President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has paid tribute to three trailblazing Filipino women who have achieved a feat so rare, fewer than 500 people worldwide have managed it — visiting all 193 United Nations member states.

In a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, the President met with Odette Ricasa, Luisa Yu, and Kach Medina Umandap — pioneers in Filipino global travel. Ricasa holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to complete the journey, Yu is the oldest to do so, and Umandap, the youngest.

The trio were joined by Donalito “Dondon” Bales, founder of the Filipino World Travelers (FWT), a global community of Pinoy explorers. During the meeting, they shared stories from their journeys — spanning deserts, jungles, and far-flung cities — with the President.

Marcos, visibly impressed, said he was struck by their perseverance and passion.

The President praised the trio not only for their adventurous spirit, but also for representing the warmth and resilience Filipinos are known for around the globe.

“Most importantly kahit saan tayo pumunta gusto tayo… We create nice communities. Nagtutulungan talaga,” he told the travelers. “So, nakaka-proud naman. I’m sure you left a whole trail of new friends and new Filipino fans everywhere in the world.”

To mark the occasion, Bales presented the President with a copy of his 2021 book, “Galà: Adventures of the Most Well-Traveled Filipinos,” which chronicles the stories of Ricasa, Yu, Umandap, and other intrepid Filipino globetrotters.

Their accomplishment adds a new chapter to the global Filipino identity — one defined not only by labor and migration, but now also by wanderlust, cultural exchange, and a passion for connection.