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Youngest Filipina to Visit All UN-Recognized Countries Arrives in the Philippines

After making history as the youngest Filipina and the first to visit all 195 United Nations-recognized countries using a Philippine passport, Kach Medina Umandap has returned to the Philippines.

She arrived at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) from Sudan, marking the completion of her 195th country visit. The 36-year-old UAE-based OFW was among the first travelers to explore Port Sudan, a designated safe zone, as the country took early steps toward tourism recovery.

Kach Medina Umandap Youngest Filipina to Visit All UN-Recognized Countries

Kach Medina Umandap welcomed by Aboitiz GMCAC Head of Customer Experience Ricia Montejo, Deputy Chief Operations Officer Aldwin Uy, and Terminal Duty Officer KM Chavez.

Umandapโ€™s adventure began in 2013 when she left her corporate career in Kuwait and Iraq to explore Southeast Asia. Her travels soon expanded as she pursued her passion for cultural immersion. From teaching English in Vietnam to sailing the Caribbean on a vintage monohull for two years, her journey was as diverse as the cultures she experienced.

Her love for discovery fueled her ambition to visit all UN-recognized countries, culminating in a whirlwind tour of 26 African nations in 2024. She currently divides her time living in Dubai, Laguna, and Palawan.

Kach Medina Umandap Youngest Filipina to Visit All UN-Recognized Countries

With this milestone, she joins the exclusive ranks of UN Mastersโ€”an elite group of fewer than 500 travelers worldwide recognized by NomadMania.com. She follows in the footsteps of Filipina-Americans Luisa Yu and Odette Ricasa.

Umandap chose MCIA as her homecoming venue, emphasizing its renowned passenger experience and architectural beauty.

โ€œI envisioned my return to the Philippines as a meaningful celebration, and MCIA offered the perfect backdrop for this milestone. The warmth of the staff and the stunning architecture made my arrival truly unforgettable,โ€ she said.

Ricia Montejo, Head of Customer Experience at Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, reflected on her historic achievement, “Kachโ€™s choice of MCIA as the final stop of her extraordinary journey is an incredible honor for us. Her accomplishment mirrors our mission to create seamless, memorable experiences for every traveler. We are inspired to connect more Filipinos to the world, starting from MCIAโ€”the worldโ€™s friendliest airport.”

Umandapโ€™s message to fellow Filipinos is one of encouragement, “The world is full of beauty and diversity, waiting to be explored. Taking that first bold step can lead to memories that last a lifetime. Itโ€™s a journey worth embarking on.”

Kach Medina Umandap Youngest Filipina to Visit All UN-Recognized Countries

Kach posing with locals in Kenya.

Sheย is the founder ofย two travel ventures: TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com, a popular travel blog offering practical advice and insights from her own experiences, and TravelWithKach.com, a group travel company specializing in organizing trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Meanwhile, her other initiative, FilipinoPassport.com, simplifies visa, travel, and relocation processes for Filipino passport holders.

Umandap hopes her story will motivate more Filipinos to pursue global adventures.

ALSO READ:ย OFW Makes History as the Youngest Filipina to Visit All UN-Recognized Countries

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