Rock and Rice

In this episode of Rock and Rice, we sit down with Daniel Pugeda — a Filipino-American climber whose first outdoor sport climb in the Philippines… was a 5.13a/7c+.But this conversation goes way beyond that wild first send.After multiple trips back to the Philippines, Daniel reflects on how his perspective has evolved — from being a stoked first-time visitor to someone thinking more critically about access, privilege, and what it really means to engage with the climbing community back home.We talk about:The realities Filipino climbers face when it comes to travel, finances, and accessThe difference between visiting the Philippines and living thereHow Fil-Am climbers can show up with more awareness and intentionThe rapid growth of the climbing scene — gyms, comps, and communityThis episode is about seeing the full picture — not just the climbing, but everything behind it.Maraming salamat to Charm Bartolay for her interview with us on Episode 2. That episode was the impetus for this one. You can listen to our episode with Charm (and Wilson!) here.Also, a special mention to Nilo Batle! Listen to learn more. Follow Daniel:https://www.instagram.com/daniel4nthony/Join the community:DiscordPatreonCreditsEditor, Onassis Rabanes Social Lead, Christine JoyHost, Tim Casasola

Di araw araw pasko… but today we dropped a nice oneThis week we sit down with Ryan Juguan — USA Paraclimber + disability advocate — to talk about competing at the highest level and making climbing more accessible for everyone.We get into:what comp climbing is actually likebuilding Chicago Climbs from the ground upthe gaps in accessibility (and what needs to change)Also yes, CJoy (not Chicken Joy, but Christine Joy) is on the mic because Chicago climbing scene reunion. Go Bulls?Shoutouts to Ivee Leung for recommending Ryan as a guest! Salamat Ivy!Show Ryan some love 👉🏽 instagram.com/ryjuguanHop in the Discord 👉🏽 https://discord.gg/dgzb8cseJSupport the pod 👉🏽 https://www.patreon.com/rockandrice

Second episode of 2026! 🔥This week on Rock and Rice, we sit down with Manila-based power couple Dane & Magnet — self-dubbed serial projectors who’ve been quietly stacking some of the biggest sends of 2025.From Magnet’s epic last-go send of Ben & Be (7c+/5.13a) in Igbaras… to Power & Pinesse, White Flower, and the mental chess match of projecting at your limit — this one is all about the highs, the almosts, and why “di araw araw pasko” (not every day is Christmas).We talk:The psychology of projectingBooking climbing trips just to stay motivatedWhy only ONE person is allowed to be crazy at a cragIgbaras vs. CantabacoAnd what it really means to take small winsIf you’ve ever left a trip without a send… this episode is for you.@magnetnavales — Magnet’s Instagram@danepolicarpio — Dane’s Instagram—🫶 Join us on Discord:https://discord.gg/dgzb8cseJClimbers & listeners — this is our space to connect.🎙 Support the pod + get extra love on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/RockandRiceYour support keeps these stories coming.Let’s gooooo.

