Kach Medina Umandap, a 36-year-old UAE-based OFW and Digital Nomad, has made history as the youngest Filipina and the first to visit all 195 United Nations-recognized countries using only a Philippine passport. Her extraordinary journey concluded on January 7, 2025, at 12:47 AM PST in Port Sudan, Africa. Arriving via Ethiopian Airlines, Umandap’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Filipinos in global travel.
Sudan, which had been closed to tourism for two years due to civil war, had only recently reopened its doors by resuming the issuance of tourist visas. Umandap’s visit makes her one of the first travelers to explore Port Sudan, a designated safe zone, during its early steps toward tourism recovery. She is currently in Dubai, preparing to return to the Philippines to celebrate her groundbreaking achievement.
“Standing here today, having set foot in all 195 countries, is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance. This journey was never just about counting countries—it was about building connections, embracing diverse cultures, and celebrating the shared humanity that binds us all,” Umandap shared.
Joining the Elite UN Masters Community
With her final stop in Sudan, Umandap joins the ranks of the prestigious UN Masters, an elite group of fewer than 500 travelers worldwide recognized by NomadMania.com for visiting all UN-recognized countries. Notably, she follows in the footsteps of Filipina-Americans Luisa Yu and Odette Ricasa, carving her own path as the first to achieve the feat using only a Philippine passport.
From Corporate Life to World Explorer
Umandap’s global journey began in 2013 when she left a corporate career in Kuwait and Iraq to embark on a backpacking trip across Southeast Asia with her siblings. Teaching English in Vietnam deepened her love for cultural immersion, leading her to adopt a Digital Nomad lifestyle and live in various countries. In 2024 alone, she visited 26 African nations, culminating in her historic journey around the world. She now splits her time living in Dubai, Laguna, and Palawan.
“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,” Umandap said, encouraging others to follow in her footsteps.
Empowering Filipino Travelers
Umandap uses her platforms to inspire and support fellow Filipinos in their travel aspirations. Through TravelWithKach.com, she organizes group trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations, while FilipinoPassport.com simplifies visa, travel, and relocation processes for Filipino passport holders. Her travel blog, TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com, offers practical advice and insights from her own experiences.
Inspiring the World Through Her Story
Recognized by leading publications such as Forbes and TIME, Umandap has collaborated with global brands, tourism boards, and airlines to bring her travel dreams to life. Her work has earned her multiple travel blogging awards and speaking engagements at international tourism events.
Umandap’s story exemplifies how determination and careful planning can turn even the most ambitious dreams into reality. “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,” she said.
As she prepares to return home, Umandap’s remarkable journey continues to inspire Filipinos and travelers worldwide to dream big, overcome barriers, and embrace the transformative power of travel.