Cotabato City — On the morning of May 15, 2025, at exactly 7:15 A.M. Nepal time, Cotabato City native Rhisael “Ric” Rabe etched his name into history as the first Cotabateño to reach the summit of Mount Everest — the highest point on Earth, standing tall at 8,848.48 meters (29,030 feet).
After more than two decades of dreaming and training, Rabe finally conquered the world’s most iconic mountain, joining the elite ranks of Filipino climbers who have dared and succeeded. The feat was confirmed by pioneer Nepal-based tour operator Makalu Adventure and later shared by Rabe’s wife, Aileen Rabe, in a heartfelt message on social media.
“Ric’s journey isn’t over yet,” Aileen wrote, expressing both pride and caution. “After the summit comes the descent — first back down to Camp 4, then Camp 3, then Camp 2, then through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall to Base Camp.”
Fortunately, by May 17, she confirmed that Ric had safely returned to base camp, a critical milestone in the expedition’s conclusion.
A Quiet, Unheralded Ascent
What makes Ric Rabe’s Everest ascent even more remarkable is that it was undertaken quietly — without media fanfare, corporate sponsorship, or a cheering entourage. His wife revealed that Ric pursued his goal “unsponsored, unpublicized and quietly determined,” a rare approach in today’s age of social media-driven adventures.
Climbing with a team that included three Nepalese, one Indian, and one British mountaineer, and guided by base camp manager Shiva Bandari, Ric reached the peak via the South Col route on the Nepal side — the same historic route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
From Cotabato to the Roof of the World
For Cotabato City, Rabe’s achievement is nothing short of inspirational. A son of the city has stood atop the world, proving that even the most towering challenges can be overcome with grit, discipline, and perseverance.
Before the summit attempt, Ric shared glimpses of his preparation, including his participation in sherpa training for techniques like jumaring and abseiling. His last social media update was on April 19 — a sign of how focused he was on the climb ahead.
Today, Cotabato City beams with pride. Rabe’s accomplishment is not just a personal victory, but a source of motivation for the youth and every dreamer who has ever looked up at a mountain — literal or figurative — and wondered if they could overcome it.
As the city celebrates, the message is clear: no summit is too high when climbed with courage and heart.
Congratulations, Ric Rabe. Your quiet strength has roared from the rooftop of the world.