The Filipino World Travelers (FWT) group marked its second anniversary with a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace on 24 April 2025, bringing together three Filipinos who have each achieved a rare milestone in global travel.
The courtesy call included Odette Ricasa, Luisa Yu, and Kach Medina Umandap — Filipinos who have each visited all 193 United Nations member countries, a feat accomplished by fewer than 500 people worldwide.
Odette Ricasa became the first Filipino to visit all 193 countries at 77 years old. Luisa Yu holds the record as the oldest Filipino to complete the journey at 79. Kach Medina Umandap is the youngest at 36, and the first to do so using only a Philippine passport.
Joining them was Donalito “Dondon” Bales Jr., founder of Filipino World Travelers and author of Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos, who presented a copy of his book to President Marcos. The 401-page collection highlights the stories of these travellers and other Filipinos who have explored the world extensively.
Also present during the courtesy call were officials from key government agencies, including 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.
Reflections from the Travellers
Speaking about the experience, Odette Ricasa felt she was on top of the world and that she was incredibly privileged to be honoured with the award as a legendary representative showcasing the beautiful Philippines, cultural and historical sites.
“Feeling blessed and unstoppable. President Marcos was down-to-earth. We were holding hands while picture-taking for the press photographers. He was comical and wished me good luck on my next travel to the planet Mars,” Ricasa said.
Meanwhile, 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.”
After the Palace visit, a homecoming celebration was held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, attended by supporters and government officials, including Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
New Initiatives from Filipino World Travelers
The group’s anniversary celebrations also included several new initiatives:
- A photoshoot at the National Museum of the Philippines featuring the Filipino travellers in traditional Filipiniana attire, captured by renowned travel photographer George Tapan.
- The release of the original anthem “We Are Filipino World Travelers” on major music platforms, paired with a song-reel contest offering a ₱25,000 cash prize.
- A live guesting on PTV4’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas morning show.
- A Manila homecoming event attended by members of NomadMania, the global organisation that verifies travel milestones.
- The launch of the World Travel Milestones Verification Program to recognise Filipino travellers who have visited all seven continents, the Seven Wonders of the World, and other achievements.
- The announcement of plans to open the FWT Travel Gallery Museum in Dumaguete City by January 2026.
The courtesy call at Malacañang Palace served as a highlight of FWT’s growing efforts to celebrate and document the global journeys of Filipinos, encouraging more to dream big and explore the world.
