Climbing Mt. Apo, the Philippines’ tallest mountain, is no joke. At nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, it takes three days, a lot of grit, and more than a little courage to reach the top.
So when 70-year-old Letecia Sobebe from Miami’s Occidental made it to the summit, she didn’t just celebrate—she made a statement.
A Filipiniana at the Peak
At the top of Mt. Apo, Letecia didn’t settle for a typical hiking photo. She changed out of her gear and into a bright pink Filipiniana, complete with a pearl necklace, and posed like she’d just walked a red carpet. Her smile lit up the summit, and soon, social media did the rest. Her photos quickly went viral, drawing love and admiration from across the globe.
Not Your Average Climb
Mt. Apo is known for its rugged terrain and steep ascents. TrailAdventours rates it 7 out of 10 in difficulty. It’s a challenging trek even for younger, seasoned hikers. Letecia, though, powered through—resting when needed, joking with fellow hikers, and keeping spirits high.
“She was always smiling. She didn’t complain. She just kept going,” one climber said.
More Than a Hike
Letecia’s climb wasn’t just about reaching the summit—it was about showing what’s possible. At 70, she reminded everyone that age is not a barrier to adventure. And by dressing in traditional Filipino attire at the peak, she carried her culture with pride to one of the highest points in the country.
“I wanted to show that we can still dream, still climb, still celebrate who we are—no matter how old we are,” Letecia said.
Lola Letecia didn’t just conquer a mountain. She inspired one.
