The first leg of Travel Tales, a new talk series spotlighting authentic stories and smart travel insights, kicked off on September 10 at The Grove, Newport Mall, with Kach Medina Umandap—the youngest Filipina to visit all 195 countries—taking center stage.
In an intimate session exclusive to select members of the media, Umandap recalled her record-breaking expedition, which spanned 12 years and brought her to every corner of the globe. Starting as an overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East at age 20, she transitioned into a full-time traveler and digital nomad by 24. By 29, she had already set foot on all seven continents and 100 countries.
“Traveling as a Filipina passport holder is not always easy,” she admitted, noting the hurdles of complex visa applications and the need to travel abroad just to apply in countries without Philippine embassies. Still, she credited her resilience to her Filipino upbringing, which allowed her to adapt and thrive in challenging situations.
At 36, Umandap completed her journey, visiting the remaining 95 countries and officially becoming the first Philippine passport holder to achieve the feat. To be recognized, travelers must prove they’ve spent at least 24 hours in each country.
Beyond recounting her adventures, Umandap shared her desire to inspire younger Filipinos and OFWs to embrace remote work opportunities instead of traditional overseas jobs, allowing them to explore the world while creating meaningful experiences. Now back in the Philippines, she plans to explore her home country further and hinted at an upcoming book release chronicling her journey.
As Filipinos gear up for the holiday season, The Travel Club relaunched its ‘Donate Your Old Case for a Cause’ Trade-In Sale, running from September 11 to 14, 2025, across select branches including Estancia Mall, Alabang Town Center, Megaworld Lucky Chinatown, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The campaign gives pre-loved luggage a second life by empowering first-time OFWs and seafarers, while rewarding shoppers with up to 40% off on new luggage. Customers can trade in usable old luggage for 40% off, or bags for 30% off. Purchases worth ₱3,000 and above are eligible for a 3-month, 0% installment plan via major credit cards.
In partnership with Metrobank Travel Visa Signature Card and Maya Black Card, the initiative also offers exclusive perks to cardholders.
For updates on future trade-in legs, shoppers are encouraged to follow The Travel Club’s social media pages.
