Traveling with kids always presents the challenge of finding activities that engage their imaginations while also offering cultural enrichment. On our latest trip to Bali, my six-year-old son and I were fortunate to experience the mesmerising Devdan Show – Treasure of the Archipelago at the Nusa Dua Theatre, an experience that exceeded all expectations. Located in the heart of the luxurious Nusa Dua‘s Complex Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the theatre is surrounded by beautiful resorts and pristine beaches, adding a touch of elegance to the entire evening. We were generously hosted by the theatre and treated to some of the best seats in the house, offering an unobstructed view of the dazzling stage. From the moment the curtains lifted, my son was captivated. The Devdan Show is a vibrant and energetic performance that brings to life the diverse cultures of Indonesia, showcasing the country’s traditional dances and rituals from Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and Papua. The way the show blends modern elements with ancient traditions truly held his attention throughout. He was particularly thrilled by the acrobatic performances and the colourful costumes, which seemed to transport us to another world. The professional dancers and artists made the show even more spectacular. Their ability to convey the stories of Indonesia’s regions through movement, music, and stunning visual effects was nothing short of incredible. Each segment introduced a new island and its unique cultural heritage, and the transitions between traditional and contemporary styles were seamless. My son loved the aerial acts and fire dancing, often leaning over to tell me how “cool” it was! I cannot thank the theatre enough for providing us with such an enriching experience. For families traveling with kids, the Devdan Show offers a fantastic blend of entertainment and education. The visual spectacle kept my son engaged, and as a parent, I appreciated the cultural depth and the artistry behind every performance. In conclusion, if you’re visiting Bali with children, I highly recommend adding the Devdan Show to your itinerary. It’s a fantastic way to introduce young ones to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage while enjoying a fun-filled evening that’s sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Devdan Show VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC_f9MomAyk  WEBSITE: https://www.devdanshow.com Bali Nusa Dua Theatre Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, Komplek ITDC Nusa Dua 80363, Bali – Indonesia | P. +62 361 770197 FB: https://www.facebook.com/DevdanShowBali Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, ticket boot opens at 19.00, shows starts 19.30 Echo Bali Car Rental AsianItinerary drove around the island of Bali with a reliable car provided by Echo Bali Car Rental in Jalan Pantai Sentosa No 4,Canggu, Seminyak, Bali – You can contact Mr. Wayan Suyadnya – Tel: +62 87860131999  /  +62 85100151909 – FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/echobalicarrental – MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5fEDoZx8BSGfF3q7 – EMAIL: info@echobalicarrental.com

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Mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled! The highly anticipated Siam Songkran Music Festival 2024 is set to explode onto the scene, taking place from April 12th to 15th at RCA CENTRAL PARK, Bangkok, Thailand. A four-day odyssey of pulsating beats, captivating performances, and unforgettable memories under the Thai sky awaits. Launched in 2019, the Siam Songkran Music Festival is the first of its kind, aiming to attract tourists from around the world by showcasing the best of Thainess alongside electrifying EDM performances. The inaugural event in 2019 and its 2023 edition received rave reviews across Southeast Asia, solidifying the festival’s potential as a must-attend cultural and musical experience. Organized by One Asia Ventures Co., Ltd., a leading force in music festivals and concerts with over 9 years of experience across Southeast Asia. The Siam Songkran Music Festival in Thailand is a vibrant celebration that blends the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, with contemporary electronic dance music (EDM) culture. Held annually in April, during the height of the Songkran festivities, the event transforms the streets of Bangkok into a pulsating playground of music, color, and revelry. At the heart of the festival is its dynamic lineup of local and international DJs and artists, who deliver electrifying performances across multiple stages. From EDM and house to techno and trance, the festival caters to a diverse range of musical tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to groove to. In addition to the music, the Siam Songkran Music Festival offers attendees a chance to partake in traditional Songkran rituals, such as water splashing and paying respects to elders, creating a unique fusion of old and new traditions. Colorful water fights break out throughout the festival grounds, symbolizing the washing away of the past year’s misfortunes and welcoming the new year with a fresh start. Beyond the music and water festivities, attendees can also indulge in a variety of culinary delights from local food vendors, shop for artisanal crafts and souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand’s most famous New Year celebration. With its blend of music, culture, and celebration, the Siam Songkran Music Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking to ring in the Thai New Year in style.  