Kumusta, mga ka-akyat 🧗🏽‍♀️🇵🇭Welcome to the first Rock and Rice episode of 2026 — and we’re starting strong with longtime climber, community builder, and all-around legend, Mecia Serafino (@small_wonder). Tim and Mecia first met during their SPI course in Mammoth (yes, they’re still preparing for the exam 😅), but this episode goes way deeper than anchors and knots. Mecia shares her journey from growing up Filipino in Bernal Heights to becoming deeply involved in Yosemite climbing, outreach, and stewardship.We talk about:🧗🏽‍♀️ Getting into climbing later in life — and getting absolutely sandbagged by your future husband, Lucho Rivera🏕️ Eastern Sierra classics, Tuolumne epics, and why Cathedral & Tenaya still hit different📸 Being the photographer of the friend group (and why none of the climbing photos are of her)🧭 Old-school mentorship, climbing with Yosemite legends, and learning on stiff Friends and hexes🚨 The real reason most climbing accidents happen on rappel — and how Friends of YOSAR teaches people to “Stay Alive”🧹 Yosemite Facelift, high-angle trash cleanups, and 20+ years of climbers giving back to the park🏛️ The Yosemite Climbing Museum in Mariposa and the wild history preserved inside🌲 Restore Hetch Hetchy and the complicated balance between access and preservation🌁 Bay Area Climbers Coalition, a local chapter of the Access FundMecia talks candidly about health struggles, finding healing in the outdoors, and why education and outreach matter just as much as sending hard routes. It’s a conversation about climbing, yes — but also about showing up for your community, protecting the places we love, and making sure more people get to experience them safely.This one’s for the climbers who love long approaches, old gear stories, and doing the work even when no one’s watching.Salamat, Mecia, for everything you do — and for reminding us that climbing is better when we take care of each other. 🤎🎮 Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/aMe7ktS2👏🏽 Become a Patron: http://patreon.com/rockandrice

Maligayang Pasko, mga ka-akyat 🧗🏽‍♂️🇵🇭In this end-of-year kwentuhan, Tim records from his parents’ house in Temecula (yes, still climbing, still dodging rain, still watching Severance late) to reflect on a very Rock and Rice year:Rainy seasons in California and the PhilippinesA trip back home (Manila ➝ Igbaras ➝ rice terraces ➝ thunderstorms)A sketchy habal-habal ride you never forgetA fiancé reveal 💍 (surprise!)And the official historical record that Andre 100% sent Alon ✅ (no questions pls) Tim looks back on the pod’s year. Six episodes, 21 climbers interviewed, most born and raised in the Philippines. He talks honestly about juggling work, climbing, creativity, and not burning out in an endless content economy. There’s gratitude for the community, love for Filipino climbers back home, big pride for Pilipinas Climbing, and a few dangerous ideas about Rock and Rice someday becoming a balíkbayan service for climbing gear. 🪢🔩Also:✨ Big shoutouts to the guests this year: Nikki Cuna, Ina & Miel Pahati, Shaun Marquez, Mika Hooker, Tristin Rubia, Onassis Rabanes, Christine Joy, Vince Padios✨ Goal next year: one episode a month✨ Special salamat to Onassis & Christine for joining the pod team🎮 Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/aMe7ktS2👏🏽 Become a Patron: http://patreon.com/rockandriceThis episode is less polished interview, more tropa catching up over pancit. Thanks for listening, thanks for climbing, and thanks for believing Filipino climbers belong everywhere.

Onassis, Christine, Vince, and Tim do a fun podcast episode from The Red River Gorge: America's favorite sport climbing area. Yes, it's in Kentucky. Yes, we were the only Filipinos in Kentucky. Christine invited the guys to her annual Red River Gorge trip. We climbed, made bisteak, and tambayed. Listen to our silly episode where we talk about our trip, what helps us "lock in" as climbers, and how we hope to grow. "Growth without increasing grades is giving back to your community."@cjoy_climb@vinceclimbs@onassisclimbs@timcasasolaMaraming salamat Onassis Rabanes for editing this episode!He'll be helping with editing future episodes. Aside from being a V10 boulderer and budding sport climber, Onassis is a filmmaker, giving a voice to underrepresented climbers. You can check out Onassis' work here at @onassisfilms on Instagram.Onassis FilmsAnd maraming salamat to Christine for editing our socials for this episode. Christine is our three-time veteran on the podcast. Pasensya, the audio is pangit. That's because Tim did the audio production. He didn't do that great of an audio production here. It'll be better in the future. Promise, ha.Love the show? Become a Patron!patreon.com/rockandrice

