Volume 21 • No. 3 • February 1-15, 2025
Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Have passport, will travel
Cyrille Payumo
Credit: JCyrille’s IG
Filipina visits every UN country with a Philippine passport
Calendar Girl, Cyrille Payumo Story on page B8
The world just got a little smaller for Filipinos everywhere. On January 6, 2025, Kach Medina Umandap made history as the first Filipina to visit all 193 United Nations-recognized countries using only a Philippine passport. Her journey ended in Sudan, a country still recovering from civil unrest, making her one of the first tourists to arrive as the nation reopens. Umandap, 36, is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and UAEbased overseas Filipino worker (OFW). She has turned her passion for travel into a career, inspiring others to pursue their own journeys despite visa restrictions and passport limitations. While other Filipino travelers like Filipino-Americans Odette Ricasa, aged 79, and Luisa Yu, aged 80, have also traveled to all 193 UN countries, Umandap holds no dual citizenship or foreign See FILIPINA A6
Kach Medina Umandap
Cherry Blossom Dreams Filipina Jazz singer Charito to grace Winnipeg stage in Valentine concert
Paalam, Gloria Romero Story on page B1
ALAMIN ANG INYONG KAPALARAN Basahin sa pahina B8
Come fall in love with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra with their Cherry Blossom Dreams Valentine’s concert and meet international singing sensation Charito! On Saturday, February 15th, the WJO celebrates romance with their day-after-Valentine’s Day concert Cherry Blossom Dreams. For this one-night-only performance, the WJO is proud to introduce Winnipeg audiences to the international multi-awardwinning Filipina jazz vocalist Charito. Charito is recognized by critics, musicians, and audiences as a powerful and creative jazz vocalist. She has definitely notched See CHARITO A5
International multi-award-winning Filipina jazz vocalist Charito. Opening the show for Charito will be the MAFTI Rondalla ensemble and the Sisler High School Jazz Band.
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