It takes a special kind of grit and courage to leave home in search of better opportunities. For Filipinos, working abroad is nothing new. In 2023 alone, an estimated 2.16 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sought employment overseas, drawn by the promise of a better future even if that meant leaving behind everything familiar. Kach Medina Umandap took that leap of faith at only 20 years old, a young woman fresh out of university. Little did she know, her journey would take her across the globe.
Meet Kach Medina Umandap, the Youngest Filipina to Travel the World with a PH Passport
Kach's love for travel began long before she set foot outside of the country. As a child, she enjoyed going on field trips and binge-watched Susan Calo Medina's Travel Time, a travel documentary show, with her grandparents—these became the main inspirations that drove her wanderlust. Before she even considered international travel, Kach had already explored 27 provinces within the Philippines—a clear sign that adventure was always in her DNA.
Her adventure, however, wasn't without its challenges. Kach spent four years working in the Middle East, far from home, as an OFW. At 24, she took an even bolder risk: quitting her job to pursue her dream of seeing the world. With her hard-earned half a million pesos in savings and her Philippine passport in hand, she set out to visit every country on the globe.
Now, at 36, the blogger and traveler has accomplished a huge feat: making history as the youngest Filipina to travel the world with a Philippine passport.
Achieving this dream was no easy feat. As of January 2025, the Philippine passport ranks 75th on the Henley Passport Index—one of the weakest passports in the world, with many countries requiring visas for its holders. Traveling the world with such a passport sounds almost impossible, but Kach’s journey proves that with enough determination, creativity, and perseverance, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.
On Her Humble Beginnings
Kach's path to becoming the youngest Filipina to complete her world travels didn't start with a silver spoon. "I’m not from a wealthy family," Kach recalls. "My parents are dentists, and I’m just very educated." Though not affluent, her parents placed a high value on education, making sure Kach had the opportunities to grow. "They spent money on my education," Kach says, reflecting on how this foundation set her up for success later on.
But even with her strong academic background, life was far from easy. Kach worked tirelessly as an OFW in the Middle East, saving every peso she could. "I saved up money first for four years as an OFW," she recalls. "Like there's nothing really given to me." This work ethic and perseverance would prove essential for the incredible journey that lay ahead.
On Overcoming the Philippine Passport’s Challenges
The Philippines passport’s limitations are well known—visa restrictions and the often complex application process for various countries can make traveling a challenge. For Kach, these barriers weren’t obstacles but simply hurdles to overcome. With a combination of grit and resourcefulness, Kach set out to backpack across the world.
“At the beginning, I didn’t even think of how I could make money. I just wanted to prolong my travels without spending all of my savings,” Kach explains. So, she learned to travel on a shoestring budget—hitchhiking, couch surfing, and volunteering to make her way across continents. “There’s no five-star hotel and everything,” she said, recalling how she made the most of every opportunity. This low-budget approach allowed her to experience the world in its most authentic form, connecting with locals and immersing herself in the cultures she encountered.
On Living a Digital Nomad Lifestyle
Kach’s journey took a significant turn when she adopted the digital nomad lifestyle, allowing her to blend her love for travel while still earning a living. "If you want to achieve the goal, you cannot achieve it if you are working a 9 to 5," Kach asserts. The key to her success was living life on her own terms, without the constraints of a traditional job. “You need to live a digital nomad lifestyle. There’s nothing else how you can do this without being your own boss,” she explains.
Living as a digital nomad gave Kach the flexibility to work remotely while exploring new countries. Her advice for anyone wishing to follow in her footsteps is simple: “You need to start young…People would say you need to work, work, work now and then you travel later–no”, she stressed. The earlier you start honing the skills that allow you to work independently, the sooner you can achieve a life of freedom and adventure.
Building a healthy lifestyle is another important piece of Kach’s journey. "It’s good if you take care of yourself," she advises. Maintaining physical fitness is vital when traveling long distances and trekking through foreign terrains. After all, as Kach knows from experience, a car accident in Pakistan left her unable to walk for three months, a harsh reminder of the importance of taking care of both body and mind.
On Immersing Herself with Different Cultures and Finding a Purpose
As Kach traveled from one country to the next, her love for diverse cultures grew. Her favorite destinations are those that resonate with Filipino values, especially the deep-rooted sense of family and hospitality. "I enjoy destinations that are similar to our culture," she says, reflecting on how certain countries feel familiar, almost like home.
Montenegro, in particular, left a lasting impression. “I love Montenegro,” she says fondly. Through her travels, Kach has come to appreciate that it’s not about checking off countries on a list—it’s about forming connections with people from different walks of life.
Kach’s travels weren't just for her own growth. She wants to bring the same opportunities to Filipinos. “I haven’t really fully utilized the network that I’ve built,” Kach says. Now that she’s returned to the Philippines, she has big plans to leverage her global connections to help her fellow Filipinos. “I’m gonna do business now—real business,” she says, determined to use her experiences and connections to benefit the Filipino community.
The Ultimate Goal
Now that Kach has completed her goal of traveling to all 195 countries, her mission has shifted to something equally as ambitious: empowering other Filipinos to explore the world. “Most of this network that I wanted to do was for me to bring Filipinos to the countries and for them to bring their people to the Philippines,” Kach shares. By opening doors for Filipinos to travel, Kach aims to create more opportunities and connections for her fellow countrymen while sharing the beauty of the Philippines with the world.
As she continues her journey of giving back, Kach remains steadfast in her belief that resilience is key. “You really need to be adaptable,” she says. “But like it’s really [natural] for Filipinos like us, it’s just like you're born with it—being resilient.” Her journey proves that it’s not about where you come from, but how you adapt, learn, and persevere that leads to success. “Harnessing skills can bring you more places than money,” she adds, highlighting the power of social, communication, and digital skills.
Kach’s story is rooted in resilience, whether it was navigating the challenges of the Philippine passport or the obstacles of being an OFW with limited savings. She built her journey by prioritizing experiences over luxury, working remotely, and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle.
As Kach continues to leverage her global network to help fellow Filipinos explore the world, her message is clear: Travel is for everyone, and with the right mindset, your dreams can take you places, too!
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