If you boulder in SoCal and look up to double digit boulderers, chances are you follow Tristin on IG. Tristin is a Madrock Athlete, based in Fullerton, CA. He started climbing in 2018 and now climbs double digits consistently. From Meadowlark Lemon Stand V13-, to MRSA V11 in Tramway, to Bloodline V10 in Temecula. We recorded this episode in May, when he was working Allegory in the Cave V12 in Black Mountain. He also talks about what inspired him to support FilipinUp SoCal: a Filipinx climbing community. Check out FilipinUp here. They have the best stickers and meetups around SoCal. [email protected] — Tristin's InstagramTristin on TikTokYou can get 15% off MadRock using his promo code: SOFT (I don't get anything from promoting this, this is purely his promo code!)Love the show? Become a Patron!patreon.com/rockandriceAll proceeds will go towards funding gear balikbayan for the climbing communities in the Philippines. It's tough to get gear out there. There ain't no REIs there and shipping is mahal (expensive). Your subscription will help us donate and ship gear to climbing communities in the Philippines!

Mika Alfaro is a Filipina climber based in Perth, Australia. We met in Danao when she was having the climbing trip of her life. Her nemesis? Bibinka. She ended up going to Danao again because she loved the crag—much like me. I was intrigued by her story. Mika was born in the Philippines, moved to Kuwait when she was six, then moved to Perth when she was ten. Listen to her talk about why she loves climbing, her experience climbing in the Philippines twice now, and the scene in Australia. Mika's InstagramLove the show? Become a Patron!It’s not easy to gear good gear in the Philippines. Shipping takes a while, it’s expensive, and you often have to have hookups.Support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice.60% of your donation goes toward gear balikbayan to the Philippines. 40% goes back to the show.

Shaun Marquez is a climber, bolter, and route setter based in Ilo Ilo. He is president of Ilo Ilo Climbing Community and climbs often at Igbaras — Ilo Ilo's premiere sport climbing crag. We talk about his send of Igbarock, a 7B/5.12b in Igbaras, how he balances all of his roles, being an introverted leader, and why he loves climbing. LinksSterling Blog: Philippine Climbers Building Their Own FutureShaun's InstagramIlo Ilo Climbing CommunitySupport the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice.60% of your donation goes towards gear balikbayan for the Philippines; 40% goes back to the show.

It's no secret that climbing in the Philippines is awesome. But isn't easy to learn about. The routes aren't on Mountain Project, getting to the crag takes a jeep, boat, or habal habal, and you need to know the Tita who runs the carinderia nearby. Climb Philippines is a website that Ina Pahati started in 2007 to help people learn more about outdoor climbing in the Philippines. In this episode, we chat with both Ina and Miel Pahati — long-time climbers based in Quezon City, Manila. They couldn't be more proud of the crags in the Philippines: they've bouldered near Bagio and sport climbed in Igbaras. They also met in college, when they both started climbing, and entered a lot of climbing competitions. They're now parents who still love climbing. For Ina and Miel, it's all about supporting the next generation. They want Climb Philippines to serve the next generation of Philippines-based climbers who are determined to get better.My podcast software wasn't able to capture the Ina's mic after 47 minutes. So we'll release the 47 minutes of our 1 hour 15 minute interview. I'll see if they want to do a part 2. :)LinksClimb Philippines@glogrowglow — Ina Pahati's Instagram@slowhand_mp — Miel Pahati's InstagramEditor CreditsShoutouts to Chung Winchip for doing the bulk editing of this episode. Winchip also produced the music used on this podcast, Bruiser. His music is on Spotify.Love the show? Become a Patron!It’s not easy to gear good gear in the Philippines. Shipping takes a while, it’s expensive, and you often have to have hookups.Support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice.60% of your donation goes toward gear balikbayan to the Philippines. 40% goes back to the show.