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Wavy Baby is a two-day music festival happening on January 13-14, 2023 at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines with a lineup of over 20 artists recognised both locally and internationally. Wavy Baby will feature international performers Pink Sweat$, BamBam, Sunmi, The Rose, Bag Raiders, Manila Grey, and Yultron. All artists signed under Careless namely, James Reid, Massiah, Jolianne, Lesha, August Wahh, Issa, SOS, Destiny Rogers, and A-TEAM will also be performing. Other Filipino acts include Ben & Ben, December Avenue, Urbandub, Franco, December Avenue, Denise Julia, and more. The festival will also feature local Cebuano acts such as Cookie$, The Sundown, Mandaue Nights, Three Legged Men, and Wonggoys. WE’RE REALLY EXCITED TO DO WAVY BABY IN SINULOG BECAUSE IT’S THE BIGGEST AND MOST HISTORIC FESTIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES. WE WANT TO BUILD A FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD TOGETHER TO MEET AND CELEBRATE LIFE AND CULTURE, WHICH IS WHAT SINULOG IS ALL ABOUT. – Careless’ CEO Jeffrey Oh He added: “We call it Wavy Baby because we want a wavy lifestyle and a wavy mindset. It also pays homage to Sinulog because the symbols are water and the baby Jesus, so it’s also a nod to that. We’re excited to be part of the Cebu family and build something special that hopefully, we can repeat year after year.” The festival will be held at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu — the vacant lot beside bai Hotel. There will be an Artist Lounge, a VVIP Lounge, a VIP Area in front of the stage, Cocktail Pods, Sponsor’s Hives, and a Market Pod.The Cocktail Pod serves as an area for anyone to purchase drinks at the venue, while the Market Pod is designated for food and other merchandise that will be sold. The Sponsor’s Hive will be where Wavy Baby’s brand partners will have different booths that festival goers can visit. TICKET PRICES: Gen Ad: P4,260 (good for 1 person with a 2-day pass) VIP: P8,510 (good for 1 person with a 2-day pass) VVIP: P80,000 (with a table good for 6 persons with a 2-day pass) EVENT DETAILS Dates: January 13-14, 2023 (every ticket purchased can be used for 2 days) Time: Gates open starting at 3PM Venue: Vacant lot beside bai Hotel in North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu (across Parkmall) Official website: https://wavybabyfest.com/ Official Online Tickets: https://smtickets.com/events/view/11683

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Join the world famous annual International Yoga Festival in 2023 – March 8 – 14, 2023 — uniting yogis of every culture, colour and creed together in a one-world yogic family, expanding global consciousness, and bringing healing to the planet, one person at a time! Come, Connect, Embrace, and Evolve Come home to Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga and Yoga Capital of the World, the home of the ancient yogis, sages and seers. Each year the International Yoga Festival grows and expands, embracing more and more people from more and more countries around the world. In 2019, we had over 2000 participants from over 80 countries! Connect with like-minded, conscious yogis and paradigm-shifters from every part of the world. Whether you are already undergoing a personal transformation or are in search of transformation, whether you are already an active co-creator of your own divine life or you would like to become one – the Festival is for all! Befriend a community that becomes family for life. ​In the 7-day immersion and celebration, you have the opportunity to embrace every major style of yoga and learn from enlightened Spiritual Leaders, Master Yoga Teachers, Evolutionary Thought Leaders, and Wellness Specialists from around the world.  Awaken to the best version of yourself and ignite your inner light through this not-to-be-missed event at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, the largest ashram in Rishikesh and one of the largest interfaith yoga institutions in India. At the International Yoga Festival, there is a special time during the festival in which participants from around the world can offer a cultural demonstration of yoga, dance or song to highlight the cultural richness of their country.Please note:  This opportunity is for ticket-holders only, and is an opportunity to represent your country and culture to fellow IYF participants! For those interested in taking part in this, please complete the form below with your details and an outline of what you would like to present as well as how many in your group. Our team will contact you regarding this, closer to the Festival. Guidelines apply. Please see below: All performances should be mindful of ashram guidelines and Indian culture, and adhere to truth, non-violence, self-discipline, and polite etiquette. All performers (both men and women) are required to dress modestly and soberly, in a way that shows respect for the tradition of ashram life. We request that no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or other revealing clothing are worn. All performers are responsible for their own music, costumes and props. Basic light and sound will be provided by the ashram. No animals are allowed on stage. Check it out at https://internationalyogafestival.org 

