Meet the Filipino Global Explorers Who See Travel as a Way of Life

In the last decade or so, the mobility of Filipinos in terms of global travel has increased. The availability of more cost-effective options to fly abroad combined with better ease of planning through online options has made this increase possible.

In 2015, Filipinos were already noted as one of the most well-traveled people in Asia Pacific, according to Visa, Inc, with Filipinos described as “an emerging global traveling class having visited more than five countries. There was an estimated 5.1 million departures outside the country to at least 42 destinations that year.

Fast forward 10 years to 2025, and while the final data for the year is yet to be finalized, as of September the numbers were already at around 4.34M Filipinos traveling internationally. The prior year, in 2024, 7M Filipinos traveled internationally, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the final 2025 numbers are similar or perhaps even more, especially given the holiday season typically sees increases in travel.

It’s also worth noting that these numbers mainly focus on Filipinos based out of the Philippines. Many Filipinos living abroad, whether permanent members of diaspora or temporary residents elsewhere , also take part in global travel on a regular basis.

It is in this landscape in the last decade that a group of Filipino travelers around the world formed a community called the Philippine Global Explorers (PGE). This same community has given birth to the recognition not just of Filipinos exploring the world but also recognizing those who have visited all the provinces of the Philippines called the Philippine Travel Masters (PTM).

“The Philippine Global Explorers is a community of the most traveled Filipinos who are located around the world,” shares Dr. Riza Rasco, who is currently the chairman of the board and one of the three co-founders of PGE. Riza herself has her own significant achievement as a traveler, being the first woman to both travel to 203 countries (including several territories) and visit all 82 Philippine provinces. “We currently have over 1,600 members, and we are the largest national travel club in the world. We are also not just a group of travelers, but we are travelers that give back to our country.”

Before PGE came into being, the three co-founders—Rasco, Dr. Rambi Francisco, and Atty. Jimmy Buhain—had already known each other from being members of the Travelers’ Century Club, an international organization for people who have visited 100 or more countries and territories. This led to the creation of a similar organization focused on Filipino travelers.

“Back in 2019, Riza sent a message to me, Atty. Buhain, and other travelers from the Philippines to possibly meet up because we were all, for once, in the Philippines,” Francisco says. The current president of PGE, Francisco is an accomplished traveler himself, having visited over 100 countries and all seven continents. He also has a platform to provide travel hacks that help people maximize credit card points and rewards in order to make traveling more convenient and less expensive.

“One fateful morning,” he continues, “we met up for lunch in Antonio’s in Tagaytay. We discussed how we were under-represented in (travel) around the world.”

And so PGE was born, but they knew they didn’t want it to be just a “travel club” for people to join. They wanted to ensure they were building an organization that would create a positive impact in our local communities across the country. “We didn’t want to be seen as just ‘privileged travelers’,” Rasco asserts. “We wanted to use our network, our expertise, our skills, our knowledge collectively to give back to our country.”

Interestingly, the group grew exponentially during the pandemic. Because everyone was in lockdown and unable to travel at the same level that they had been doing. “We were regularly meeting on Zoom,” Francisco shares. “Almost every week. That’s how we got to know each other. That’s how we got to recruit more people.”

Once the lockdowns were lifted, that’s when many members started to meet up more, and also traveled together. Word-of-mouth—especially given they were part of a network of travelers, many of whom are active on social media—also helped further grow the organization as more Filipino travelers yearned for such a community.

Setting the parameters in order to be part of the organization was also an evolution.

“Originally, there was difficulty in coming up with the screening processes,” Buhain says. The lawyers is himself is well-known not just within the travel community, but of publishing. He is currently the chairman of Rex Bookstore and is considered the godfather of Philippine Book Publishing. Now 80 years old, he was the first Filipino officially verified to have finished all 82 provinces of the Philippines. His love for travel combined with his passion for education is a key element to PGE’s vision, one that helped shaped some of their initiatives. “Along the way, we were able to smoothen the process.”

