After Everest, Jeno targets K2

MANILA, Philippines — There ain’t no mountain high enough for Filipino Jeno Panganiban.

Just a month after conquering Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, Panganiban is now eyeing the second highest ascent in the planet – K2 or the Savage Mountain in Pakistan.

“I’m targeting next year and hoping to make the summit on June 26,” said the Computer Science major at La Salle in a homecoming party hosted by his patron Century Tuna.

Panganiban was one of three Filipinos who summited Mt. Everest a month ago, the first in almost two decades, along with Ric Rabe and Miguel Mapalad.

While K2 is second only to Mt. Everest, Panganiban thinks the former would be more difficult.

“K2 is the most technical 8,000-meter mountain in the world so next month I’ll start training,” he said.

Panganiban thanked Century Tuna for supporting his climb even if he had sought its help at the last minute.

“I’m blessed and honored to be supported by Century Tuna even though I only asked for their help five days before I went to Mt. Everest. They didn’t think twice and just supported my dream,” he said.

Century Tuna executive vice president and COO Greg Banzon, for his part, said it just made sense helping Panganiban’s cause.

“Century Tuna is proud and honored to support Jeno’s journey because he is a living testament that anyone can face their own summit,” said Banzon, who was accompanied by Century Tuna marketing director Raymund Ver Guinoo.