Nikki Cuna just got her Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) certification, meaning she's the first Filipina from the Philippines to be a certified climbing guide. This is huge!Nikki is a sport climber, budding trad climber, route developer, and certified climbing guide based in Cebu, Philippines. She's originally from Samar Island before moving to Cebu for school and work. Her skills in climbing are diverse, and it shows. She can:Send 7b+/5.12c on sport (Thor's Garden in Danao)Lead a 5.7 Yosemite layback pitch (Nutcracker, pitch 3),Create safe trad anchorsAnd can even bolt sport routes (she's done this in Danao)Listen to her talk about why she chose to become a guide and why she prefers to grow in more than just one way.Love the show? Become a Patron!It’s not easy to gear good gear in the Philippines. Shipping takes a while, it’s expensive, and you often have to have hookups.Support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice.60% of your donation goes toward gear balikbayan to the Philippines. 40% goes back to the show.

"Climbers are just big kids playing on compressed dirt. And we want to be better than others at playing on compressed dirt."Sierra Rose Knott is a double digit boulderer and Organic Climbing athlete based in San Diego, CA. Her and her husband Richie are regulars at Black Mountain, a beautiful granite bouldering area in the San Jacinto Mountains surrounded by pine trees. She had just come back from Rocklands, a destination bouldering area in South Africa. She was able to climb at her limit, despite having three injuires leading up to the trip.Sierra is a quarter Filipina! She shares her family history. And why she’s proud to be Filipina, while acknowleding that it’s just a part of her identity.Sierra’s also a rock climbing coach, who helps boulderers level up. If you’d like to work with her, DM her on Instagram.Sierra’s LinkTree.Love the show? Become a Patron!It’s not easy to gear good gear in the Philippines. Shipping takes a while, it’s expensive, and you often have to have hookups. Support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice. 60% of your donation goes toward gear balikbayan to the Philippines. 40% goes back to the show.

Pets (Paul Eli T. Suson) is a Philippines comp climber, route setter, and outdoor climber from Cebu. He’s the sixth ascensionist of Jack Sparrow—the Philippines’ most famous 5.14a. Many Cebuano climbers consider him to be a young prodigy.We talk about his mindset toward outdoor climbing, how he processes failure, rest, and why he competes, bolts, sets, and gives back to the community.LinksPaul on Jack Sparrow 5.14aPaul on Constrictor Evictor 8b/5.13dBeta RoutesettingPauls brothers: JJ and Josh“The Rocks Show No Age” — Paul at 12Love the show? Become a Patron!It’s not easy to gear good gear in the Philippines. Shipping takes a while, it’s expensive, and you often have to have hookups. Support the show by becoming a Patron at patreon.com/rockandrice. 60% of your donation goes toward gear balikbayan to the Philippines. 40% goes back to the show.

Help us balikbayan climbing gear to the Philippines.patreon.com/rockandriceIf you like the show, I ask you to consider becoming a Patron. Getting gear in the Philippines is hard. It’s even harder if you’re outside of Manila.You can donate anything between $1 (50 pesos), $10 (500 pesos), or $25 (1250 pesos). 60% of your patronage goes towards gear balikbayan to Cebu Rock Climbing Community, Iloilo Climbing Community, and Cagayan De Oro Climbing Community. 40% of your patronage goes back to the show. Become a patron at patreon.com/rockandrice JoJo is an overall badass. An environmental lawyer who practices in Australia and Philippines. A former Philippines comp climber. Has put down outdoor 7c's/5.12d's. And just started a state-of-the-art bouldering gym in Iloilo.When I visited Iloilo in February, she was projecting Engagement — Igbaras’s 8b/5.13d that’s a long, beautiful endurance line. She recently sent Ben & Be, a 7c/5.12d.Her and her partner, JJ, opened up Vertex Bouldering — Iloilo’s state of the art climbing gym. Her goal is to bring that state of the art climbing gym to Iloilo.In this episode, she talks about what she’s learned after starting Vertexshifting her perspective on training for projectshow she deals with failurehow she’s learned to separate her sense of self from her accomplishments.These days, she’s stopping to smell the roses. 🌹LinksJo R Ala on Instagram. Vertex Bouldering.Shoutouts to Power Up Tandangsora for being her home gym!