One of the requirements for membership in PGE is to be a Filipino (living anywhere in the world) who has traveled to at least 20 countries or territories. One can initially join the Facebook group, answer some questions to be reviewed by their admin team, and follow a screening process outlined in their official website.

Becoming a member of PGE has its benefits, depending if you are an associate or a full-fledged official member, including perks and discounts with partner brands as well as access to a global network of travelers.

It’s worth noting that beyond being a community of travelers, PGE is an official SEC-registered non-profit organization. The organization has a clear mission and vision toward giving back to the community and the country.

“Travel goals differ for different members,” Rasco notes. “But we are united by our desire to help and give back to our country. We are working on a number of projects. We call it the pillars of our mission. We’re working in education. We’re working on the preservation of arts, culture, and heritage. We’re working on the preservation of our environment. We’re focusing on international relations, partnerships, and thought leadership. We want to be seen as strategic thought partners in the field of travel and social impact.”

Buhain chimes in with an example. “In matters of education, one of our subsidiaries would be soliciting the help of Philippine Global Explorers. We would not be satisfied with just providing content through print. We want to embody it through experience, through (actual) travel.”

Another important initiative is the PGE Gabay Scholarship.

“We are looking for tourism students, HRM students, international studies students, deserving students we develop (and help) in completing their education,” Francisco says. “So far we’ve raised almost P300,000 for our (current) scholar.”

That Gabay scholar is Justin Carangan, known as Host Ja, who does events planning and hosting on the side. “(Justin will soon) finish the four years of their education. Hopefully, we can get more scholars in the future with the help of our members,” says Francisco.

The three founders agree that education is absolutely key not just to the development of the country. It is the way to navigate the world. “I’m super passionate about education,” Francisco says, “not only to go to places but also to be in rooms that we could only have dreamed of before.”

Rasco agrees. “I am a living example of that. To our Filipino youth, study hard. It is your passport to the world.”

Another focus of PGE is, of course, promoting tourism for the Philippines as well. One of the main initiatives is the Philippine Travel Masters (PTM). It was established as a way to formally verify and recognize people who have managed to complete visiting all 82 provinces of the Philippines.

“That’s part of our mission of being strategic thought leaders in the subject of travel,” Rasco says. “It’s honoring mostly Filipinos. Some of them may not have even traveled outside of the country, but we still want to recognize them for their passion for traveling across our country.”

Travelers who wish to be recognized are screened by the PTM Verification Team, led by Bj Carreon, who also runs the Pinoy Travel Icon page and is himself one of the first few “82 Finishers” recognized independently a decade ago.

“To maintain the integrity of the award, applicants undergo a detailed verification process involving submission of proof such as photos, itineraries, copies of airline and hotel bookings, et cetera,” Carreon says. The framework is based on international travel verification standards of NomadMania.

Those who are confirmed are honored through the Annual Philippine Travel Master Awards. To date, there have been a total of 108 verified travelers who have been conferred the coveted award—41 in 2024 and 67 in the recent 2^nd Annual Philippine Travel Masters Awards, held at Vivere Hotel in December 2025.

And while the recognition for PTM has largely been for Filipinos, in 2025 a milestone was reached when PGE recognized a Taiwanese national – Justin Liu - as the first non-Filipino verified to have completed all 82 provinces. This showcases the viability of the Philippines as a true international tourist destination with the correct promotion.

“The Philippines is one of the more difficult countries to explore,” Rasco observes, “because we are one of the largest archipelago nations in the world. To travel across the country is really a big feat.”

Having PGE recognize such achievements is therefore an important aspect of their aspirations to shine the spotlight on the Philippines.

