Raquel Mogs’ remarkable travel achievements in 2024 include thru-hiking the 192-kilometer Peaks of the Balkans trail and completing a 22-day trek in Nepal’s remote Kachenjunga region. She also hitchhiked and trekked along a perilous route in Shimshal and navigated one of Pakistan’s most dangerous roads. Currently, she is on the verge of completing the 437-kilometer Jeju Olle Trail. Her adventurous spirit and perseverance inspire others to embrace challenging journeys and explore the world’s most remote and rugged landscapes.

At the age of 79, Luisa Yu achieved her lifelong dream of visiting every UN-recognized country, with Serbia marking her 193rd destination. Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, proving that age is no barrier to exploring the world. Luisa’s story encourages others to pursue their travel dreams, demonstrating that it’s never too late to discover new horizons and embrace the endless possibilities of exploration.

Raquel Mogs exemplifies the spirit of adventure through her daring and remarkable travel pursuits. In 2024, she completed the 192-kilometer Peaks of the Balkans thru-hike and a 22-day trek in Nepal’s remote Kachenjunga region. Her journey also took her to Shimshal, where she hitchhiked and trekked along a perilous trail, and traversed one of Pakistan’s most dangerous roads. Currently, she is on the cusp of completing the 437-kilometer Jeju Olle Trail in South Korea. Raquel’s willingness to embrace challenging and unconventional destinations solidifies her place as a trailblazer in adventurous exploration.

In 2024, Jamela Santos embarked on a deeply personal journey of growth and healing, traveling to 32 countries as part of her transformative exploration. Inspired by the memory of a lost friend, she immersed herself in diverse cultures, learning resilience and the power of connection. Through solo travel, she not only honored her friend’s spirit but also demonstrated a profound progression in embracing the world and giving back to the communities she encountered along the way.

AJ Peregrino’s travels in 2024 exemplify remarkable progression, having visited six continents and adding eight new UN-recognized countries to his journey. Notably, he completed his final countries in North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania, achieving a total of 27 countries and territories explored this year. As a PGE delegate for the 2024 Karabakh trip, AJ demonstrates a commitment to continuous exploration. His transformative experiences, such as completing a 10-day silent meditation retreat in Mexico, further highlight his dedication to personal and global discovery.

Alvin was an integral part of PGE Project Vinzons where over 40 participants received a 2-day workshop which showcased eco-heritage and tourism best practices in the CamNorte area. He also organized the International River Summit and as a member of the National Cave Committee, he advocates policies to protect cave ecosystems. He also helped local governments on how to mainstream sustainable tourism into solid waste management plans.

Nolan or as we fondly call him, Tito Know-lan, is a wealth of information and one of the most active contributors of PGE. Nolan regularly shares his commentary on all things travel in the Official Members or Metro Manila chat groups. Whether its the latest flight routes or last-minute travel deals, you can be sure that Nolan is on top of it and is more than willing to share his knowledge with the rest of PGE.

Aimee Paragas has been an integral contributor to PGE’s community, actively engaging with members and providing valuable insights through her leadership as editor-in-chief of Layag Travel Magazine. Her involvement spans the Middle East Chapter and the wider PGE network, where she fosters meaningful connections and collaboration. As a key member of the Communications Team, Aimee has played a pivotal role in shaping content that informs and inspires fellow travelers. Her work as project lead for the upcoming Zamboanga Sibugay initiative in partnership with the Yellow Boat Foundation further reflects her commitment to service and her dedication to enriching the PGE community through impactful initiatives.

Djosa Mae Richards has dedicated her time and efforts to making a significant impact on PGE’s mission and community. She played a central role in organizing PGE’s 5th Founding Anniversary celebration, handling event logistics, procuring giveaways, and serving as the event host. Djosa also participated in the Sagip Reef scuba diving project in Atimonan and initiated impactful programs like the “PGE Member of the Month” and “Friday Festivals” segments. Her commitment extends to organizing meetups in Metro Manila and planning the upcoming GAM, demonstrating her dedication to fostering community engagement and collaboration.

Eden Candy’s contributions as a volunteer have significantly advanced PGE’s mission and vision. She led the “Where in the World Wednesday” segment, ensuring weekly engagement and inclusivity across the PGE community. For PGE’s 5th Founding Anniversary, Eden coordinated a congratulatory video featuring members and international guests. As the US West Coast Chapter Coordinator, she organized meetups, traveling from Utah to attend and participate actively. Eden also spearheaded a medical mission in Cagayan Valley, collaborating with an NGO and the Philippine Marines to support indigenous students through the “Brigada Eskwela” initiative. Her multifaceted efforts, from assisting with membership dues to fostering inclusivity, highlight her invaluable role within PGE.

Eden Candy exemplifies PGE’s core values through her unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community and service. She managed the “Where in the World Wednesday” segment, curating weekly themes to engage and inspire members. For PGE’s 5th Founding Anniversary, Eden coordinated with members and international guests to produce a celebratory video, presented during the Vinsons Celebration.

As the US West Coast Chapter Coordinator, Eden traveled extensively to organize and attend meetups, ensuring a strong sense of connection among members. She spearheaded a medical mission in Cagayan Valley, partnering with an NGO and the Philippine Marines to support indigenous students through the “Brigada Eskwela” initiative. Eden’s dedication to inclusivity, collaboration, and service reflects the true spirit of PGE.

Lowela Ramos has demonstrated exceptional dedication to PGE’s core values through her impactful contributions in 2024. Traveling with 10 fellow PGE members, she fostered camaraderie and collaboration while representing the organization in various initiatives. Lowela supported the Adopt an LGU project in Bicol and led the Sagip Reef conservation project in Atimonan, Quezon. She also played a pivotal role in hosting PGE’s 5th Founding Anniversary celebration.

Beyond her travels, Lowela actively participated in meetups, recruited members in Africa, and led the nominations committee. As part of PGE’s Board of Directors, she contributed to administrative responsibilities, including assisting with the organization’s annual income tax filing. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to service embody the values of PGE and make her an outstanding representative of the community.

Charles Veley, founder of Most Traveled People (MTP), has significantly influenced the PGE community. His extensive travels and dedication to cataloging the world’s destinations have inspired many to explore beyond their borders. Charles has been a supportive partner to PGE, notably in organizing delegations to Karabakh, Azerbaijan, fostering cross-cultural understanding and adventure among members.

Thor Pedersen, a Danish traveler and adventurer, is renowned for his “Once Upon a Saga” project—a nine-year journey visiting every country in the world without flying. His commitment to overland travel and cultural immersion has inspired the PGE community to embrace sustainable and in-depth exploration. Thor’s experiences and storytelling have ignited a spirit of adventure and curiosity, encouraging members to venture beyond their comfort zones and engage with diverse cultures.