Glen Antolin Dalisay shows off his medal when he ran in the Damascus Marathon in Syria | Contributed Photo
NEW YORK-In a feat that blends wanderlust with cultural pride, Glen Antolin Dalisay, a 45-year-old Filipino American nurse from Orlando, Florida, has become the first Filipino American nurse to visit all 193 United Nations member countries. His final destination—Cape Verde—marked the triumphant end of a decade-long journey on September 14, 2025.
Dalisay’s achievement has been officially verified by NomadMania, a global travel tracking authority, and recognized by Filipino World Travelers (FWT), placing him among an elite group of Filipino global explorers. He joins the ranks of Odette Aquitania Ricasa, Luisa Yu, and Kach Medina Umandap, who were the first Filipinas to complete the same challenge.
Raised in the United States by immigrant parents, Dalisay credits his father’s encouragement and his own perseverance for fueling his global ambition. A nurse by profession and an educator by passion, he holds multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in Nursing Education. His travels were not just about ticking off countries—they were about immersing in cultures, connecting with communities, and embracing the unknown.
Among the highlights of his journey: running the Damascus Marathon in Syria, bungee jumping over Victoria Falls, skydiving in Namibia, and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga. In the Philippines, he received a traditional tattoo from Whang-Od, the legendary Kalinga tattoo artist. Reaching Angel Falls in Venezuela required two years of visa efforts, underscoring the logistical challenges of such a quest.
Dalisay’s story resonates deeply with the Filipino diaspora, especially those in healthcare and education. His journey reflects not only personal determination but also the spirit of Filipino resilience and curiosity. “I wanted to show that a nurse—a caregiver—can also be a world explorer,” he shared in a recent interview.
Now back in the U.S., Dalisay hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how audacious. He plans to document his travels in a memoir and continue advocating for cultural exchange and global citizenship.
His accomplishment stands as a testament to the power of persistence, the richness of Filipino heritage, and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to explore.
