Reset Your Mind for 2025 with the Power of Travel

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Here’s how to kickstart 2025 with a beneficial mental reset

Refresh your mind so you can step boldly into new possibilities this 2025.

As 2025 begins to take shape, many of us are emerging from the whirlwind of the holidays—a season of joy, connection, and perhaps a fair share of stress. While the new year often inspires fresh goals, it’s just as vital to hit pause and reset mentally before diving in.

Author Michael Fitterling revealed that traveling is a powerful way to refresh the mind. A quick getaway or a change of scenery might be just what you need to ease back into the year. In this article, experts and seasoned travelers share how trips can boost mental health and inspire new perspectives.

If you’ve just returned from a vacation, save these tips for your next great adventure. Who says the holiday spirit has to end? Let this be your sign to take more trips and well-deserved escapades in 2025!

Learn their culture as it brings emotional freedom

Immersing yourself in a new culture opens your mind and challenges your perspectives. Studies have shown that engaging in cultural experiences can increase emotional stability and adaptability. A 2015 study titled "Thinking Outside the Box: Multiple Identity Mind-Sets Affect Creative Problem Solving," published in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that exposure to multiple cultures and identities can foster creativity in problem-solving directly affecting emotional resilience.

Car enthusiast and frequent traveler, Reph Bangsil, shared that traveling taught him the value of adaptability and respect, “Every place has its way of doing things, and experiencing them firsthand made me more open-minded and patient.” Navigating unfamiliar traditions and practices improves adaptability and emotional resilience, helping you better manage life’s ups and downs.

Stay positive so you don’t miss the good in the world

Travel allows you to step out of your routine and discover new possibilities. Traveler and soon-to-be dad, Mikael Daez says he travels to expand his world and be hopeful of what’s to come, “Exposing yourself to different things just generally means putting you in an uncomfortable situation, sometimes mildly, sometimes more extreme. But that's why we travel -- to expand, to grow.” 

Positive psychology supports this view, with research from Cornell University showing that anticipation of travel experiences boosts happiness, while travel memories contribute to long-term well-being.

Moments like witnessing a breathtaking sunrise in a foreign land remind you that the world is full of wonder, renewing your sense of hope. 

Gain a deeper appreciation for life’s diversities when you travel

Breaking away from the monotony of daily life helps you gain a fresh perspective. Taxumo CEO Ginger Arboleda shares how traveling changed her perspective, “Traveling has opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world. It’s made me realize how much there is to learn beyond books and screens—lessons you can only gain by experiencing different cultures, meeting people with unique stories, and stepping out of your comfort zone.” 

A 2020 article from National Geographic says that immersive travel experiences increase cultural understanding because they can break down cultural barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy. Whether it’s the serene beaches of Bali or the vibrant streets of Tokyo, traveling can reignite your appreciation for life’s beauty and possibilities.

Always prepare for the unexpected

Numerous studies and real-life experiences highlight the transformative impact of travel on mental health. It helps you reset, reframe, and reconnect with the world and yourself. However, challenges like lost baggage or unexpected emergencies can add stress to what should be a rejuvenating trip.

That’s where having reliable travel insurance comes in. AXA Smart Traveller, for example, provides comprehensive coverage for trip disruptions, medical emergencies of up to PHP3.5 million each for accidents and sickness, and more, ensuring your adventures are safe, secure, and as stress-free as possible. Moreover, this Schengen-accredited insurance provider also offers discounts on multi-trip plans and those who travel in groups so you don’t need to blow off your budget to go on your well-deserved mental break.

Be ready to engage in activities that make you think sharper and enhance your creativity

Experiencing new environments stimulates your brain, enhancing cognitive flexibility and creative thinking. The mental workout you get from navigating unfamiliar places or trying new activities can make you more innovative and inspired. Columbia Business School professor, Adam Galinsky, found that foreign experiences improve cognitive flexibility, a key component of creativity.

Reph tells us how traveling enhances his mental ability and physical well-being, “Mentally, it keeps me sharp—I’m constantly navigating new environments, learning new things, and adapting to different situations. Physically, the movement itself—whether it’s walking around a new city, hiking, or even just packing and unpacking—is a workout in itself.

Travel with loved ones to create moments of connections

Institute For Family Studies says traveling as a family can enhance communication, improve cohesion, and create lasting memories. As a busy mompreneur, Ginger shares how travel has helped her spend more quality time with her family. She notes, “As parents, traveling also provides countless teaching moments that help our children grow and become more independent. Whether it’s showing our pre-teen how to navigate a train schedule, encouraging her to order food in a new language, or letting our toddler help pack her bag, these experiences build confidence and life skills.”

It’s important to gift your mind and body the joy of exploration. With #AXASmartTraveller, know you can enjoy wild adventures or a relaxing getaway—worry-free.  Learn more and get a quote here.

JuanFlix is now just P49/month or P349/year!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The best of Philippine cinema sa presyong pang-masa – JuanFlix is now just P49/month or P349/year!