Christine Joy is a boulderer, sport climber, budding trad climber, and soon-to-be SPI course certified climber based in Las Vegas. She has roots in the Philippines in Illocos Norte and Isabella, and has climbed in Cantabaco (shoutouts to Bal and Patrick!). When I first came across Christine's Instagram — we found out of each other through the algorithm — my first thought was. Yo! We are literally so similar. She achieved a goal in 2022 to send her first outdoor V8 and 5.12a; I achieved the same exact goal in 2023. But as I got to know Christine, I realized that she's much more than just a strong climber. She's a caring friend, a super thoughtful and conscientious community shaper, and a proud Pilipina. This is a two part interview! Two-in-one, baby. Almost three-in-one cape. 🤎 Love the show? Support 🇵🇭 Philippines climbing and the show. Become a Patron.60% of your donation will go toward gear distribution to Cebu, Iloilo, and Cagayan De Oro Climbing Communities. 40% will go towards offsetting the $1100 startup cost of this show.https://www.patreon.com/rockandriceTo support:Walang Pera? Give $1/month. Working full-time or have a savings? Give $10/month. You'll be able to ask guests questions ahead of time.A generous donor? Offer $25/month. You'll be able to ask guests questions ahead of time.https://www.patreon.com/rockandriceNext episode is with Jo R Ala!

Christian Mercene — aka the Mercene-ary — has sent at least forty-six 5.13s, at least nine 5.14s, and a handful of double digit boulders. He's a born-and-raised Southern Californian. Second generation Filipino American. Taga Atimonan ang nanay niya (his mom is from Atimonan). Taga Mindoro ang tatay niya (his dad is from Mindoro). He. Is. A. Beast. 🔥 Sent Manphibian 🐸, a 9a/5.14d in Vegas. (Read about his Manphibian send here)🧗🏽‍♂️ His last major project was 🪐 Forbidden Planet a 8c+/5.14b/c in Vegas. (You can tell he loves Vegas.)✅ Wet Dream V12/8a+Did I mention he's sent at least forty-six 5.13s, at least nine 5.14s, and a handful of double digit boulders? You can see his sends on YouTube channel. He's also the Head Coach at Sender One Santa Ana. And is a Madrock Athlete. He's married to KK, whose Instagram handle is aptly named Mrs. Mercene-ary.Christian has a growth mindset and positive attitude. You can tell he is a true master of his craft. Give him a follow on Instagram.Manila folks & Atimonan locals -- show the man some climbing in the area!!Land AcknowledgementTongva Nation were the original inhabitants of the land we know now as Los Angeles.Southern Paiute were the original inhabitants of the land we know now as Las Vegas.Next episode out July 5th!

Sam is a former Philippines Climbing Team comp climber now turned alpinist. She’s competed in boulder competitions in the Philippines, sport climbed in Thailand, and now does multi pitch, alpine, and ice climbing with her partner Mickey. Originally from Manila, she’s now in Vancouver, Washington escaping the state income tax and enjoying the PNW.Fun fact: Her dad, Tony Castro, was the first winner of the first Philippines Climbing Competition. Tatay used to wear harnesses made of seatbelts, before the graded climbing harness was a thing. Sam is a proud Filipina. We talk about her identity and her openness to other pin@y climbers. Sam's Instagram.TicksPaisano Pinnacle Burgundy Spire Linkup — an 11 pitch alpine climb in Washington. Route details here. Flyboys — 18 pitches of bolted climbing in Mazama, Washington.Electric Turtlehead — a 5.10 in Indian Creek.Mirkwood — 5.10a in Ozone, WashingtonThere & Back Again — 5.10a+ in Ozone, WashingtonTransitioning from boulder and sport to trad is tough! But Sam's grooving on 5.10 trad. Her goal is to do as many 5.10 and under trad routes as she can.DefinitionsYou learned about Alpine climbing in our last episode with Ivan. Sam is an alpine climber too. Alpine climbing is climbing a remote mountain. Usually involves a challenging approach and descent—requiring super thoughtful planning. Alpine climbing can be high in elevation. The Paisano Pinnacle Burgundy Spire Linkup Sam's done is considered alpine climbing.Land Acknowledgement Vancouver, Washington! Before colonization, the Chinook and Cowlitz tribes resided there. Chinook NationCowlitz Indian TribeLinksHer trad dad (no actually, her dad was a trad climber) used figure 8 devices to belay.Tatay Tony used to climb at Power Up TS.Mark Synnott - The North Face Alpine Climber taught Sam Castro trad.Nutcracker was Sam’s first multi pitch in Yosemite. Nutcracker was my first Yosemite multi, too!Sam and her partner Mickey share a bit about how they met on Philstarlife