“The Philippines is underrated in the world of travel,” Francisco reiterates. “As world travelers, PGE acts as ambassadors in behalf of our country. We promote it, we tell people how great our country is, and more importantly, we show other countries that Filipinos can be travelers, too. Sometimes, there can be a stigma about Filipinos in other countries, so it’s just nice (for them) to see that Filipinos are there, just like any other nationality, traveling, spending money, exploring sights and sounds around the globe.”

Rasco also noted an interesting fact: among the currently-600+ verified travelers around the world who have completed 193 UN countries, only about 10 percent are women. But among them are the first five Filipinos to complete the milestone. All of these five Filipinos are women, and all of them, including a sixth one, this time a Filipino male, are members of PGE.

Additionally, Buhain shares about the rising global presence of Filipino travelers. “Our company recently partnered with the Frankfurt Book Fair, and (the Philippines was) the guest of honor.” The Frankfurt Book Fair, of course, is the world’s largest book fair. “The participants were predominantly Filipinos. The foreigners were really enlightened about (the abilities of Filipinos).”

Of course, a good part of this is due to Filipinos having become more prominent in global travel and exposure.

“Filipinos are everywhere,” Rasco says. “Even in places where I didn’t think) there would be a Filipino, there will be a Filipino. (And so) we carry our culture with us.” As such, so many people around the world have been exposed to us in many different ways. “They always say how kind we are, how caring we are, how generous we are, we are always smiling. It’s always positive feedback.”

And for Filipinos who wish to follow the path of these Philippine Global Explorers, the group is always open to be their community and network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for travel and giving back.

But the drive to begin the journey starts from each individual.

 “There’s that saying: If you do not travel, you just stay on page one of your book,” Buhain says. “But if you travel, you will be able to read through the pages of your book.”

In December 2025, PGE held the Annual Grand Meetup, where the 2^nd Philippine Travel Masters (PTM) Awards was also given out.

During this gathering, 67 new verified PTMs were honored for completing the 82 provinces of the Philippines. With the 41 awardees from 2024, the total number of distinguished PTMs is now at 108.

On top of that, PGE also gave recognition to various achievements and milestones of PGE members in the aspect of global travel.

Those who would like to become a member of PGE, please visit their website for the full process. Meanwhile, those who would like to be verified as a Philippine Travel Master, please watch out for announcements on when you can start lodging your intent and for the instructions on how to provide your artifacts.

Below is the full list of verified Philippine Travel Masters as of the end of 2025.

