WhereNext People – An Interview with Producer Margarita Robles
Margarita’s Bio
Mar is a highly accomplished rock climber with a master’s in journalism. In the past, she has represented Colombia in the World Games and other international events as the national speed climbing champion. She also spent five years working in education and has published articles in a variety of publications. In 2018, she returned to audiovisual production for WhereNext, where she also organizes events, parties, and most recently produced a fresh campaign for Merrell. Right now her biggest passion is to travel and explore different parks and climbing styles around the world.
A Producer and Logistics Manager, Ready for Any Situation
Meet Margarita Robles, a producer, and office manager at our Colombian production company in Bogota. She's also our head party planner, ensuring that the legendary 'Casa Blanca' events go off without a hitch. Margarita is a veteran rock climber who has represented Colombia in international competition and has been part of our Colombian production company team since 2018. Margarita shares her memories of a too-close-for-comfort encounter with a Black Mamba in South Africa and her transformative experience at the World Games.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Margarita Robles, but I like to be called Mar. I was born in Ibague, Colombia, and I've lived in Bogota for more than 15 years. I consider myself a climber first and foremost because I've dedicated most of my time to climbing and, although I'm not a professional climber, it's what makes me happiest. As well as working for WhereNext as a producer and office manager, I spend my time working at my glamping site near the Farallones de Sutatausa rock formations and looking after my puppy Canela (translates to “Cinnamon,” in English).
Tell us about your most memorable travel experience.
My most memorable trip was to South Africa with WhereNext. It was such a fun trip – we visited the colorful and Cosmopolitan city of Durban and explored the mountains around the Drakensberg, where I almost stepped on a Black Mamba. We also tracked down lions, cheetahs, and elephants with the rangers' expert help at Phinda Private Game Reserve. It was an unforgettable experience.
Margarita on assignment with our Colombian production company in South Africa, her most memorable travel experience
Filming with our client ExOfficio in Drakensberg, South Africa
Dead or alive, who would you like to join you on an adventure?
My partner in all my adventures is Gabo, my husband. We love traveling and exploring new climbing destinations, and I love his company because he pushes me to take on epic climbing routes and get out of my comfort zone. Our last adventure was in Squamish, Canada, where we climbed a 500 m wall!
What are your travel equipment essentials?
I always travel with my climbing shoes, harness, and chalk bag because you never know where you might find a great wall for climbing. And I like to carry an extra bag so I can bring back souvenirs from the places I visit.
Margarita’s Climbing Gear Essentials - 1. Jacket: Patagonia // 2. Chalk Bag by @iamcaliza // 3. E9 Climbing Pants // 4. Climbing Shoes: Miura by La Sportiva // 5. Backpack by Black Diamond for storing La Sportiva Boulder X Approach Shoes and snacks from @d.a.f.r.u.d
When did you feel happiest?
My happiest memory was when I represented Colombia in speed climbing at the World Games in 2013. There were some extremely stressful moments during the competition, but I spent time with the world's top climbers and met some wonderful people along the way.
Who taught you your biggest life lesson, and what was it?
My mother, who, despite her illness and the obstacles that she faced in her life, always laughed in the face of adversity and looked her problems square in the face.
You can teleport to any restaurant on earth: where do you go and what do you order?
La Tapería in Bogotá. Nothing trumps my love for ‘patatas bravas’ and Spanish omelettes!
Tell us about the most adventurous food you ever ate?
In Australia, I ate dried kangaroo meat. I would never eat it again; kangaroos are such adorable animals.
Drink of choice?
Red wine or rose at dinner, and I never skip a cup of tea at breakfast time.
Where do you feel most at home?
In Machetá, north of Bogotá. It's my favorite place to climb and where I have the best memories of experiences with my friends. I always feel right at home there.
Ready, set, climb! Margarita on her marks in a speed climbing competition
…and out on the rocks, where she feels the most at home.