EP 15: Mika Alfaro — climbing in the Philippines for the first time, Australia climbing, and taking breaks

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 Australia. 

Mika's Instagram

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Chapters

• 0:16 Intro to Mika!
• 1:40 Start of the interview
• 3:19 How did you stumble on climbing in Danao, Philippines? (PC: Nick Aguilos)
• 8:58 "This trip, I hadn't come home since 2018"
• 12:44 "The people were just amazing"
• 14:25 Shoutouts to Dane and Magnet for sending Power n Pinesse
• 18:26 How do you approach your climbing trips?
• 25:28 "I just want to be a part of the crag's positive atmosphere"
• 30:23 How did it feel to come home again?
• 36:13 "I felt very at home when I hung out with the Manila climbers"
• 37:00 Salamat to Lisa and Heri, the couple from Danao who are super hospitable to the climbers
• 41:18 Are there Filipino climbers in Perth?
• 54:38 "I try and chase a flow when I can"
• 1:03:28 Positive self talk and running
• 1:07:13 What does this route have to teach me?