Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Filipinos and foreigners arrive and leave from the country through the NAIA airport in Manila. Jonathan L. Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Article (news)

Travel

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173803521995220170113-airport-ofw-travel-remittance--33-JC.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Filipinos and foreigners arrive and leave from the country through the NAIA airport in Manila. Jonathan L. Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>MANILA — Attempting to travel around the world with a Philippine passport is not an easy feat in terms of visa-free entries. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/focus/01/17/17/philippines-considered-moderately-weak-in-list-of-worlds-powerful-passports">Philippines considered moderately weak in list of world&#x27;s powerful passports</a></div><p>But that limitation did not stop Kach Medina Umandap, the first Philippine passport holder to visit all 193 United Nations member states. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/1/19/kach-umandap-first-ph-passport-holder-to-visit-all-193-countries-in-the-un-1555">Kach Umandap: First PH passport holder to visit all 193 countries in the UN</a></div><p>In an interview with ABS-CBN News, she shared some tips for individuals planning to travel around the world.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>START IN THE PHILIPPINES</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Kach said she began backpacking in 2013 at the age of 24. But her fondness for travel started when she was just 12. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/27/economy-passengers-should-not-be-burdened-by-travel-tax-tulfo-1619">Economy passengers should not be burdened by travel tax: Tulfo</a></div><p>Her early days as a traveler in the Philippines fostered a sense of adventure and an appreciation for learning about cultures, she said. </p><p>“I think, I got the skills kung paano mag-survive sa road kasi nagbiyahe muna ako sa Philippines,” said Kach.</p><p>Kach believes that after gaining experiences domestically, young travelers can now expand their journey internationally. </p><p>This would allow them to explore new places, meet different people, and broaden their understanding of the world.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>VISA-FREE COUNTRIES</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Traveling to countries that do not require a visa can help travelers build a good travel history and improve their chances of being granted visas for future trips, she said.</p><p>A strong travel history shows that a person is a responsible traveler, which can increase trust with visa officers. </p><p>In Kach’s case, she had to visit 30 countries before she finally got a US visa.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>MAKING THE MOST OUT OF A VISA</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Some people may use specific visas to travel more easily. </p><p>For instance, having a US visa can help a traveler visit Central American countries. Similarly, a Japan visa can allow entry into certain European nations.</p><p>These methods make it simpler for travelers to move between different regions. </p><p>However, Kach also mentioned some important reminders for travelers in getting their visas.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/08/31/23/new-rules-for-travel-abroad-seen-leading-to-corruption">New rules for travel abroad seen leading to corruption</a></div><p>“I suggest that you write a detailed cover letter if [visa application] is required, explaining why you have to go to that country, where is your money is coming from, and why you have to leave that country to go back to the next country,” Kach said.</p><p>“I don’t recommend anyone to fake documents with online applications kasi babalik sa’yo ‘yan — not now but later on,” she added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RESEARCH</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>Before traveling, it is important to read and research a lot as this helps one stay informed about their destinations.</p><p>“There are groups or communities (Facebook pages) that you could ask. Tapos may mga YouTuber [din],” said Kach. </p><p>Through this, travelers can learn about local customs, climate, places to visit, and safety tips.  </p><p>Kach added that travelers might take advantage of social media and even AI to make the most out of their trips.</p><p>“ChatGPT can do it [researching] for you, but you need to ask. Even in life, you need to ask the right person, you need to ask the right prompt to maximize that,” Kach said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO: </strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K13ORCxFaUY?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span></strong><br/></div>

<p>In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Kach Medina Umandape shared some tips for Filipinos planning to travel around the world.</p>

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Kach Medina Umandape shared some tips for Filipinos planning to travel around the world.

TIPS: How to travel around the world with a Philippine passport

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TIPS: How to travel around the world with a Philippine passport

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Ronnie Crispo,

Jr.

Published Jan 28, 2025 02:30 PM PHT

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Kach Medina Umandap

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