Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) proudly hosted a momentous occasion as Kach Umandap, the youngest Filipina to visit every United Nations-recognized country, concluded her historic journey. Touching down at 3:35 PM aboard an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER, Kach arrived from Sudan via Dubai, marking her 195th and final country.
The celebration at MCIA highlighted the airport’s role as a gateway to global exploration, with airport representatives and media welcoming Kach’s return. Her journey represents a triumph not only for individual ambition but also for the spirit of Filipino wanderlust.
Sudan presented a unique challenge as her final destination. Recently reopening its borders following years of civil war, the country has cautiously begun issuing tourist visas. Umandap’s visit made her one of the first travelers to explore Port Sudan, a designated safe zone, underscoring her dedication to completing her ambitious goal.
Kach’s adventure began in 2013 when she left her corporate career in Kuwait and Iraq to explore Southeast Asia. Her travels soon expanded as she pursued her passion for cultural immersion. From teaching English in Vietnam to sailing the Caribbean on a vintage monohull for two years, her journey was as diverse as the cultures she experienced.
Her love for discovery fueled her quest to visit all UN-recognized countries, culminating in a whirlwind tour of 26 African nations in 2024. Today, she divides her time between Dubai, Laguna, and Palawan.
Joining the exclusive ranks of fewer than 500 travelers worldwide recognized by NomadMania.com as UN Masters, Kach is the first to achieve this milestone using only a Philippine passport. Her accomplishment follows those of Filipina-Americans Luisa Yu and Odette Ricasa, but her story is uniquely her own.
Kach deliberately chose MCIA as her homecoming venue, praising its renowned passenger experience and architectural beauty.
“I envisioned my return to the Philippines as a meaningful celebration, and MCIA offered the perfect backdrop for this milestone. The warmth of the staff and the stunning architecture made my arrival truly unforgettable,” Kach shared.
Ricia Montejo, Head of Customer Experience at Aboitiz InfraCapital GMCAC, reflected on Kach’s historic achievement.
“Kach’s choice of MCIA as the final stop of her extraordinary journey is an incredible honor for us. Her accomplishment mirrors our mission to create seamless, memorable experiences for every traveler. We are inspired to connect more Filipinos to the world, starting from MCIA—the world’s friendliest airport.”
Kach’s message to fellow Filipinos is one of encouragement:
“The world is full of beauty and diversity, waiting to be explored. Taking that first bold step can lead to memories that last a lifetime. It’s a journey worth embarking on.”
Umandap has established platforms such as TravelWithKach.com, a group travel company specializing in off-the-beaten-path destinations, and FilipinoPassport.com, which streamlines travel, visa, and relocation processes for Filipinos, particularly for those navigating countries without Philippine embassies. She also manages a blog, TwoMonkeysTravelGroup.com, where she documents her journeys and shares practical tips for aspiring travelers.
Looking ahead, Kach hopes her story will motivate more Filipinos to pursue global adventures. “I’d love to see more Filipinos explore the world and experience its wonders. And what better place to start than MCIA?”
For more information on Mactan-Cebu International Airport, please visit https://www.mactancebuairport.com.