Ivan Cataluña is a 27-year old trad, bigwall, and alpine climber from Mindanao, the southmost major island in the Philippines. Kind, humble, and hardworking, he works and goes to school in St George, Utah. Zion is where he spends his weekends.Ivan's IG: @ivangino💪🏽 Some of Ivan’s climbs in 2023Silmaril, a 10 pitch route with the hardest route being 5.12a. In Zion National ParkTricks of the Trade, a 19 pitch route C2 if can trad lead up to 5.10d. Also in ZionLurking Fear on El Capitan, 5.7 C2, 19 pitchesClimbed Half Dome in Yosemite in a dayLed two classics at the Incredible Hulk in High Sierra: Positive Vibrations, 12 pitches, 5.11a and Red Dihedral 12 pitches, 5.10🏜️ Land AcknowledgementThe Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute) are the peoples who lived on the land that we now know as St George. The term Paiute comes from paa Ute meaning water, and refers to their preference for living near water sources.🧗🏽‍♀️Climbing Terms We UseDihedral  — a <90 degree angle formed by two faces. A corner! Offwidth — a crack too wide for fist jams and too narrow to be a chimney.Chimney — think: Santa clause going up the chimney. . You can fit your whole body in this crack.Incut crimps — tiny holds that you crimp on. They’re “incut” — the holds trend downward for your fingers to hold onto.3’s and 4’s — these are sizes of trad gear.Alpine Climbing is when you climb a mountain that’s in a remote area. You can use techniques from rock climbing, ice climbing, and even mixed climbing.C1, C2, C3, A1 — these are aid climbing ratings.A1 least dangerous, in theory, while A5 is total death.C is the clean aid grading system, where you don’t need to hammer in gear.C1 is the least dangerous, while C3 is a lil more risky than C1. For example, The Nose is 5.9 C2, meaning if you can lead 5.9 on trad, it’s a C2 aid climb.🔗 LinksBorn in Manila. Lived in Midsayap, Cotobato, Mindanao, then to General Trial, Cavite (back near Manila!). Then moved to St George, Utah.He started sport climbing in Zion at Namaste Wall.One of his favorite routes in Zion? Shune's Buttress.  People say it’s like “The Rostrum” of Zion.Kuya Gerry (you heard him in episode 3!) did pitch 3 on Shune’s super different from Ivan. He kept his torso out of the crack as much as possible. And knee barred it until he got a hand jam.Arturo Calvo is a climbing hero of Ivan’s. From Mexico and now lives in St George. He’s done a lot of hard routes and took him to Incredible Hulk.🗓️ Next episode comes out in two weeks! May 24.

