A traditional mountain with a broad base, fine ridges, and pointy peaks are the classic description of a child. Later in life, realizing a simple description can mean effort, perseverance, and determination to keep pushing oneself in climbing literally and in life. As an Immigrant, Ray Tejana, the executive secretary of K8 Mountaineering Club of Alberta, once said, “All of us have our own mountains to climb”. Filipinos are fighting different battles in Canada. Metaphorically speaking, it could mean facing an uphill battle in applying for permanent residency or exchanging decades of a well-built career for a better future for the family. The mission of K8 is not only to help members access the mountains and become self-reliant in their pursuits but also a support system for Filipinos wrestling with the emotional and psychological toll of resettling through the healing power of the mountains. No landscape inspires like the mountains. Because of its qualities, climbing to the top can teach people a lot about life. The attitude of moving through and climbing the mountains is very important. It is a difficult task and can take so much physically, as well as mentally and spiritually.
Some mountain pursuits can take twenty-four hours of non-stop climbing with minimal rest periods, moving through the alpine landscapes for days relying on self-sufficiency or even an objective that took years to complete, going back and forth every season, basing the success rate on every aspect and skills of a mountaineer and alpinist. Years of dreaming of getting to the summit and finishing the objective, realizing afterward that the most profound part was the journey, the effort needed to get there, and the memories of the people you are with. It is getting the raw experiences, going deeper through oneself in the wilderness, surviving the hardships, and taking the wisdom learned that makes life reacher. In the end, standing on top, getting back safely, and having those experiences can only mean something. It is by sharing it with other people that struggle on their own journey. The difficulty of the climb and ratings are reminders of progression. Skills may be perishable, but strong bonds and relationships built are the most important thing anyone gets out of it. K8’s brotherhood and sisterhood are guided by the group’s core values that no one is left behind. As much as becoming a great climber is a great goal, making a difference in the community and in the lives of Filipino Canadians who dream of climbing the Canadian Rockies are the true goals. While K8 continues to grow, creating memories and experiences for the people we call our second family serves as a foundation for pursuing bigger future goals. K8 aims to transcend beyond mountaineering and alpinism. Take it as a measurement of its existence as an organization. The mountain is a symbol of a supreme being. Along the way, it becomes a language, a religion, and a way of life. Today, K8 is the home of Pinoy Mountaineers here in Canada, whether freshly from the Philippines or long-time residents, setting up a goal of sharing the beauty of the mountains through responsible mountaineering and producing more Pinoy Alpinists.