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Laguna Phuket, Asia’s premier integrated destination, has joined hands with Phuket-based event management company Works.com to bring Laguna Beach Festival to Laguna Phuket’s beachfront. Taking place on Sunday, 4 December and Monday, 5 December 2022 from noon till late, the free festival will pack in a programme of exciting events ranging from kite shows and wellness activities to live entertainment, family workshops and market-style food stalls.  Set across three zones – Beach Market, Wellbeing Deck and Lagoon Stage – the festival promises an exciting day time at the beach for both thrill-seekers and sun-worshipers. At the Beach Market, running from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, visitors will be invited to sample local flavours from numerous vendors and shop for handmade goods from Phuket makers, while over at the Wellbeing Deck guests can attend TechnoGym-sponsored boot camps, breathwork and stretching classes with Banyan Tree Veya practitioners, and yoga classes with the Angsana Laguna Phuket team. As limited spots are available, advance booking is required. For live sunset and after-dark gigs, visitors are invited to the Lagoon Stage in Laguna Grove where popular Thai rock artists Palaphol, Bodyslam and Nont Tanont will be entertaining the festival-goers from 5:00 pm till 11:00 pm on both days.  Known as Laguna Beach, Angsana Laguna Phuket’s pristine beachfront is the only integrated beachside location in Phuket to offer both sea and lagoon-based water sports year-round in one place. Following an extensive renovation, Laguna Beach has recently reopened with welcoming rows of sunbeds set across manicured lawns, a stunning XANA swimming pool with a pool bar, private cabanas, beach umbrellas, day lockers and changing rooms, as well as beachside massage stalls and an expansive sports centre offering sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skis, CrossFit, plus beach volleyball and much more.  Additionally, resort guests and Laguna Beach day visitors can enjoy four distinctive restaurant and bar experiences, including floating dining in the lagoon, authentic Italian and private picnics, all offering family-friendly menus. Laguna Beach facilities are free for Angsana Laguna Phuket guests, with day passes available for purchase for THB 550 per person.  Laguna Beach Festival 2022 is free and open to the public. VIP tickets for the Lagoon Stage are available and can be collected at the Beach Market during the day, first come first served! As part of the event, organisers will donate 30 adjustable beds to the assisted living senior community in Cherngtalay. For more information about Laguna Phuket, please visit: www.lagunaphuket.com.  For more information about the event visit  https://www.lagunaphuket.com/laguna_event/laguna-beach-festival-dec22/ 

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The BaliSpirit Festival embodies the core mantra of Balinese Hinduism – Tri Hita Karana – to live in harmony with our spiritual, social, and natural environments. Back after a two year shutdown, The BaliSpirit Festival summons yoga enthusiasts, dancers, musicians and spirituality seekers from all corners of the globe, joining together to inspire one another and nourish each individuals potential within. Through the traditions of yoga, dance, healing and world music, the BaliSpirit Festival attracts over 5000 people from all over the world every year. The Festival offers you a wide range of events to choose from, such as interactive workshops & seminars, a lively community market & healing center, a children’s activity zone, yoga classes and vibrant night time programs of live Bhakti music concerts, ecstatic dance and DJs, set among the picturesque rice-fields of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. BaliSpirit Festival offers a robust workshop schedule from 7am-6pm daily, with a variety of inspiring teachers offering deep experiences in ceremony, expressive arts, dance and styles of yoga such as Anusara, Yin, Hooping, Acro, Kundalini, Hatha, Tantra, Mantra, Prana flow, Vinyasa, Astanga, Silks, Restorative, Pranyama, Meditation, Breathwork, Sound Healing, Cacao & more. You can start with a rockin’ vinyasa in the morning and continue with Blissology yoga in the afternoon, culminating your day with a breathwork ceremony. The options are endless! This is a festival of culture and altruism and as such, it is held on a very inspiring place, the Indonesian island Bali. The visitors can enjoy: Concerts that are held during the day and the night Diverse workshops Activities for children and for the whole family Organic health food Healing activities according to various traditions Traditional fair, etc… The festival’s program, venue, lineup information show time / schedule of events, tickets, how to get & travel tips etc, is present in the festival’s link website, under “Event Related Information” section. And if you cannot attend, not to worry: you can get a little taster of the BaliSpirit Festival from the comfort of your own home. Sign up to their FREE email list to experience everything from yoga to dance, music, healing and more. Lots of videos, ebooks and exclusive discounts waiting for you. This is the closest you are going to get to the festival without actually going. Opt in to experience everything from yoga to dance, music, healing and more. With so much variety at the festival we have something for everyone.