1.  Dominador Buhain

2.  Riza Rasco

3.  Bj Carreon

4.  Leo Muega Lucero

5.  Rodillo Jerhen

6.  Rich Quimod

7.  Clemen Alvin Ascaño

8.  Arvid Marius Puzon

9.   Felipe Soriano

10.  Ryan Glory

11.  Celeste Suarez

12.  Romer Matubang

13.  Maricel Tan

14.  Hermar Aliento

15.  Sherwin Gerardo

16.  Edmon Canoy

17.  Jay Agoo

18.  Roi Jason Buela

19.  Angelica Magno

20.  Matt Jefferson Suarez

21.  Kharg Leo Ross Nerpio

22.  Jerome Ignacio

23.  Charisma Ponce Dhers

24.  Darwin Marcial

25.  Mariane Tagaca

26.  Arwin De Vega

27.  Michelle Medina

28.  Dexon Simbajon

29.  Mark Anthony Delociento

30.  Dan Carey Mencias

31.  John-Mervi Laylo

32.  Ma. Lourdes Millano

33.  Lanie Roallos

34.  Jhonel Añavesa

35.  John Henry Viernes

36.  Arnel Tumesa

37.  Salvador Insao

38.  Niño Renz Santos

39.  Karl Mikel Pregon

40.  Lisly Mae Callino-Dorado

41. Jan Vincent Francisco

1.  Geraldine Eneria

2.  Randy Boy Agno

3.  Angeline Blaise Santos

4.  John Paulo Diaz

5.  Judith Macopia

6.  Jerome Marundan

7.  Mark Joshua Oruga

8. Doris Santos

9.  Sheramay Baluca

10.  John Brian De Guzman

11.  Eric Jade Muring

12.  Karl Andrew Cabesuelas

13.  Jiff Ritz Ygot Laude

14.  Anna Marie Geronimo

15.  Kristel Raymundo

16.  Lino Jubilan, Jr.

17.  Jeric Adamson

18.  Jonahlie Ranchez

19.  Cherrielyn Glor

20.  Kate Bunnol

21.  Mikhail Beniga

22.  Rachel Obo-ob

23.  Geofford Montejo, Jr.

24.  Christian Prado

25.  Richard Trillana

26.  Angelica Curioso

27.  Christine Rose Hisola

28.  Dexter Joseph Vargas

29.  Benedict Esber

30.  Justin Liu

31.  Precious Joy Opina

32.  Melissa Battulayan

33.  Vinson Castillo

34.  Don Lejano

35.  Dheany Paulo Quilogue

36.  Glenn Eclarino

37.  Ryan Mar Batiancila

38.  Jean Paulene Rivera

39.  Claudine Ronquillo

40.  Kathleen Rose Nava

41.  Ronald Simbillo

42.  Francis Vivas

43.  Jerry Deuna

44.  Raymond Federe

45.  Charlene Nicole Guerrero

46.  Marielle Ilagan

47.  Calbert Dagatan

48.  Carol San Buenaventura

49.  Dimwel Buquir

50.  Carolyn Durin

51.  Patricia Denise Maechel Peralta

52.  Glendon Manilay

53.  Vin Brutas

54.  Allen Robert Nava

55.  John Alvin Pablo

56.  Kristopher Paul Macalinao

57.  Ferdinand San Diego

58.  Jennifer Gotengco

59.  Jose Remiel Gotengco

60.  Francis Jim De Joya

61.  Keziah Baldomaro-Medrano

62.  Jhaycee Ron Olaira

63.  Rodgie Flores

64.  Carlos Uy, Jr.

65.  Jef Riddles

66.  Stephen Tala Amen

67. Roy Batomalaque

UN Masters: finishers of a certain number of UN countries

·      50 UN Countries

o   Lowela Ramos

o   Francis Ong

o   Chris Laddaran

o   Andrea Umali

o   Yosh Dimen

o   Mary Jane Furigay

·      75 UN Countries

o   Romeo Tan

o   Shirley Supangan

o   Arnold Chua

o   Alvidon Asis

o   Flora Divinagracia

o   Manuel Dela Serna

o   Maria Elena Rollan

·      100 UN Countries

o   Ramchand Francisco

·      150 UN Countries

o   Jon Opol

o   Atty. Dominador Buhain

World Heritage Sites Achievers: has visited 100 or more World Heritage Sites

·      105 World Heritage Sites – Ramchand Francisco

·      119 World Heritage Sites – Lowela Ramos

·      200 World Heritage Sites – Arnold Chua

·      314 World Heritage Sites – Jon Opol

·      347 World Heritage Sites – Sonriza Rasco

·      466 World Heritage Sites – Atty. Dominador Buhain

New 7 Wonders of the World Finishers: has visited all 7 New Wonders of the World

·      Lowela Ramos

·      Maria Elena Rollan

·      Flora Divinagracia

·      Shirley Supangan

PGE Minor Awards

·      Most Inspiring Traveler – Linda Rose Byers

·      Most Adventurous Explorer – Jazmin Gaite

·      Most Progressive Wanderer – Glen Dalisay

·      Most Impactful Globetrotter – Morse Flores

·      Most Active Contributor – Kim Carlo De Dios

PGE Major Awards

·      Most Valuable Volunteer – Ryazan Tristram

·      Most Outstanding PGE Member – Lowela Ramos

·      Social Media Influencer – Yosh Dimen

·      PGE Spirit Award – Mehraj Mahmudov
·      PGE Chairman’s Award – Djosa Mae Richards