Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a world where the odds are often stacked against travelers from developing nations, Kach Medina Umandap, a 36-year-old Filipina travel blogger and digital nomad, has defied expectations by becoming the youngest Filipino to visit all 195 United Nations-recognized countries using only a Philippine passport. Her remarkable journey not only highlights her personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration to countless Filipinos aspiring to explore the globe.
A Dream Born from Humble Beginnings
Umandap's love for travel began in 2009 when she left the Philippines to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait. During her time abroad, she was exposed to the challenges faced by fellow migrant workers, particularly domestic helpers, which ignited a deep sense of responsibility to make a difference. This pivotal experience inspired Umandap to dream bigger. She realized that exploring the world wasn’t just a personal ambition—it could also serve as a platform to raise awareness about global issues.
In 2013, Umandap made a bold decision to leave her corporate job and embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, allowing her to work remotely while traversing the world. Little did she know, this decision would set her on a 12-year journey that would reshape her life—and inspire millions of Filipinos to pursue their own travel dreams.
The Challenges of a Low Passport Index
Unlike travelers from countries with powerful passports, Umandap faced significant challenges when it came to crossing borders. The Philippine passport is ranked among the lower-tier passports globally, requiring extensive paperwork, visa applications, and long waiting times for many countries. Nevertheless, Umandap’s determination fueled her relentless pursuit of this goal. The path was never easy, but her resourcefulness, patience, and unwavering focus propelled her forward.
Through every setback, Umandap found new ways to overcome obstacles. Her travel blog and social media platforms became a source of support and motivation for fellow travelers, especially Filipinos who faced the same visa restrictions. She proved that even with limited mobility, anyone could traverse the globe with the right mindset and determination.
The Grand Finale: Sudan
After 12 years of traveling, Umandap reached her final destination—Sudan—in January 2025. Arriving in Port Sudan at 12:47 a.m. PST, she marked her completion of the “195/195” challenge, becoming the first and youngest Filipino to visit every country recognized by the United Nations, using only a Philippine passport. Her arrival in Sudan was particularly symbolic, as the country had recently reopened to tourism following years of civil unrest. Her story isn’t just about achieving a personal goal—it’s about resilience, passion, and the power of persistence.
A Global Icon for Filipinos
Umandap’s achievement has earned her global recognition, including being officially verified by NomadMania, the world’s largest database of travelers. She now joins the ranks of a prestigious group of travelers who have completed the challenge of visiting every UN-recognized country. But what makes Umandap’s story even more inspiring is that she is the first woman from a developing nation to accomplish this feat using only a Philippine passport. Her success has made her a trailblazer, not only in the travel community but also for her fellow Filipinos. As the first Filipina to conquer all 195 countries with a Philippine passport, she has become a symbol of possibility for those who dream of exploring the world but feel limited by their country’s passport restrictions. Her achievement sends a powerful message: no matter where you’re from, with hard work and perseverance, you can make your travel dreams a reality.
Empowering Fellow Filipinos to Travel
Through her travel blog, TravelWithKach.com, and other platforms like FilipinoPassport.com and TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com, Umandap continues to empower fellow Filipinos. She shares her experiences, travel tips, visa advice, and organizes group tours to less-visited destinations. Her mission is clear: to show that anyone, regardless of their passport’s strength, can explore the world and gain invaluable experiences along the way. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared, resourceful, and persistent. With practical advice on visa processes, budgeting, and navigating cultural differences, Umandap encourages Filipinos to embrace travel not just as a luxury, but as an opportunity for growth and connection.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Umandap remains a dedicated ambassador for travel and exploration. Her story is far from over. She continues to inspire through her social media channels and upcoming ventures, where she hopes to motivate more Filipinos to break free from the limitations of their passports and embrace the world as their playground. Kach Medina Umandap’s incredible journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of travel and the limitless potential of the human spirit. By overcoming the odds, she has redefined what it means to be a Filipino traveler in today’s world. And as she continues her travels and advocacy, there’s no telling how far she’ll go next. One thing’s for certain—she is just getting started.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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