Bali’s Best-Kept Secret? This New Museum Will Change the Way You See the Island!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the heart of Bali, where the island's rich tapestry of culture and tradition intertwines with the serene beauty of its landscapes, a new beacon of heritage has emerged. The SAKA Museum, nestled within the luxurious AYANA Bali resort, stands as a testament to the island's enduring spirit and its commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique cultural identity.

A Sanctuary of Balinese Heritage

The SAKA Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a living, breathing celebration of Balinese culture. Dedicated to the island's Hindu heritage and traditional crafts, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the heart of Bali's spiritual and artistic traditions. From the moment one steps through its doors, the museum beckons with tales of the past, insights into the present, and visions for the future.

A Trio of Captivating Exhibitions

In early April 2025, following the sacred Nyepi holiday—Bali's Day of Silence—the SAKA Museum will unveil three groundbreaking exhibitions:

Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition: This exhibition offers an intimate look into Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, characterized by a day of profound silence, fasting, and meditation. Visitors will experience the island's most revered day through a collection of artworks depicting the various stages of Nyepi celebrations.

Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali: Delving into Bali's unique agricultural system, this exhibition showcases the UNESCO-recognized Subak, a traditional water management system established in the 11th century. Through interactive displays, visitors will gain insight into how this system has sustained Bali's rice terraces and fostered community cooperation.

Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements (Panca Maha Bhuta): Exploring the ancient spiritual teachings of the island's five core elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—this exhibition provides a profound understanding of how these elements influence daily life and spiritual practices in Bali.

These exhibitions are meticulously curated to provide a holistic understanding of the island's traditions, beliefs, and spiritual philosophy, with a particular focus on Tri Hita Karana—the Balinese principle of harmony and balance between God, nature, and humanity.

A Cultural Hub for All

Beyond its exhibitions, the SAKA Museum is committed to becoming a vibrant cultural platform, connecting locals and international visitors to Bali's heritage. The museum offers complimentary educational visits to schools, university students, researchers, and anyone with an educational purpose, fostering a deeper understanding of the island's traditions. Educational visits can be arranged by emailing rsvp@sakamuseum.org in advance.

Architectural Marvel and International Recognition

The museum itself is an architectural marvel, seamlessly blending traditional Balinese design elements with contemporary aesthetics. Its multi-level structure invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, with each floor revealing different facets of Balinese culture. The museum's commitment to authenticity and immersive experiences has not gone unnoticed; it was recently honored by TIME Magazine as one of the World's Greatest Places in 2024. 

A Testament to Bali's Resilient Spirit

The establishment of the SAKA Museum comes at a pivotal time, as Bali continues to navigate the challenges of preserving its cultural identity amidst rapid modernization and tourism. The museum stands as a testament to the island's resilient spirit and its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its rich heritage for future generations.

Plan Your Visit

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Balinese culture, the SAKA Museum offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a curious traveler, the museum promises a journey that enlightens and inspires. To learn more or plan your visit, please visit the official SAKA Museum website. 

In a world that is constantly evolving, the SAKA Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and wisdom of the past continue to illuminate our present and guide our future.

Meet one of our speakers at the UMALOHOKAN: Para sa Kaalaman, Kalikasan at Kinabukasan Workshop

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Remember the date, time and place:

April 13, 2025

2pm onwards

Simbayanan ni Maria Community Foundation, 115 MLQ Street, Purok 2, New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, the legendary "VoiceMaster of the Philippines," has breathed life into thousands of characters while empowering a new generation of voice artists. A visionary leader in voice acting and youth advocacy, his voice doesn’t just tell stories—it transforms lives.

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, affectionately known as the "VoiceMaster of the Philippines," is a distinguished voice artist, veteran radio broadcaster, internationally awarded youth advocate, and motivational speaker. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has lent his voice to thousands of anime characters, hundreds of local and international commercials, children's programs, films, and video games. His journey began at the age of 16 when he won DZMM's "Radyo, Radyo" drama and singing contest, propelling him into the world of voice acting. 

Beyond his voice acting prowess, Pocholo is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and communication development. He founded Creativoices Productions in 2005, establishing the first and only voice acting school in the Philippines—the Philippine Center for Voice Acting. Through this platform, he has trained over 1,000 voice artists, many of whom now lead the industry. 

