Orlando-based registered nurse Glen Antolin Dalisay has achieved a remarkable milestone — becoming the first Filipino man to visit all 193 United Nations member countries. He completed his world journey on 14 September 2025 upon arriving in Cape Verde, the final stop of a travel odyssey that spanned over a decade.
Dalisay, 45, is a dual Filipino-American citizen and a first-generation immigrant who grew up in the United States. His passion for exploring the world began early – inspired by a globe and travel journal gifted by his father during childhood. What started as curiosity turned into a 12-year mission that took him from busy capitals to remote islands across continents.
A Journey of Persistence and Purpose
Setting his goal in 2013, Dalisay methodically worked toward visiting every UN country. His final leg included travel through Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros before reaching Cape Verde, marking the end of a journey filled with cultural discovery and personal growth.
His travels have now been officially verified by NomadMania, the international authority that confirms all-country visits through a rigorous documentation process, and Filipino World Travelers (FWT), a global network of Filipino explorers that recognises members who achieve major travel milestones.
Adventures That Spanned the Globe
Over the course of his travels, Dalisay collected more than passport stamps. He gathered stories, friendships, and experiences that read like chapters from an adventure book.
He has bungee-jumped over Victoria Falls, skydived in Namibia, and even ran the Damascus Marathon as part of his strategy to obtain a Syrian visa. He has joined carnivals in Trinidad and Brazil, met and received a traditional tattoo from legendary Filipino artist Whang-Od, and spent eight months overlanding across West Africa, camping every night in a tent.
Among his encounters with nature were swimming with humpback whales in Tonga and cage-diving with great white sharks in South Africa. One of his proudest achievements was reaching Angel Falls in Venezuela, a dream that required two years of effort just to secure a visa.
Scholar, Professional, and Global Citizen
Beyond his adventures, Dalisay’s academic and professional journey reflects the same determination. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, a Master’s in Nursing Informatics, and a PhD in Nursing Education — achievements that mirror his perseverance and curiosity.
He describes himself as a passionate solo traveller who prefers Airbnb stays, beaches over mountains, and collects cultural masks from every destination. Among his favourite countries are Japan and Brazil, while landmarks that left a lasting impression include Petra in Jordan and Victoria Falls.
A Milestone for Global Filipinos
Dalisay’s achievement extends beyond personal triumph. It shines a spotlight on the growing visibility of Filipinos in global travel — a space historically dominated by Western adventurers.
For the Filipino diaspora, especially those in Australia and around the world, his journey is a reminder that barriers can be crossed through patience, planning, and perseverance. Reflecting on his achievement, he shared a message that resonates with dreamers everywhere:
“Don’t give up on the goal. Be persistent even when things get tough. Keep going – you’ll find a way. Use the resources and guidance of travel communities and those who’ve gone before you.”
Travel communities such as Filipino World Travelers (FWT) and platforms like NomadMania have helped make such goals measurable and verifiable – offering inspiration for younger Filipinos who wish to see the world not just as tourists, but as explorers of culture and humanity.
Filipino Women Trailblazers Who Paved the Way
Before Dalisay’s historic milestone, three Filipino women had already completed visiting every UN-recognised country — each setting a record in her own right and expanding the world’s recognition of Filipino travellers.
Odette Ricasa became the first Filipino to visit all countries in the world, completing her journey at the age of 77. Her remarkable story is featured in First Filipino to Travel to All Countries in the World, chronicling her years of dedication to global exploration.
Luisa Yu, who achieved the feat at 79, is celebrated as the oldest Filipino to complete all 193 UN nations, showing that passion for travel transcends age.
Kach Medina Umandap, highlighted in Trailblazing Filipino: First and Youngest to Visit All UN-Recognised Countries, made history as the youngest Filipino to do so — proudly using her Philippine passport on every journey.
Together, these pioneering women laid the groundwork for Filipinos like Dalisay to follow, proving that determination and courage can take anyone, anywhere.
The Bigger Picture
While Dalisay’s record focuses on the 193 UN member states, some global travellers include non-UN territories and observer states, raising the count to 197. Regardless of how one measures the total, his milestone remains a rare and extraordinary accomplishment that few have reached.
His story reinforces what many migrants already know: that the world, vast as it is, becomes smaller and more meaningful when explored with purpose and gratitude.
