Breaking Boundaries: Filipino Pioneers Who Are Redefining Travel and Advocacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a world where travel is often associated with privilege, two remarkable Filipinos are defying the odds and proving that passion, persistence, and purpose can open doors even in the face of adversity. Kach Medina Umandap, a 36-year-old travel blogger and digital nomad, and Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, have made their mark in the global travel scene, inspiring countless Filipinos to embrace the world beyond their borders while promoting the beauty and rich culture of the Philippines.

Kach Medina Umandap: Defying Borders and Raising Awareness

Kach Medina Umandap's love for travel took root in 2009 when she left the Philippines to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait. It was here, witnessing the struggles of fellow migrant workers, that Umandap found her calling—not only to explore the world but also to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Filipinos abroad. This experience ignited her passion for travel with a purpose, transforming it from a personal desire into a mission to make a difference.

In 2013, Umandap took a bold step and left her corporate job to become a digital nomad. This decision paved the way for an extraordinary 12-year journey across the globe, where she would go on to become the youngest Filipino to visit all 195 United Nations-recognized countries using only a Philippine passport. Umandap's achievement highlights not only her personal resolve but also serves as a beacon of hope for Filipinos who have long been held back by the limitations of a lower-tier passport.

While traveling, Umandap encountered many obstacles, especially when it came to visas and border restrictions. The Philippine passport, ranked among the lower-tier passports globally, required her to endure long waits and extensive paperwork. Yet, her determination never wavered. Her blog, TravelWithKach.com, became a source of inspiration and support for many fellow Filipinos facing similar struggles, showing them that travel is possible, even with a passport that might seem limiting.

Umandap’s crowning achievement came in January 2025, when she completed her “195/195” challenge by reaching Sudan—her final destination. She made history as the first and youngest Filipino to visit every UN-recognized country, using only a Philippine passport. Her arrival in Sudan was especially symbolic as the country had just reopened to tourism after years of civil unrest. Her success has made her a trailblazer, not just in travel but also in showcasing the strength of the Filipino spirit and resilience.

Empowering Filipinos to Travel: A Digital Nomad’s Mission

Through her platforms, Umandap continues to empower Filipinos by providing valuable resources and insights on navigating visa processes, budgeting, and cultural differences. She encourages Filipinos to embrace travel as a way to grow, connect with others, and learn about the world beyond their own backyard. Through her partnerships with websites like FilipinoPassport.com and TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com, she is helping Filipinos turn travel from a luxury into an accessible experience, regardless of their passport’s strength.

Umandap’s advocacy is clear: travel is not just about exploring new places but also about opening the mind to new perspectives, learning from different cultures, and becoming a global citizen. Her story proves that anyone, no matter where they’re from or what their passport holds, can fulfill their travel dreams with the right mindset and determination.

Ross Flores Del Rosario: Championing Travel and Advocacy at Home and Abroad

While Kach Umandap’s journey has taken her across the globe, Ross Flores Del Rosario has made significant contributions to travel and cultural promotion within the Philippines. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, Del Rosario has long been committed to enhancing the country's image as a top destination for both business and leisure. Through his platform, he has organized numerous influencer tours to help promote local tourism, especially in lesser-known municipalities like Tanay, Angono, and Rodriguez in Rizal province.

Del Rosario's influence goes beyond travel. He has used his platform to champion causes that affect not only the local community but also the global audience he reaches. Whether it's speaking out on issues of transparency and government accountability or advocating for the welfare of Filipinos abroad, Del Rosario uses his voice and his platform to address the most pressing concerns in the country and abroad.

Much like Umandap, Del Rosario believes in the power of travel as a tool for advocacy and empowerment. Through his various initiatives, he has inspired Filipinos to explore their own country and engage with the world, spreading the message that travel is not just for the privileged but for everyone with the ambition to explore. His work in promoting Philippine tourism aligns with his vision of making the Philippines a more vibrant, connected, and open destination for the international community.

A Shared Vision: Empowerment Through Travel

Both Umandap and Del Rosario share a profound belief in the transformative power of travel. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit and the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. Whether traveling to far-flung corners of the globe or championing local tourism, their journeys highlight the importance of cultural exchange, global advocacy, and community empowerment.

As Umandap continues to inspire through her travels and blog, she remains committed to helping Filipinos overcome the barriers to international travel. Meanwhile, Del Rosario’s ongoing efforts to promote the Philippines and foster a sense of national pride through tourism show that advocacy can take many forms, whether through exploring new destinations or elevating the profile of local attractions.

For both, travel is not just about reaching new destinations—it’s about breaking barriers, building bridges, and inspiring others to dream big. Umandap's achievement of visiting all 195 countries and Del Rosario’s work in local tourism promotion are examples of how travel can be a powerful tool for empowerment and change. They prove that with determination, passion, and a commitment to purpose, Filipinos can make their mark on the global stage, inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps.

The Future of Travel and Advocacy

As Umandap plans to explore more of the Philippines, she continues to focus on promoting underappreciated destinations, showcasing the beauty and diversity of her homeland to a global audience. Meanwhile, Ross Flores Del Rosario, through Wazzup Pilipinas, remains dedicated to uplifting the image of the Philippines while advocating for transparency and accountability in all sectors of society.

Together, these two pioneers are creating a powerful narrative for Filipino travelers and advocates. Their journeys—both literal and metaphorical—remind us that no dream is too big, no goal too unattainable. For them, the journey is far from over, and the best is yet to come.