A young Filipina traveler-entrepreneur from San Pablo City, Laguna is encouraging Filipinos to satisfy their wanderlust, as she recently accomplished the feat of completing visits to all 195 United Nations-recognized countries.
Thirty-six-year-old Kach Medina Umandap, a “digital nomad” and former overseas Filipino worker who is currently based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marked this milestone last Monday, January 13.
She holds the distinction of being the youngest Filipino and the first to accomplish this feat using only a Philippine passport.
Her epic journey concluded on January 7 at 12:47 a.m. PST in Port Sudan, Africa, aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
“I want Filipinos to know that traveling the world is possible, even with a low-index passport. Whether through a Digital Nomad lifestyle or careful planning alongside a traditional job, it’s an achievable dream,” she shared.
Umandap uses her platforms to encourage and guide fellow Filipinos in achieving their travel aspirations.
Through TravelWithKach.com, she organizes group trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Her platform FilipinoPassport.com simplifies visa, travel, and relocation processes for Philippine passport holders, while her blog TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com provides practical travel advice drawn from her personal experiences.
Her efforts have earned her recognition from major publications like Forbes and TIME.
She has also collaborated with global brands, tourism boards, and airlines, receiving awards for her travel blogging and speaking at international tourism events.
“Visualize your dreams, set them as goals, and take the steps to make them happen. To my fellow Filipinos and travelers — you can create the life you want while achieving your goals,” Umandap emphasized.
Born in Makati City and raised in San Pablo City, Laguna, Umandap graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños campus.
Her story exemplifies how determination, resourcefulness, and planning can transform even the most ambitious dreams into reality.
As she returns to the Philippines, her extraordinary journey continues to inspire others to dream big, overcome barriers, and embrace the transformative power of travel.
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