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 Filip...

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 Aust...

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. Links Sterling Blog: Philippine Climbers Building Their Own FutureShaun's InstagramIlo Ilo Climbing CommunitySupport the show by becoming a Patron at patre...

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 ...

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 Yo...

"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 l...

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. Links Paul on Jack Sparrow 5.14aPaul on Constrictor Evictor 8b/5.13dBeta RoutesettingPauls brothers: JJ and ...

Help us balikbayan climbing gear to the Philippines. patreon.com/rockandrice If 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 p...

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 ...

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 🪐 Forbidd...

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, ...

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 2023 Silmaril, 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....

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: Payahǖǖnadǖ We talk a lot about Bishop! As such, I...

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...

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 Cant...

🚀🚀 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 ...