Pocholo's dedication to nurturing talent and his significant contributions to the voice acting industry have earned him recognition as a pivotal figure in Filipino media and youth advocacy.

Please join us in welcoming Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, the VoiceMaster of the Philippines, whose voice has not only brought countless characters to life but has also inspired and empowered a generation.

Media partners are Philippine Daily Inquirer, INQUIRER.net, Pilipinas, Ngayon Na of DWIZ 882 of Aliw Broadcasting Corporation, Leader News Philippines, Radyo Veritas, DZME 1530, 91.5 Win Radio Manila among many others including top and rising social media personalities (vloggers, bloggers, content creators, influencers) and of course WazzupPilipinas.com

Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling: Duterte Cannot Evade ICC Investigation on Drug War Killings

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a decision that reverberated across the nation, the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2021 ruled that former President Rodrigo Duterte could not escape accountability before the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite his unilateral withdrawal from the Rome Statute. The ruling dealt a major blow to Duterte's attempts to shield himself from the global tribunal’s probe into the thousands of killings linked to his brutal war on drugs—an anti-narcotics campaign that has left a trail of blood and controversy since 2016.

A Shocking Verdict That Shattered Duterte’s Legal Defense

Duterte’s administration had long argued that since the Philippines had officially withdrawn from the ICC in 2019, the court no longer had jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed on Philippine soil. The Supreme Court, however, struck down this argument, making it clear that a country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not extinguish the ICC’s authority over crimes committed before the exit took effect.

The ruling established a precedent: international accountability is not something that a head of state can simply opt out of. Duterte, who had often dismissed the ICC as a foreign institution with no power over him, suddenly found himself standing on shakier ground. The court’s decision reinforced that justice—especially for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings—cannot be erased by mere political maneuvering.

The War on Drugs: A Humanitarian Crisis

Duterte’s war on drugs was one of the most controversial policies in modern Philippine history. From the moment he took office in 2016, he unleashed a relentless campaign against alleged drug users and pushers, urging law enforcement to take an iron-fisted approach.

Police operations and vigilante-style killings became the norm. Families were shattered as loved ones were gunned down in dark alleys, homes, and even in front of their children. Reports from human rights organizations estimated that between 6,000 to 30,000 individuals were killed, many of them under suspicious circumstances, with law enforcement repeatedly justifying the deaths as cases of “nanlaban” (resisting arrest).

Despite repeated calls for transparency and justice, the Duterte administration doubled down, rejecting criticism from both local and international watchdogs. The government insisted that the drug war was necessary to rid the country of criminal elements, even as mass graves, grieving families, and chilling testimonies painted a different picture.

The ICC Investigation: A Moment of Reckoning

The Supreme Court’s ruling removed a major roadblock for the ICC’s prosecutor, who had been pushing for a formal investigation into Duterte’s possible crimes against humanity. The decision signaled that the Philippines, despite Duterte’s rhetoric, was still bound by its prior commitments to the international legal system.

The ruling’s impact was immediate. With this legal shield stripped away, the ICC gained stronger footing to proceed with its probe. Duterte and his allies were left scrambling, calling the court’s decision a betrayal and claiming that the ICC had no right to intervene in domestic affairs.

Despite their protests, international justice mechanisms remained firm. The ruling sent a message to the world: no leader, regardless of power or influence, is beyond the reach of justice.

The Fight for Justice Continues

For the families of drug war victims, the Supreme Court’s decision was a beacon of hope. For years, they had suffered in silence, watching as investigations were dismissed, evidence was ignored, and officials denied their loved ones justice. Now, with the Supreme Court affirming that Duterte could be held accountable, their fight gained renewed strength.

However, challenges remain. Political allies, legal maneuvers, and the complexities of international law could still delay or complicate the ICC’s work. Duterte himself has repeatedly vowed to resist any attempts to bring him before the court, warning that he would rather be “shot dead” than arrested.

A Defining Moment for Philippine Democracy

The Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling will be remembered as a watershed moment in Philippine legal history. It was a declaration that even the most powerful figures cannot simply walk away from justice.

More than just a legal decision, the ruling was a test of the country’s commitment to the rule of law. Would the Philippines stand by its constitutional principles, or would it allow impunity to prevail? The world continues to watch, waiting to see if justice for the victims of the drug war will finally be served.

As the ICC moves forward, one thing is certain—history will not forget the blood that has been spilled. And for those seeking justice, the fight is far from over.