Study Room, Malacañan Palace
April 24, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed the Filipino World Travelers (FWT) during a courtesy call at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

The President honored three (3) exceptional Filipino travelers who have achieved the rare milestone of visiting all 193 United Nations (UN) Member Countries — a feat accomplished by fewer than 500 individuals worldwide.

These travelers include Ms. Odette Ricasa, the first Filipino to complete the journey; Ms. Luisa Yu, the oldest to accomplish such a feat; and Ms. Kach Medina Umandap, the youngest.

During the courtesy call, Mr. Donalito ‘Dondon’ Bales, founder of the global community of FWT, presented a copy of his book titled ‘Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos’ to President Marcos Jr. Published in September 2021, the book features stories of inspiring Filipino travelers including the aforementioned individuals.

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