Filipina Riza Rasco sets foot in N. Korea, marking visit to all countries
Photo courtesy of Riza Rasco
MANILA, Philippines — Riza Rasco’s journey to every corner of the globe reached its pinnacle on Thursday as she crossed into North Korea—her 203rd and final country—marking a historic achievement not just for herself but for the Filipino travel community as well.
What began as a dream many years ago culminated at 11:10 a.m. Korea Standard Time. This did not only solidify her place among the world’s elite explorers, but also showcased the grit and perseverance needed to overcome diplomatic, logistical, and unpredictable hurdles.
For Rasco, this was more than a travel milestone. It was a testament to her unyielding curiosity and the boundless possibilities for Filipinos on the global stage.
“I’m in! Such a relief, I’m so happy,” Rasco told INQUIRER.net in a Whatsapp message on Thursday as she entered the foreign country.
Photo courtesy of Riza Rasco
She also shared the tense and anxious moments leading up to her entry through the Chinese border into North Korea.
“I’ve been tense and anxious because of the unpredictability of NK (North Korea). They can close the border should they wish for any reason at any time. Have gone past rigid Chinese immigration. They looked at every page of my passport and asked many questions,” Rasco narrated prior to entering North Korea.
“I’m holding my breath… waiting for [the] bus to take us across the bridge to NK (North Korea) immigration,” she added.
Rasco’s latest achievement is the culmination of a journey marked by an adventurous spirit and the desire to explore.
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As the co-founder of the Philippine Global Explorers (PGE), she has established herself as a trailblazer in the global travel community.
Her extensive travels include visits to 193 United Nations (UN) member countries, along with two UN observer states: the Holy See and Palestine; three additional UN Specialized Agency members: the Cook Islands, Niue, and Kosovo; and five Non-UN De Facto Independent States, including Taiwan and Somaliland.
Rasco’s Philippine journey is equally remarkable, having explored all 82 provinces in the archipelago.
These achievements eventually secured her recognition as both a UN Master by NomadMania and a Philippine Travel Master by the PGE.
More than just travel: A multifaceted achiever
Beyond her travel milestones, Rasco, who hails from Los Baños, Laguna, is a respected scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader.
Her academic achievements span degrees from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the University of Nottingham, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and Harvard Law School, focusing on agricultural biotechnology, genetic engineering, and molecular biology.
Photo courtesy of Riza Rasco
Her work in these fields also garnered recognition within the scientific community, she said.
“Education became my real passport—more powerful than any document I carried,” Rasco said in a statement.
According to the Filipina traveler, her education shaped her opportunities, giving her the skills to navigate both the world and her own life.
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“It taught me to make smart choices, empowering me to explore foreign lands with confidence. It also deepened my understanding of my own country, inspiring me to explore and appreciate the Philippines even more,” she shared.
“My journey is proof that education opens doors—sometimes even to the entire world,” Rasco emphasized.
Her influence also extends beyond her personal achievements. As the PGE’s co-founder, she has fostered a community of over 1,400 Filipino travelers who advocate for education, local tourism, heritage preservation, and environmental conservation.
Advocacy and inspiration
Through the PGE, Rasco shared that she champions initiatives that empower local communities.
“Travel is not just about seeing places; it’s about making a difference. Through PGE, we aim to inspire Filipinos to explore meaningfully, give back, and create lasting impact,” she explained.
She likewise founded “Explore Africa for Impact,” a social enterprise promoting tourism while supporting education and employment projects.
Photo courtesy of Riza Rasco
Rasco said the enterprise operated successfully until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated its closure.
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Nonetheless, her advocacy remains steadfast—showcasing Filipino strength, resilience, and the idea that Filipinos are not just workers abroad but global shapers and leaders.
“Filipinos are known for their hard work, kindness, and deep compassion. But we are so much more. We embody strength, resourcefulness, resilience, and adaptability,” Rasco shared.
“We are a nation of dreamers and explorers—undaunted by challenges and relentless in our pursuit of purpose,” she underscored,” she added.
Looking ahead
While this milestone could easily be seen as the culmination of a lifelong dream, Rasco saw it as just another chapter in her story.
“There is always more to discover, more to learn, and more ways to inspire others. I hope my journey shows fellow Filipinos that the world is within reach if you dare to pursue it,” she expressed.
According to the Filipina traveler, her journey underscored the importance of not only exploring the world but also rediscovering one’s own country.
Photo courtesy of Riza Rasco
Hence, she encouraged Filipinos to see the world while deepening their appreciation for the beauty and heritage of the Philippines.
“Travel is not just about stepping onto foreign soil. It’s also about truly knowing where you come from,” Rasco noted.
“I encourage my fellow Filipino explorers to see the world, but never forget to rediscover your own roots,” she added.
Rasco also emphasized that success is not just about reaching the finish line–“It’s about turning back to help others get there too.”
“Whatever your dream is, remember that true success comes when your journey lifts others along the way,” Rasco reiterated.
As Rasco continues her adventures, her story remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding everyone that with education, perseverance, and an adventurous spirit, the world is indeed within our grasp.