Julie is a longtime rock climber. She's been climbing in the West Coast since the 90's. Most of you might know her from the films Rampage or Free Hueco. Bouldering, sport, trad, bigwall — she's done it all. And guess what? She still climbs!She also started a coalition with Al. The name? Rock and Rice. It was a coalition of two until some dude decided to make it a podcast...Anyway. Hope you enjoy this interview. Land Acknowledgement: PayahǖǖnadǖWe talk a lot about Bishop! As such, I want to acknowledge that Bishop are the ancestral lands of the Nüümü and Newe People, in the land known as Payahǖǖnadǖ, the “land of flowing water.” Nüümü were the stewards of the Owens River, before LADWP took it from them. More on that here. If you're in Bishop, I highly suggest you check out the Paiute-Shoshone Cultural Center. It show their story in quality detail.NotesJulie’s first climb was a slab climb: Rock Climb Run For Your Life, Joshua Tree National ParkShe was part of early development in Priest Draw, AZ.Priest Draw Guidebook.She worked at Pete’s in Hueco Tanks.Julie’s problem in Rock Creek isn’t Climb Pull Down Like De Jesus. It’s a traverse (from Choice of Weapons) around the right corner that links into "Pull Down Like De Jesus." Julie didn't actually name this route, she left it unnamed. The name "Pull Down Like De Jesus" came from Mick Ryan. Mick Ryan named this after Julie. Mick named or renamed many Eastside problems when he published his guide.While she isn't a Stonemaster, Julie's photo was in the Stonemasters article by Climbing Magazine. Back then, some people didn't even consider bouldering "real" climbing. Clark Shelk was an early advocate for bouldering. (He also started Cordless Crashpad)Shoutouts to Dustin Sabo, who FA'd Acid Wash in Bishop. Dan Delange. He's was a low key Filipino climber from SoCal that climbed hard. He was in Masters of Stone.

Episode 3️⃣ of 🪨 and 🍚We're talking to Gerry Egbalic today. Gerry and I met at United in Yosemite Climbing Festival! He saw a Filipino flag Lakers sticker on my truck and asked, "Are you Filipino?"Gerry Egbalic is a fifty year old Filipino trad climber who lives out of his van. He's a kind spirit, an experienced climber, and a notable mentor to many BIPOC climbers in the West Coast. Currently, he's in Moab, Utah.He recently fundraised his AMGA Rock Guide course, and will be taking it in Colorado this June. He's still raising funds for his travel, food, and income he'd forego by taking the Rock Guide course. Check out his Gofundme here.Gerry's active on Instagram: @dekarabawSome links to things we talked about:Gerry's first unofficial trad lead: Rock Climbing in Cathedral Peak, Yosemite National ParkGerry's official first trad send: Rock Climb Whodunit, Tahquitz & Suicide RocksWhite Lightning (Joshua Tree) inspired him to practice crack climbingAll in Ice Fest — an ice climbing festival in Ouray that elevates BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and adaptive climbers.Negus in Nature — one of the groups who brought an awesome vibe to All In Ice Fest.Lots of people unexpectedly spend the night at Epinephrine, Red Rocks.Former Sierra Club Executive Director calling out John Muir’s oppressive comments: Pulling Down Our Monuments.One of our favorite foods to cook: Tortang Talong Rock Climb Annunaki, Indian Creek (Annunaki sounds Filipino, huh?)Chrysler Crack in Red RocksRock Climb Commitment, Yosemite National Park -- Gerry led this one with me and Cass June 2023.Climbing 4 Change funded Gerry's wilderness first responder course!Shoutouts to Brown Girls Climb, too.Kai Lightner on The Nugget: SEND ALERT: Kai Lightner — ‘Life of Villains’ 9a, Not Rushing the Process, and Building Jamaica’s First Climbing WallGerry was with me on my first multi pitch lead: Rock Climb Skywalker, Squamish

