TNC Profiles | Kach Umandap: A Filipina’s Incredible Journey to Every UN Country

Kach Umandap’s story is one that resonates deeply with the Filipino spirit. A journey filled with determination, sacrifices, and a strong sense of pride in her identity, Kach has become the first and youngest Filipino to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries using solely a Philippine passport. Her achievements inspire countless kababayans to dream big and reach for the stars.

A Dream to Inspire Filipinos

For Kach, this journey was never just about traveling. It was about showing fellow Filipinos that no matter the challenges, great things can be achieved. “I wanted to prove that with determination and resourcefulness, we can surpass the limitations of our passport and circumstances,” she says. Her journey is a testament to the Filipino’s resilience and adaptability.

The Journey of a Lifetime

On January 6, 2025, Kach completed her monumental journey in Sudan, officially making her the youngest Filipina and the first person from a developing country with a low passport index to achieve this feat. Verified by NomadMania (https://nomadmania.com/),,,, “smartCard-inline”) “‌”) her accomplishment brought pride not only to her but to the entire Filipino community.

Kach’s homecoming on January 13, 2025, was a moment of celebration. At Mactan Cebu International Airport, she was greeted with cheers from her family, friends, and even government officials. Her story has since been featured on major platforms like PTV4, ABS-CBN, TV5, GMA Network, and The Philippine Star, showcasing the significance of her achievement.

Her travel biography has been featured in the book Gala: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos (https://filipinoworldtravelers.com/featured-members/kach-umandaps-story-from-the-book-gala-adventures-of-the-most-well-traveled-filipinos).... “smartCard-inline”) “‌”) Kach’s message in the book encapsulates her philosophy: “Yes, you can have the traveling life you want, earn money, and be successful at the same time.”

How She Did It

Kach’s success didn’t happen overnight. It took her 13 years of careful planning and tireless effort:

Visa Mastery: Navigating the complex visa processes was one of her biggest challenges. With a Philippine passport, this required strategy and patience.

Resourceful Budgeting: Kach funded her travels through her businesses like Two Monkeys Travel Group (https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/),,,, “smartCard-inline”) “‌”) Best Visa and Travel Consultancy company in the Philippines | Assistance for Filipino Travelers , and Travel With Kach – Home , as well as freelancing, blogging, and teaching online.

Building Connections: She collaborated with travel companies, tourism boards, and local hosts to reduce costs while creating meaningful partnerships.

Pride in Being Filipino

Wherever Kach went, she carried her Filipino identity with pride. “Everywhere I traveled, I met Filipinos who welcomed me with warmth and a sense of family,” she shares. Her heritage became her strength, connecting her to kababayans abroad and reminding her of the resilience and generosity of the Filipino people.

Advice for Fellow Filipinos

Kach’s message to aspiring Filipino travelers is clear:

Dream Big: Set ambitious goals and believe in your ability to achieve them.

Start Small: Begin by exploring the Philippines, then venture out to nearby countries.

Be Resourceful: Save consistently, learn skills that can fund your travels, and embrace digital opportunities like freelancing.

Be Persistent: Don’t let visa rejections or setbacks stop you. Keep improving and trying again.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Kach acknowledges the sacrifices she made along the way. “I prioritized this dream above all else,” she admits. Her journey demanded unwavering focus and determination, sometimes requiring sacrifices in her personal relationships. But for her, the fulfillment of achieving her dream was worth it.

Future Plans

With her milestone achieved, Kach now looks forward to exploring all 82 provinces of the Philippines. She also plans to invite the friends and hosts she met abroad to experience the beauty of her homeland. Committed to empowering the next generation, she aims to teach digital skills and inspire young Filipinos to dream big. As the Ambassador of the global community of Filipino World Travelers or FWT (https://filipinoworldtravelers.com/),,,, “smartCard-inline”) “‌”) Kach is determined to set an example of using travel as a force for good.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Kach Umandap’s story embodies the Filipino spirit — a mix of grit, passion, and pride. Her journey proves that even with limited resources, Filipinos can conquer the world.

“With careful planning and a heart full of determination, every Filipino’s travel dreams can come true,” she concludes, leaving a legacy of hope and inspiration for all.

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