The Filipino spirit of exploration soared to new heights this April 2025 as three exceptional women — Odette Ricasa, Luisa Yu, and Kach Medina Umandap — were honored at Malacañang Palace during a historic courtesy call with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 24, 2025.
Known collectively as the Filipina Travel Legends, these trailblazers are the first, oldest, and youngest Filipinos to complete the extraordinary feat of visiting all 193 United Nations member countries — a milestone achieved by fewer than 500 people globally according to NomadMania, the global organization that verifies travel milestones.
The honorees were accompanied by Filipino World Travelers (FWT) founder and Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos author, Donalito Bales Jr., who handed a copy of his book to President Marcos. The 401-page anthology features the inspiring journeys of Filipino globetrotters, including Ricasa, Yu, and Umandap.
Kach Umandap highlighted another historic milestone that made the day even more special: “I’m extremely happy that on the same day as our courtesy call with the President, he also signed the Executive Order for the Digital Nomad Visa. The best is yet to come.”
Joining the President in this proud celebration were top Philippine officials: Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante Francis Ang II — a powerful testament to the national pride ignited by these travel legends.
Following the courtesy call, a grand homecoming party for the Filipina Travel Legends was hosted by the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, graced by dignitaries and supporters including Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
In the weeks leading up to the Malacañang recognition, Filipino World Travelers (FWT) energized the community with a string of milestone initiatives:
- A striking Filipina Travel Legends photoshoot at the National Museum of the Philippines, with images captured by award winning travel photographer George Tapan and styled by renowned Filipiniana designer Alex Pigao.
- The official launch of the original anthem, “We Are Filipino World Travelers,” now streaming on major platforms — with an exciting ₱25,000 song reel contest underway until end of April as sponsored by the Filipina Travel Legends. 2025 FWT Song Reel Contest – Filipino World Travelers
- A live guesting on PTV4’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas, where the Filipina Travel Legends and FWT founder Dondon Bales shared their inspiring stories with a nationwide audience.
- The unveiling of the FWT World Travel Milestones Verification Program, awarding Certificates of Achievement for visiting all seven continents, all UN countries, and achieving various UN country counts.
- The announcement of the upcoming FWT Travel Gallery Museum in Dumaguete City, opening January 2026, set to immortalize the journeys of the Filipina Travel Legends and other trailblazers.
The tribute at Malacañang was more than just a celebration — it marked a growing recognition of Filipinos as global citizens and cultural ambassadors. Through their journeys, the Filipina Travel Legends have opened new pathways for future generations of Filipinos to travel, live, and thrive across the world while proudly carrying the spirit and heritage of the Philippines wherever they go.