JuanFlix, the official streaming platform of the Film DevelopmentCouncil of the Philippines (FDCP), is now more affordable than ever! Now EveryJuan can enjoy iconic masterpieces and contemporary classics of Philippine Cinema for just P49 a month or an annual fee of P349 a year!

Alongside getting instant access to films from the National Artists of film like Nora Aunor, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and Ricky Lee, JuanFlix also has a great selection of shorts, including entries from emerging student filmmakers to witness the next generation.

Viewers may also avail of Pay-Per-View selections from across the globe! With seminal works from Director Wong Kar-wai showcased next to critically acclaimed world cinema like Aftersun and Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Absolute cinema on-demand for just P49 per film to watch-all-you-can for 7 days.

JuanFlix is just one of many initiatives from the FDCP that seek to make quality cinema accessible to viewers and to provide a platform to showcase the best that homegrown talent has to offer.

All in Juan Click, All in JuanFlix!

Check out what’s on offer: www.juanflix.com.ph

JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel is a streaming platform that offers quality content for local and international film enthusiasts, learners, and filmmakers with special curation of homegrown and world cinema that inspires, enriches and challenges perspectives.

A video-on-demand (VOD) platform that celebrates Filipino cinema, offering a diverse library of films ranging from timeless classics to modern masterpieces. The 2025 subscription model introduces accessible pricing and improved flexibility, ensuring more Filipinos can enjoy quality content.

History's Echoes: EDSA 3 and the New Power Struggle in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In 2001, the Philippines witnessed the rise and fall of EDSA 3, a mass mobilization led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in support of ousted President Joseph Estrada. Despite its scale, the movement failed to unseat then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) largely because the military and police refused to abandon her. Fast forward 23 years, the dynamics of power have shifted, but the questions raised by EDSA 3 remain relevant: What determines the success of such uprisings, and could another attempt today produce a different outcome?

EDSA 3 Revisited: Lessons from Failure

EDSA 3’s collapse was a case study in the importance of military and police loyalty. Despite widespread public support for Estrada among his base, including INC members, the lack of critical backing from the armed forces sealed its fate. GMA’s administration, though embattled, managed to maintain the loyalty of these key institutions, preventing the protest from escalating into a successful power shift.

The INC’s role in EDSA 3 was notable but limited by its inability to sway the military. This lack of influence on the nation's security forces highlights a crucial weakness in their political calculus at the time. In movements like these, moral fervor and mass mobilization are often insufficient without institutional support.

The Duterte Card: A Game-Changer?

The current political landscape offers stark contrasts to 2001. Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his family command considerable loyalty among the military and police—groups that have historically been decisive in moments of political crisis. Duterte’s close ties with these institutions are evident from his six years in office, during which he cultivated an image as a protector of their interests, particularly in his war on drugs and other security initiatives.

In addition, Duterte’s public statements have hinted at a growing discontent with the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (BBM). His calls for the military to reconsider their support for BBM raise the specter of an unprecedented realignment of power. For the INC, which now appears to be aligning with the Dutertes, this partnership represents a significant strategic advantage that they lacked in 2001.

The Marcos-Duterte Divide: Fault Lines of Power

The relationship between the Marcos and Duterte factions has soured in recent months. Key flashpoints include the ICC case against Duterte, the attacks on Davao City, and the perceived undermining of Vice President Sara Duterte’s political standing through impeachment threats. These developments have intensified the tension between the two camps, creating a volatile political environment.

For BBM, the stakes could not be higher. Unlike GMA in 2001, he faces an adversary with deep institutional connections and significant public support. If the INC and the Duterte camp consolidate their forces, the balance of power could tilt dramatically, placing Malacañang under pressure not seen since the People Power Revolution of 1986.

Negotiation or Confrontation?

Given the current tensions, the importance of dialogue cannot be overstated. If there is an open channel for communication between INC leaders and the Marcos administration, a peaceful resolution might still be possible. However, if silence prevails, the likelihood of confrontation grows. BBM’s administration must recognize the parallels with his father’s final days in Malacañang, where a failure to secure military loyalty and address public grievances led to his downfall.

For the INC and their allies, the question is whether they will settle for smaller political victories, such as the removal of specific officials like Zaldy Co, or aim for a larger prize. The suggestion to “march to Malacañang” underscores the high stakes and growing frustration among dissenters.

A Historic Crossroads

As history has shown, the Philippines is no stranger to political upheaval. While history does not repeat itself in identical terms, it often echoes familiar patterns. The current situation, marked by deep political divisions and the potential for mass mobilization, bears a striking resemblance to past crises.

BBM must carefully navigate these turbulent waters. The loyalty of the military and police, the potential for negotiation, and the strategic maneuvers of his opponents will all play pivotal roles in determining whether his administration can withstand these challenges.

For the INC, the Dutertes, and other dissenting factions, the stakes are equally high. Whether they choose negotiation, escalation, or a combination of both, their decisions will shape the future of Philippine politics and test the resilience of its democratic institutions. As the saying goes, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." This rhyme may be one that echoes far into the nation's political future.