Bali Goes Silent for a Day—Here’s Why You’ll Want to Be There!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the Balinese New Year approaches, AYANA Bali extends an invitation to guests worldwide to partake in the sacred Nyepi celebrations from March 28 to 30, 2025. This unique three-day event offers an immersive experience into Balinese culture, emphasizing introspection, spiritual renewal, and a profound connection to the island's traditions.

Embracing the Day of Silence: Nyepi

Nyepi, observed on March 29, 2025, is a day when Bali comes to a complete standstill. For 24 hours, the island observes silence—no travel, no work, and no entertainment—creating a serene environment for personal reflection and spiritual contemplation. This tradition offers visitors a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily distractions and engage deeply with their inner selves.

AYANA Bali's Nyepi Experience

AYANA Bali has curated a special itinerary to enrich guests' Nyepi experience:

March 28, 2025: Pengerupukan Day

Ogoh-Ogoh Parade: Witness the vibrant procession of large effigies symbolizing the battle between good and evil. This year's parade features two notable figures: Angkeran Durmata, representing greed and arrogance, and Basuki Amogasidi, embodying wisdom and balance.

Children's Activities: Families can engage in decorating mini-effigies, culminating in a delightful kids' parade.

March 29, 2025: Nyepi Day

Healing Meditation: Participate in sessions designed to center the mind and spirit.

Stargazing: Enjoy the unobstructed night sky, free from light pollution, offering a mesmerizing celestial display.

Film Screening: View "Tirta," a short animated film emphasizing Bali's environmental consciousness and the spiritual significance of water.

Guided Walks: Explore AYANA Farm through guided tours, connecting with Bali's lush landscapes.

March 30, 2025: Ngembak Geni

Lamak Wish Ceremony: Guests can inscribe their hopes for the year on decorative Lamak mats, which will be ceremoniously offered during a group event.

Balinese Dress-Up and Dance: Experience traditional Balinese attire and participate in dance lessons, embracing the festive spirit of the day.

Cultural Enrichment at The SAKA Museum

The SAKA Museum, AYANA Bali's cultural centerpiece, offers special events to deepen guests' understanding of Balinese spirituality:

Guided Tour on Akasa: Led by Museum Director Dr. Judith E. Bosnak, this tour delves into the concept of Akasa, reflecting the contemplative essence of Nyepi.

Post-Nyepi Discussions: Engage in conversations about Bali's history and present with museum advisor Marlowe Bandem, followed by the Lamak Wish Ceremony.

In March 2025, the SAKA Museum will also unveil new exhibitions, including "Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition," "Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali," and "Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements (Panca Maha Bhuta)," further showcasing Bali's rich heritage.

Extend Your Journey to Komodo National Park

For those seeking further exploration, AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach offers a breathtaking escape. Guests can enjoy a complimentary picnic on the resort's private island, dine at RINCA Restaurant, and receive discounts on selected boat trips, including full-day island hopping to Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island.

Important Update on Komodo National Park

Travelers should be aware that plans are underway for a temporary or partial closure of Komodo National Park in mid-2025 to allow for ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts. This initiative aims to preserve the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon and ensure the park's long-term sustainability. 

Booking Information

AYANA Bali offers special packages for the Nyepi celebration, with room rates starting from:

RIMBA by AYANA: IDR 4,630,000++/night

AYANA Segara Bali: IDR 6,070,000++/night

AYANA Resort Bali: IDR 6,306,000++/night

AYANA Villas Bali: IDR 17,179,000++/night

Inclusions comprise daily breakfast for two, selected meals, and complimentary Nyepi activities. Bookings are open from January 1 to March 28, 2025, with a minimum stay of two nights.

For reservations and more details, visit ayana.com.

Experience the Sacred Silence of Bali with AYANA and embark on a journey of cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, and natural beauty.

DepEd’s Bold Move: Major Overhaul of Anti-Bullying Rules Coming This School Year!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a decisive move to combat the persistent issue of bullying in Philippine schools, the Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) to revise the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to establish schools as "no-bully zones," ensuring safe and conducive learning environments for all students. 

A Renewed Commitment to Student Welfare

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the need for meticulous monitoring of bullying incidents, noting that despite the law's enactment over a decade ago, not all schools have implemented comprehensive anti-bullying policies. He stated, "We need to be more thorough and diligent in monitoring bullying incidents." 

EDCOM II highlighted the detrimental impact of bullying on students' academic performance, citing studies from De La Salle University and the Philippine Institute of Development Studies. These studies reveal that bullying leads to disengagement and a long-term disinterest in studies, underscoring the urgency of effective intervention. 

Strategic Initiatives and Legislative Support

In 2022, DepEd established the Learner Rights and Protection Office (LRPO) to provide a platform for victims of bullying and other forms of violence to report incidents. The department has also prioritized hiring guidance counselors and offering mental health support to students and teachers, in line with the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 11036). 

The collaboration between DepEd and EDCOM II aims to strengthen intervention programs and ensure the availability of guidance counselors and discipline officers in schools. The revised IRR is scheduled for completion before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, following a series of high-level consultations to incorporate findings from EDCOM II's Year 2 Report into the decision-making process. 

Addressing a Persistent Challenge

Bullying remains a significant concern in Philippine schools. The 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reported that 65% of Filipino students experienced bullying at least a few times a month, the highest rate among participating countries. Although this percentage decreased during the pandemic, recent studies indicate that bullying continues to be a pervasive issue. 

A study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that approximately 11,000 15-year-old students were regularly bullied in various forms during the 2021-2022 school year. This highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to address the issue. 

A Unified Effort for Safer Schools

The partnership between DepEd and EDCOM II represents a unified effort to create safer educational environments. By revising the IRR of the Anti-Bullying Act and implementing supportive measures, the government aims to protect students' well-being and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity in schools.

As the revised regulations are set to be implemented in the upcoming school year, stakeholders remain hopeful that these initiatives will lead to a significant reduction in bullying incidents, ensuring that every learner can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

PHLPost Gets a Power Boost! Retired Justice Cruz Re-elected as Chairman – Here’s What’s Next

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant move poised to drive the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) into a new era of innovation and service excellence, Retired Justice Stephen Caperiña Cruz has been re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The oath-taking ceremony, held on February 4, 2025, was graced by esteemed members of the Board, including Hon. Ricardo R. Blancaflor, Hon. Noel V. Dacasin, Postmaster General & CEO Luis D. Carlos, and Hon. Ernesto O. Severino. 

Justice Cruz's reappointment comes at a pivotal time as PHLPost embarks on ambitious projects to modernize and enhance its services. Under his leadership, the corporation is set to amplify its digital transformation initiatives, bolster logistics and delivery operations, and reinforce its essential role in connecting Filipinos both domestically and internationally.

Postmaster General & CEO Luis D. Carlos expressed his confidence in Justice Cruz's leadership, stating, "Justice Cruz's experience and dedication are invaluable to the corporation. His leadership has been instrumental in driving PHLPost forward, and I look forward to working alongside him to ensure we provide efficient and modern postal services to the nation as we pursue good governance." 

In line with its commitment to service enhancement, PHLPost has recently inaugurated a new postal station in Obando, Bulacan, aiming to expand its reach and provide more accessible services to the community. 

Furthermore, the corporation has launched an improved Postal ID, offering enhanced security features and broader acceptance across various institutions. This initiative underscores PHLPost's dedication to adapting to the evolving needs of the public. 

With Justice Cruz at the helm, PHLPost is poised to navigate the challenges of the modern postal and courier industry, ensuring that it remains a vital and innovative service provider for all Filipinos.