It aims to promote "Philippine Climbing", to give recognition to our local climbers, to entice people to try the sport, and also to set as an inspiration to many.
But always remember, Climbing is super fun but can be lethal as well. So Climb On, Climb Hard and definitely CLIMB SMART!
without any further ado I present to you the first "Know Your Pinoy Climber - Climber"
STAN FELEO
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| First Ascent of "Anghang", Wawa Montalban. Photo by Dennis Diaz |
Name: Jonathan Cruz Feleo
Date of birth: December 30, 1988
Weight: 135lbs
Height: 5.5'
Nickname: Stan
Hometown: Quezon City
Years Climbing: I've been climbing since high-school, but I took climbing seriously during my 3rd year in College. So that makes it 3 years.
Sponsors: Does my Dad count? if no, then, none so far.
Favorite climbing shoes: I recently got a new pair of 5.10 Anasazi VCS. It has always been my dream shoe since I started climbing. I love how the heel fits perfectly and the rubber is just so sticky, which is very good for smearing and just pasting your feet on the wall. I really want to get my hands on a La Sportiva Miura VS. It just looks so cool and from the reviews I've read it's one of the best performing shoe out there but it's also so damn expensive.
Greatest climbing accomplishment: This would have to be my redpoint of "Itchy Flutterby Extension" in Cantabaco Cebu. This was during my 2nd trip. I was able to finish the original route and when I heard that there was a newly bolted extension, I just had to try it. Sadly, on my Flash attempt, just a few draws from the anchors, one of the holds I was resting on popped out. Funny thing was, due to panic, instead of shouting "rock!" I shouted "Shit Shit Shit!". Luckily no one below got hurt.
How did you start climbing? I started climbing when I was still in high-school. We had this Indoor wall with 5-6 lines with good enough features and inclines. Back then I did not have time to join my school's climbing team since I was already a member of the track team. So the only time i could climb during PE classes. When I was in college that's when i decided to join GRIP UP, a sportclimbing organization in UP Diliman. The organization really helped me become a better and smarter climber. I just love being around people who had the same passion for the sport because it gives you more motivation to do better.
Why do you love climbing? Climbing has a certain Je ne sais quois. I cannot really fully explain my love for this sport but I just find myself climbing everywhere and every time possible. My passion for this sport is what really keeps me hooked. I just love how you can challenge yourself to do better. You get to travel and visit amazing places and meet new people who have the same passion as you do.
How often do you climb? I try to climb everyday or at least when I have the time. When I'm happy, I climb, when I'm down, I climb. That's it.
Favorite climbing areas? So far, for sport routes it would Cebu and for bouldering it would be Cagayan De Oro.
What was your hardest send? Itchy Flutterby extension. I have been eyeing on finishing my first 5.12 route, but so far I have never had the chance to really work on one. Hopefully on my next Cebu trip i'll be able to finish "Unsa Mani Miko", 5.12a
What do you think of sport climbing vs. trad climbing vs. free soloing? I have never tried trad climbing nor free soloing, So I could never really compare them with sport climbing. From what I have seen in climbing videos and heard from the stories from other climbers, it takes a lot of concentration, skill, strength and balls to do both. Hopefully I would be able to try those soon.
Name the climber(s) who inspire you the most? Chris Sharma, Daniel Woods, Patxi Usobiaga, Adam Ondra, Lisa Rands.
What are your views about training? Training for me is an important factor in my climbing. Whether it's training for a comp or an outdoor trip, I just love training. I try to push myself as hard as i can inside the gym so that i can go all out during comps and outdoor trips. The one thing I've learned so far is don't forget to research or ask people. You can easily get injured by doing the wrong exercises. The one thing i find difficult in training is finding the right motivation. But as long as you find that something that motivates you to do better stick to it.
What would you like to accomplish in the next five years? In the next five years I want to be able to visit more places and just climb. I want to try out all kinds of rock and do all kinds of moves and just build up on my experience as a climber. I really want to go to Bishop California, Rocklands in South Africa, and Ceuse France. I also want to join more local and international competitions.
What was your worst climbing injury? So far my worst climbing injury is my A2 pulley. When I heard it pop I really got scared. I thought I would not be able to climb anymore. That's why I'm starting to do a few weight training exercises to prevent such injuries. I'm also trying to stay away from very crimpy bouldering and just concentrating on slowly building up my strength and endurance.
What’s the greatest thing that happen to Philippine rock climbing? We have new bouldering areas in CDO and new lines and extensions being put up in Cebu. I believe the mere fact that we're trying to expand the climbing community and the climbing areas means a lot.
What’s the worst thing that happen to Philippine rock climbing? I think it's the lack of support and publicity for the support.
Any wishes for Philippine rock climbing? I really wish that the climbing scene in the Philippines would regain popularity just like before where there were so many gyms and climbers. There were competitions being held everywhere. Too bad I only got into climbing when the scene started to decline. But I really do believe that climbing will grow again as long as we continue promoting the beauty of this sport.
Slum-book question of the week: who is your first crush? Kelly
Random question of the week: Masarap? Mmmm.. Sarap.
Any last words of advice for those who want to try rock climbing? Climb smart and don't forget to have fun!
Baka gusto mong bumati? Mmmm... Sarap.
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