On September 25, 2024, Emmanuel Palacio, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, made history as the first Filipino to reach the summit of Mt. Manaslu, Nepal’s towering eighth-highest mountain globally at 8,163 meters above sea level (masl). Known as the “Mountain of Spirit,” Manaslu offers formidable challenges even for seasoned climbers, with avalanches, crevasses, and dangerous ice formations that test the mettle of any adventurer.
Emman, as he’s fondly known, reached the peak at 7 a.m. after a grueling 11-hour climb that started the evening before. After two hours of waiting in the crowded summit line, he unfurled the Philippine flag, capturing a historic moment on one of the world’s highest peaks.
“It felt like winning an Olympic medal for the country,” Emman shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. “Even though mountaineers are not official national athletes, there’s a similar dedication. Every time I raise our flag on a summit, it’s deeply emotional, especially knowing it’s a first for the Philippines.”
A finance professional with a specialized role in Project and Structured Finance at Alinma Bank in Riyadh, Emman’s fascination with alpine summits began long before his banking career. “I’ve been hiking across Southeast Asia for a while,” he explained, “but I first felt the pull of snow-capped peaks back in 2006, when the Philippines celebrated its first batch of Everest summiteers.” Now stationed in the Middle East, Emman finds himself within reach of some of the world’s most majestic mountain ranges, spurring him to pursue high-altitude climbs, a passion he calls “turning fascination into action.”
Manaslu’s summit required intense preparation, a feat made more challenging by an ankle injury earlier in the year. “After injuring my ankle in January, it took three months of rehab just to relearn how to walk and balance properly,” he shared, adding that he maintained fitness with alternative exercises, such as indoor biking, to keep up his momentum. “My career in banking helped me prepare mentally, as I’m always assessing risk. The mountains demand that same careful balance between risk and reward.”
Scaling the summit
Summiting Manaslu wasn’t Emman’s first major climb. He’s previously planted the Philippine flag atop peaks like Lenin Peak (7,134 masl) in Kyrgyzstan, Mont Blanc (4,810 masl) in France, and Argentina’s Aconcagua (6,962 masl). Each climb brought unique challenges and lessons. “These expeditions have taught me technical skills, decision-making, and, importantly, humility and respect for the mountain,” he explained. “Every summit has reinforced the value of staying grounded; it’s easy to grow overconfident, but the mountain has a way of reminding you who’s in control.”
For Emman, the Manaslu expedition was not just a physical climb but also a journey of emotional resilience. The section between Camp 1 at 5,800 masl and Camp 2 at 6,300 masl, filled with crevasses, ice walls, and avalanche-prone zones, proved especially challenging. “This segment was the hardest; it tested all my preparation. Having past experience and the right training were crucial to safely navigating these sections,” he remarked.
Working as an OFW while dedicating time to mountaineering requires careful planning, especially for long expeditions like Manaslu’s 21-day trek. Emman, who meticulously scheduled his leave from work early in the year, emphasizes the importance of integrating fitness routines into his daily life. “I’m at the gym right after work, keeping my fitness level up, and during the cooler months, I take advantage of outdoor runs and rock climbing. It’s all about consistency,” he said.
The mountains are Emman’s way of showcasing Filipino strength and resilience on the global stage. “Being an OFW in the finance sector in the GCC is unique in itself because we’re a minority, much like Filipinos in mountaineering. Filipinos are incredibly strong hikers and climbers, but few venture into alpine climbing. Every time I’m the only Filipino or Southeast Asian on the mountain, it feels like I’m carrying a responsibility to show that we, too, can be capable alpinists,” he shared passionately.
A call to Filipinos to embrace alpine climbing
Emman hopes his achievements will inspire more Filipinos to embrace the sport, regardless of the challenges of alpine conditions. “Filipinos often hesitate to try alpine climbing, fearing the snow or cold, but that shouldn’t hold anyone back,” he advised. “It’s manageable with proper layering and preparation.”
Emman also points out that mountaineering is more than just recreation; it’s a demanding sport. “Many in the Philippines view hiking as social recreation. But internationally, climbing major peaks requires serious training, especially for technically challenging summits like the Matterhorn or Eiger.” He encourages aspiring Filipino mountaineers to start with peaks like Russia’s Mt. Elbrus or mixed climbing routes in the Alps for a safe introduction to the sport.
For those ready to take on the world’s tallest peaks, Emman offers some advice on financial and equipment planning, as well as choosing the right guiding company. “Climbing isn’t cheap, and equipment is an investment. It’s better to go with local guides who know the terrain well; this saves on middleman costs and ensures a safer experience.”
“To my fellow Filipinos, I say this: we are capable,” he said. “With enough preparation and belief in ourselves, we can make it to any summit, even if it’s 8,000 meters above sea level. My journey is for all of us.”
