President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday honored three exceptional Filipino world travelers who had visited all 193 UN-member-countries, a rare feat accomplished by less than 500 people.

The distinguished travelers are Odette Ricasa, the first Filipino to achieve the milestone; Luisa Yu, the oldest; and Kach Medina Umandap, the youngest.

The travelers were accompanied by Donalito “Dondon” Bales, the founder of the global community of Filipino World Travelers (FWT), during their courtesy call in Malacañan Palace.

During the visit, President Marcos and his guests discussed their travel experiences.

The President said he was amazed at how dedicated the travelers are in achieving their dreams.

When he was informed that the three Filipinas had visited all the UN member-countries, President Marcos told his guests that he wanted to meet them and “benefit from their experience.”

Filipinos are popular globally for their innate hospitality and empathy, he said.

“Most importantly kahit saan tayo pumunta gusto tayo … We create nice communities. Nagtutulungan talaga,” the President told the three.

“So, nakaka-proud naman. I’m sure you left a whole trail of new friends and new Filipino fans everywhere in the world,” he said.

Bales gave the President his book titled, “Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos” which was released in September 2021. It features the stories of Ricasa, Yu, Umandap, himself, and other inspiring Filipino travelers.  | PND