt. Everest, the siblings have undergone six altitude trainings at the highest peaks all over the world. Each new site tops the previous one, pushing them to continuously adjust to the conditions brought by higher altitudes.


Their latest climb was held at the previously mentioned Mt. Himlung Himal in Nepal, from October 2 to November 4, 2019.


During the one-month journey, their daily routine consisted of waking up early at around 7 a.m., packing equipment, having breakfast, hiking for four to five hours with breaks in between, stopping by the lodge, and having dinner before chilling by the lodge’s fireplace. Most days were like this, except when they had to go for longer trails, where they usually got an earlier start.


During the hikes, the siblings traveled through a remote area northeast of the Annapurna Range, eventually reaching the summit at 7,140m on October 23.


For most of their climbs, reaching the top never comes easy. The siblings still face challenges that often test their endurance and passion for the activity.


“The certain challenges that my sister and I share is our adaptation to the higher altitudes of alpine mountains. We adapt by climbing more high-altitude mountains and taking things slow,” Yuji said.


“When we went international, Nepal for instance, it was the first time I was really challenged because it’s out of my comfort zone. It’s something unfamiliar, but all we have to do is adjust and accept what’s coming because it’s something you really want to do and achieve,” Jemima said.


In the end, their undying passion and experience overcome the hardships they face.

For instance, their training at Mt. Cook, New Zealand became an avenue for them to improve their skills. In a Basekamp (Tramper Retailers, Inc.) video, Yuji mentioned how he had improved his rope skills. Jemima noted how both of them got to practice and improve walking on snow using climbing equipment like crampons.


Jemima and Yuji, along with other mountaineers, climbing Mt. Tongariro, New Zealand as part of their higher altitude training. (Photo Source: ‘Yuji & Jemima Faminialagao Y Espinosa Mt. Everest Expedition 2020’ Facebook page)


With every new adventure, the siblings pick up valuable lessons that continue to guide them.

“I learned to depend on myself. To listen to what I want and need. I learned to listen to my body and be self-aware. And I can slowly see that I’m getting to know myself,” Jemima said.

Besides the know-how for physically and mentally conquering heights, Yuji does his best in working on his socialization skills.


“A challenge that I usually face is socialization, even though one of the reasons I climb mountains is to escape it. I mostly talk only when I need to, but since then my socialization has been a work-in-progress. I’ve become more vocal in my actions and words,” he said.


From a young age, the siblings have found comfort in the mountains and greens. From all the mountain trails they’ve climbed, in which Jemima refers to as her ‘playgrounds’, they’ve found more reasons to love nature and adventure.


“I grew up just being around this hobby and it turned into a passion. My parents told me that I genuinely love hiking. They said that the first time they brought me hiking, I was giddy and happy; this story made me invest more into hiking,” Jemima recalled.


Her brother Yuji feels the same. Ever since he has found many great things to love about the mountains.


“What inspires me to go mountain climbing is the cold clean air, being in nature, joining the socials, and its physical aspects. I like listening to people’s stories, relaxing, laughing at drunken goofiness, and sitting by a light source surrounded by nature,” Yuji said.


Mt. Everest may be their greatest climb yet, but the heights they’ve reached during both leisure time and training have significantly shaped their identities as athletes.


As far as Jemima remembers, she had climbed over 40 mountains during her high school days. She has climbed two of the highest mountains in the Philippines, which include Mt. Pulag here in Baguio, and a personal favorite being Mt. Guiting Guiting that she climbs yearly on her birthday.


When she is not mountaineering, Jemima takes an interest in photography, painting, and music. Yuji mostly plays video games and enjoys drawing in his notebooks. Both have a passion for the arts and still are sports enthusiasts even in their leisure time. They enjoy other activities like biking and scuba diving.


As their climb to Mt. Everest draws near, the young duo has with them the skills they’ve gained from past training, and also the people who have guided them along the way.


This fearless duo has already made history by taking on the challenge at such young ages. Their endless passion and curiosity for nature’s wonders will take them far, but what will always take them further are the stories that have shaped them to be the great mountaineers they are today.


Edited by Kit Munsayac

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