They are part of an exclusive group of less than 500 people worldwide.
On Thursday, April 24, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. gave honor to three Filipino world travelers, who had made the rare accomplishment of being able to visit all 193 UN-member-countries.
The distinguished travelers are Odette Ricasa, the first Filipino to achieve the milestone in August 2022; Luisa Yu, the oldest to achieve the milestone at 79 in 2023; and Kach Medina Umandap, the youngest, who completed her journey in Sudan last January at the age of 36.
To date, the feat rare feat that the three Filipinas have only been accomplished by less than 500 people globally.
The travelers were accompanied by Donalito “Dondon” Bales, the founder of the global community of Filipino World Travelers (FWT), during their courtesy call in Malacañan Palace.
During their audience with President Marcos, the Filipino leader let the three guests to discuss their travel experiences.
The President said he was amazed at the dedication of these travelers, sharing that he wanted to personally meet them to “benefit from their experience.”
“Most importantly kahit saan tayo pumunta gusto tayo … We create nice communities. Nagtutulungan talaga,” the President told the three.
“So, nakaka-proud naman. I’m sure you left a whole trail of new friends and new Filipino fans everywhere in the world,” he added.
The President was joined by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, and Commission on Filipinos Overseas Secretary Dante Ang II.
They also commended the Filipino globetrotters’ resilience, perseverance, and rich experiences that can contribute to promoting Philippine tourism and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, Bales gave the President his book, titled “Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos,” which was released in September 2021.
It features the stories of Ricasa, Yu, Umandap, himself, and other inspiring Filipino travelers.