By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines– Singaporean adventurer and world-record holder Khoo Swee Chiow was in the Philippines to climb the second highest peak in Luzon, Mt. Pulag.

He also decided to visit Mountain Province’s Sagada, which is known for its “hanging coffins” and mummies.

It was Swee Chiow’s first time to explore the country despite having explored the world and set world records in the process.

“I would definitely go back and bring my family here,” Swee Chiow said.

An adventurer, Swee Chiow has scaled at least seven summits in the seven continents, conquered Mt. Everest twice, traveled to the North Pole without an oxygen, skied in the South Pole for 57 days, skated from Hanoi to Singapore for 94 days, cycled from Singapore to Beijing for 73 days, swam the Malacca strait and dived for 220 hours earning him the world’s record of doing the longest scuba dive.

His most memorable adventure involved his first journey to North Pole where suffered frost bite. He later succeeded during his second attempt and said the journey was sweeter.

Swee Chiow said being adventurer entailed a lot of sacrifices. “I quit my stable, high-paying job and decided to follow my passion,” he said, adding that he would continue doing new things.

Asked for tips, Swee Chiow said any explorer should always bring a whistle and a mirror, which could be used during emergencies. More important, he noted that one should learn life-saving skills, such as first aid.

Swee Chiow’s greatest lesson, however, was discovering his potentials during a crisis.

“To me, it’s about finding out my weaknesses, finding out my strengths, and how I should keep going,” Swee Chiow said.