Filipinos can be many things. While we are known for our warmth and hospitality, as well as our perseverance and resilience when it comes to hardships, Filipinos can be daring and adventurous, showcasing our deep desire to explore the world and experience life beyond our comfort zones.
Photo: Glen Dalisay/Instagram
Indeed, Filipino pride continues to shine through as Glen Dalisay became the first Filipino man to visit all 197 countries. On September 14, the 45-year-old Filipino-American registered nurse shared on Instagram that he was able to complete his decade-long quest when he landed in Cape Verde.
View this post on Instagram
“Here it is finally, country #197! Cape Verde finishes every country in the world for me, a lifelong goal finally completed! Definitely wasn’t easy but I’ve learned so much and my eyes have been opened,” he wrote.
“A life-changing experience that I am so blessed to have. Never thought it would happen but persistence and patience made this huge milestone in my life possible!” he added.
Setting foot in Cape Verde was more than just ticking off his 197th country on a checklist; it was also a reminder of his lifelong dream, which began in 2013. Apart from Cape Verde, his last leg included other countries in Africa, including Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros.
To celebrate the milestone, Glen permanently marked his achievement with a tribal-inspired tattoo that reflects his roots and passion for exploration.
View this post on Instagram
“It shows the Cape Verdean passport stamp with the date Sept 14, 2025 which is of course the day I arrived and completed my goal, and the numbers 197/197 as I completed 197 out of 197 countries, with a tribal design surrounding it to match my aesthetic, and if you look it also is a mask,” he shared.
According to Filipino World Travelers (FWT), the Fil-Am nurse is a first-generation immigrant who grew up in the United States. Encouraged by his father’s zest for life, his fascination and passion for travel began at the young age of four. What started as childhood curiosity eventually blossomed into a lifelong mission to explore the world.
Photo: Glen Dalisay/Instagram
FWT, along with NomadMania—the world’s leading travel verification authority—officially recognized his extraordinary travel achievement. With this recognition, he joins the ranks of fellow Filipino world travelers Odette Ricasa, Luisa Yu, and Kach Medina Umandap, who were previously honored by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for visiting every country in the world.
For this rare global feat, he becomes the fourth Filipino traveler—and the first Filipino man—to have successfully visited all 197 United Nations member countries across the globe.
Congratulations!
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments!