She’s from Manila. He’s from Iloilo. They both started climbing in 2017/2018. Met in Tonsai, Thailand during the pandemic. Now? They’re inseparabl……y best friends.Introducing Charm Bartolay and Wilson Adolfo. Charm is from Manila, and travels around the world to climb. Turkey. Greece. China. And next up, Spain. She's a strong, technical sport climber who started in 2017. She's from Manila. Wilson Adolfo started in 2018! He's from Iloilo. He's climbed hard in Cantabaco, Danao, and Igbaras — his home crag. He sends his hardest after a nap... and might give you a beer after his send. Both have a lot to say about climbing at your limit and staying dedicated and psyched. Use the Chapters feature on your podcast app for the episode breakdown.Links referred to in this episodeCrowdsourced spreadsheet for climbing info in different countries Charm on Blackfoot 7a+/5.12aIgbaras — Iloilo’s sport climbing areaIlo Ilo Climbing Community’s InstagramImproved belay platforms in Area 4 of Cantabaco — a project done by Cebu Rock Climbing and Global Climbing InitiativePeople mentioned!Jo R Ala — former Philippines team climber who is starting Vertex BoulderingDoc Lu — climber from Cebu who described the moves on Blackfoot. And measures climbers’ pull strength and finger strength!Charm on Instagram.Wilson on Instagram and Tiktok.New episodes every two weeks. With some breaks. Next episode is out 3/29/24.

🚀🚀 First episode! 🪨🍚I'm Tim — a passionate climber and a proud Filipino. I've met lots of Filipino climbers who have a lot to share. How dope would it be if there was a podcast that featured us?Rock and Rice is a podcast where Filipino climbers tell their story. Follow us on  Instagram.For this first interview, we're talking to Al Amores. Al Amores has been a climber for 29 years. He sent his first 5.14a at forty five years old. He's climbed all around the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and now splits his time between the Philippines, Colorado, and West Virginia.  He's also been developing a sport climbing area in the Philippines — Danao — for the last ten years.Al's LinksAl's InstagramDanao ClimbingCreditsPodcast logo by Pat Palacio.Intro music: Bruiser by WinchipThe "Rock and Rice" name comes from Julie De JesusInterview Notes00:00:16 — Why Tim Casasola started Rock & Rice. And what it's about.00:02:22 — Intro to Al00:03:38 — Al's interview00:08:28 — Being the only Filipino at the crag in the late 90's West Virginia00:10:49 — Starting as a trad climber, then branching out into bouldering00:13:34 — How the New River Gorge shaped Al00:17:50 — Pursuing limits in bouldering, sport, and trad00:21:34 — Meeting Julie De Jesus (and Chris Sharma) in Bishop00:22:40 — Al, Julie, and Norm were the only Filipinos in Bishop in the early 2000s00:28:23 — Style > Numbers00:34:35 — Sending Art & Sport 5.13c/8a+ in Tonsai after his highest send being a 5.12b00:38:24 — How Hidetaka Suzuki, a former pro from Japan, influenced Al00:45:01 — Julie De Jesus was and is a well-rounded climber too (trad, sport, bouldering)00:48:51 — The Lebron James approach to climbing00:52:30 — Good climbing is like Kyrie Irving's game01:00:40 — "The Temple Bouldering Cave in Tonsai is one of the best bouldering caves in the world."01:03:23 — Al sends Beastmaster V10/7c+ in Tonsai then easily onsighted 5.12b's01:05:00 — How Al discovered climbing potential in Danao01:09:55 — Buying tons of bolts despite while new to route development01:15:55 — First Ascent? Nah son, it's about the First Descent.01:19:13 — Danao's place in the Philippines' larger climbing context01:23:28 — Sending Jack Sparrow, a 5.14a in Cantabaco, Philippines01:29:42 — "Routes are like restaurants. Your opinion isn't valid until you try it"01:30:33 — If Al were to get after another 5.14a, it'd be Proper Soul at the New01:32:49 — Tim reads Al's historical writeup on Jack Sparrow01:38:13 — Veronica Baker Amores, the ED of Global Climbing Initiative and Al's wife!01:44:56 — One aspect of climbing culture Al loves and one aspect he'd change01:48:05 — Let's better support our route developers!01:58:48 — Al's advice to the Filipino climbing community