WHAT does it take to be superwoman?
Jennifer Marabulas proved that she could be extraordinary in her own way as she conquered peak after peak in the past decade.
This 27-year-old Dabawenya said her romance with mountaineering started in 2008 while in college at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep).
From mere curiosity climbing Puting Bato, the Island Garden City's highest point, she soon graduated to becoming a diehard mountaineer.
“At first, I thought I couldn’t make it because aside from the fact that I easily get tired, I also have fear of heights,” she said.
But this did not stop her from being close to nature, feel it, and seek the relaxation it brings despite the difficulties, especially the physical stamina required when climbing during the rainy season on slippery and dangerous trails.
All the sufferings, she said, disappear when she sees the view that awaits every climb.
“It was the time I become more appreciative of the God-given gift to humanity,” she said, adding that as she climbed mountain after mountain, the thirst for adventure gave way to a higher purpose -- to give back to the Lumad community in the uplands.
“That's when I started to help them by bringing used clothes, food, school supplies every time I climbed,” she said.
She has broken gender stereotypes and proved that she has the strength and stamina.
“People often underestimate my capability just because of my gender, but, despite that, I proved them wrong and work hard to climb along with my heavy backpack,” she said.
Among the mountains she has climbed so far are Mt. Pulag -- Luzon's highest peak, Mt. Tabayok, Mt. Apo, Mt. Matutum in Cotabato, Mt. Talomo, Mt. Megatong, Mt. Sicao, and Lake Holon.
She said there is the need to advocate for the protection of the environment to allow the succeeding generations to enjoy these gifts.