Ivan Lagos

Closing out 2025 In November 2024, I lost my Dad to cancer. Climbing became my therapy and my comfort during this period of grief. It became more than just a routine or a hobby. It became structure. Direction. Something to wake up for when I needed a reason to show up. I would be lying if I said I joined competitions last year just for fun. I genuinely wanted to see how far I could go when I committed fully to something I cared about. I wanted the challenge, the discipline, the discomfort — and the clarity that comes from chasing a goal. There were moments in 2025 when everything clicked: when I felt focused, capable, and completely in control. Then there were moments where everything felt like it was just out of reach — where effort didn’t translate to results, and where I had to sit with disappointment longer than I expected. What was difficult to withstand was not the losses, but how deeply I tied my self-worth to them. By the end of the comp season, I was tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally spent. I questioned my progress, my place in the space, and whether I was “meant” to be great at the thing I poured so much of myself into. With time and distance, I can see this year for what it really was: A year of showing up. A year of learning how I respond to pressure, expectation, and setbacks. A year of truly understanding that progress isn’t linear — and fulfillment isn’t always attached to the outcome. As I close out 2025, I’m still figuring out what climbing means to me in 2026 — eager to rediscover my “why” For now, I’m grateful. For the process. For the people who pushed me to keep showing up. For a sport that challenged not just my body, but my sense of identity. Here’s to carrying the lessons forward.

Rocka Manila 2023 🧗‍♂️ 5th / 60 Novice Competitors P5 in Novice Men's Finals (T1 z1 Ta5 za2)
 July 29, 2023, marked a milestone in my climbing journey, and even now, I find it challenging to put into words the mix of emotions I experienced on that day. Let me attempt to capture the essence of what this event meant to me.

Choosing the novice category sparked mixed reactions, but it was my chance to give it my all one last time as a "Novice Climber." Grueling preparations and countless training days tested my resolve, making me wonder if I would fall short of my goals. 
 Competition day brought a rush of excitement and joy. Though I didn't send any double-digit problems, qualifying for the finals was a testament to executing the proper strategy. I had envisioned this moment countless times, and now, it was finally coming true. My hard work had finally paid off. Entering the finals, my focus was on enjoying every second of it. The highlight of my performance was undoubtedly M1, a beta-break clutch that secured me a top. Wasnt able to podium, but the experience left me with valuable lessons and the determination to improve further. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a special part in this journey. To my champion and inspiration, @alexene.fit , thank you for your unwavering support and love 🥹 To BHU, thank you for keeping the dream alive and being the voice behind the cheers 🫡 To my coaches, @jericrustia and @johnveloria thank you for preparing me for this moment, sa wakas nakatikim din ng finals 😂To the mental master, the Oogway to my Shifu ☯️ @rock.cjaimer , thank you for believing in my capacity, and reminding me that I am indeed a strong climber. To my classmates, @vectorsumangle and @janz.kyle , thank you for the constant push! We made it, sirs! 🙏 Thank you to the organizers, tech team, volunteers, photographers, fellow competitors, and the climbing community ❤️Rocka Manila 2023 embodied the spirit of climbing, an integral part of my life. My hope is to inspire others through my journey. There's much left to achieve, and I'm excited for the next chapter of my climbing adventure! 🧗‍♂️💪

Boulder Nationals 2023 | T3 Z4 TA7 TZ8 ~ Long Post Ahead 
Definitely had low expectations coming into this event. I had barely done any training or prep. Was doubtful of whether or not I would be able to perform amongst some of the best climbers in the PH. Hence, the mindset was to just place myself in an environment that would challenge me, aid my growth in this sport, and this comp did exactly that. This event was extra special also since it marks my first Intermediate-category participation.

Despite not being able to make it to the finals, I gained so much from the experience. Tons of pain points to address in terms of my climbing and training but what stood out the most was my mental on this day. Energy was high, hype was up, and I just left everything out on the wall. Happy with my performance and even happier that I got to fulfill personal goals while having fun every step of the way. 

Too many people to thank but just want to give a huge shoutout to the organizers, volunteers, and community for bringing this event to life and making it a memorable one at that! A special thank you to my boys @treiclimbs @joseftolentino @quinnsephetia @allezquads for really helping me take the leap to sign up. To my constant support system, BHU (@bavarriaaane @james.climbing @carlaajavier @mikoclimbs @eggclimbs @angelia.climbs )your cheers will always cut through the crowd 💙💛and ofc to the girl I dedicate my sends to @alexene.fit a special thank you to you for always believing in me and pushing me to be better amidst all the noise ❤️ 📸: @photogrape29

Covering Rocka Manila as @bhiveph lead Videographer Before the sends, before the crowd, capturing the moments in-between our setters’ hard work Excited to be behind the lens this weekend! 🫡 #routesetting #sonyph #sony #cinematic

Bts from a workshop instructed by @alina.wojnar at @bhiveph An international setter, world class insights and I got to document all of it Opportunities like this don’t come often grateful to have been a part of this one 🎥 #bouldering #climbingfilm #sonyph #sony

Life as a climber in 24 fps - postcards from the home gym @bhiveph #filmmaking #cinematography #sony

Self taught and still learning I just showed up, figured it out and kept coming back The camera work, the edits, covering events… none of it came with instructions There is still so much room for growth but being in the room for moments like this makes it all worth it

Got to cover something special last month ✨ 92 competitors, one wall, and the biggest all womens comp in Philippine climbing history @allezaleclimbing has built something beautiful This is what community looks like 🫶 📍Flow State Bouldering Gym, Angeles Pampanga 🗓️ March 28, 2026 @esador.official @hati.health @jacobswellchai @chowkingph @coleman_ph @thechalkbagproject @proteinpartnerph @hunnywax @vidaphilippines

No trending audio, just vibes Thank you Malaysia 🇲🇾

THE RESISTANCE IS ASCENDING. 🧗‍♂️🔥 We are proud to officially welcome Ivan Lagos (@ivan.climb ) to the L1FT Athlete Team. Watch him work. Watch him climb. WELCOME TO THE TEAM, IVAN. 🎟️ USE CODE: IVAN05 to secure your gear and support the newest member of the Resistance. L1FT [ Made for Resistance ] 🛒 Shop athlete-trusted gear at l1ftph.com

overdue but here it is setting is something i don’t talk about enough but it’s quietly become one of the most creatively fulfilling things i’ve gotten to do these past months There’s something about visualizing a sequence in my head and watching climbers solve what i’ve created here’s a look at what went into my comp wall set at bhive makati 🛠️ — friction labs been in the bag lately @l1ft.performance · code IVAN05 for 5% off at l1ftph.com #bouldering #routesetting #bhiveph #climbing

small things compound over time The discipline, the friction, the training, the tools all of it adds up grateful to be a part of the @l1ft.performance team 💪 been using friction labs chalk for a while now and it has become a staple in my training sessions Use code IVAN05 for 5% off any purchase on L1FTPH.com 🫡