Sergio Palomo, an 81-year-old hiker, had always dreamed of conquering the Philippines' highest peak, Mount Apo, at least once in his lifetime. successfully set foot on Mount Apo's summit over the weekend. Courtesy: Lakaw ni Paw 

Sergio Palomo, an 81-year-old hiker, had always dreamed of conquering the Philippines' highest peak, Mount Apo, at least once in his lifetime.

But climbing "Apo", which means "the grandfather of all Philippine mountains" is not an easy feat due to its terrain and its height of 2,954 meters.

But Palomo, an architect, challenged himself and successfully set foot on Mount Apo's summit over the weekend.

"I hope every able-bodied Filipino will try their best to come here. Forget the age, age is just a number," he said in a video shared by tour operator "Lakaw ni Paw".

Palomo is the second oldest man to successfully climb Mount Apo, and the oldest to climb via the Sta. Cruz circuit trail.

"Magandang experience na hindi matutularan basta-basta. Napakahirap nga pero successful naman. Kaya rin pagka gusto, regardless of age. Hindi na kailangan maging bata. Pwede pa rin ang 80 plus na kagaya ko," he said.

Palomo said he hopes to conquer Mount Apo again.

Trails going to Mount Apo's summit recently reopened after a 40-day closure due to El Niño. 

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