Filipina World Traveler Luisa Yu Visits New York PCG, Marking Women’s Month with Her Story

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile (left) receives Ms. Luisa Yu (right) during her courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in New York. (Photo by Sherlyn Roxas)

NEW YORK, 10 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York warmly welcomed Ms. Luisa Yu, the oldest Filipina to have traveled to all 193 United Nations-recognized countries—a remarkable journey she completed at the age of 79.

Born in the Philippines and based in the United States, Ms. Yu’s visit was both a celebration of personal achievement and a tribute to the courage and determination of women who continue to break barriers at any age. Her decades-long pursuit of cultural discovery and connection took her across every continent, with many of those travels undertaken solo.

Consul General Senen T. Mangalile encouraged Ms. Yu to explore more of the Philippines’ provinces, a suggestion she welcomed, saying that discovering more of her home country is now part of her plans.

Consul General Mangalile shows Ms. Yu around the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center, highlighting the names of Philippine provinces. After completing her journey across 193 countries, Ms. Yu was delighted to be reminded that “Luisa’s world” begins at home. (Photos by Sherlyn Roxas)

When asked what piece of advice she would give to other women, Ms. Yu shared, “If you wait for someone to go with you, it might never happen. Just go. Explore the world. It’s so beautiful out there—and people are usually kind and willing to help.”

As the Philippine Consulate joins the celebration of National Women’s Month, Ms. Yu’s visit served as a reminder of the power of individual stories to uplift and empower others. Her journey stands as a testament to what is possible when courage outweighs hesitation and when women embrace the world with both curiosity and confidence. END