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I often participate to cacao ceremonies in different events, but the one I attended at BaliSpirit Festival 2019 was definitely the best life experience! Hundreds of people reunited with outstanding artists in the main pavilion to drink lots of cacao. I can still feel the huge energy and emotion that arise when uniting such a big group of people. Ceremonial cacao is raw chocolate, which when consumed leads to a release of endorphins and an opening of our hearts. The Spirit of the Cacao is a Master Plant Teacher and is also known as the Cacao Goddess. She is gentle and nurturing, but at the same time very powerful. When we use Cacao we are often invited to work with forgiveness and acceptance, leading us to increased love for ourselves and others. The main stimulant found in high grade ceremonial cacao is Theobromine (which means ‘the food of the gods’). The amount of caffeine in good ceremonial grade Cacao should be very low. You will find that cacao will give you a great burst of energy, and will at the same time help you focus and do deep inner works such as meditation and shamanic journeying. If you drink Cacao regularly, it will improve your memory, increase your serotonin levels and therefore help with low level depression, and it can help you if you suffer from high blood pressure. Cacao is also considered to be the best creativity enhancer and is used by authors, artists, yoga and meditation teachers, dance therapists, tantric practitioners. The list goes on. It is a super food that contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and 40 times more antioxidants than blueberries. It is especially high in iron, magnesium and calcium, and is wonderful for women to drink during their moon time.  Cacao is gentle in a way that it lets YOU decide if you are ready to let go. Maybe just listening to other peoples’ stories will help you make the necessary changes in your lives. The aim of a Cacao Ceremony is to empower you to release what doesn’t serve you any longer, and helps you see and re-connect with what is truly important in your life. Cacao compared to other medicinal plant is easy to integrate. With Cacao we can laugh, sing, dance, be creative, think, do yoga, and most importantly, share our love and joy with each other. In Mayan culture, Cacao was used ceremonially to commune with the Gods. Today, we continue this sacred traditional by drinking Cacao to reconnect with the deep wisdom of our own precious beings. In fact, this ceremony invokes guided meditation, breath work, sacred song, creativity, joy and release. At BaliSpirit Festival 2019, Cacao was not the only component, though quite powerful in itself. The main power was coming from the people: a big group of yogi, artists, healers and common people with a great heart and energy. A mix of music and dance which connected all together and created a positive vibration. Thank you BaliSpirit Festival, you have the power to let people touch the greatest and most powerful feeling of unconditioned love.

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With only a few days to go until BaliSpirit Festival starts, we are super excited and hope you are too. This is just some useful information to help to prepare for your trip, as well as the latest program updates. If you need more inspiring reading until BaliSpirit Festival starts, we can recommend two new articles of our blog: Is Breathwork the New Yoga Is Breathwork the New Yoga and About Helping Yourself by Helping Others, both written by BaliSpirit Festival presenters. The Schedule is Being Published The detailed schedule for the first couple of day is out now. You can start your festival with inspiring morning workshops like a Body Awakening Morning Ritual, Urban Flow Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Guitar Meditation and so much more. Check out the schedule here.  There will be updates every day and our team is still adding more sessions and details so please check in again or download our festival app, to stay up to date. Available for Android and iPhone. PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS PechaKucha Night – Tuesday, March 19 | 7pm Inspiring Talks and BaliSpirit Festival Special features: six festival guests present in the fast, fun & engaging 20×20 format: 20 images, each for 20 seconds. Uncover the unexpected. Tickets start from IDR 80,000 Vedic Astrology Special Event – Sunday, March 24 | 10am – 2pm At the luxurious riverside Fivelements Resort & Spa, featuring a Dharma Talk with world reknown Vedic Astrologer, Jeffrey Armstrong & a gourmet Plant-Based Luncheon. More info here This optional event has additional fees of $50 OPENING PARTY At The Yoga Barn – Sunday, March 24 | 7pm onwards  Join us for a magical night featuring dance performances, a DJ set by Sophie Sofree and other surprises to start this amazing week. More Info here. If you have an Abundance, 7-Day Spirit, 7-Day Music or Teenager Pass, you will be able to get your festival wristband at the Opening Party. All other passholders can get their wristband at the entrance of the festival. PRACTICAL INFO How to move, where to live, what to do besides the festival…there are so many questions that might come up when getting ready for BaliSpirit Festival. Don’t worry. With our practical information below you should be prepared quite well. We can’t wait to meet you at the festival or even better, already at the Opening Party on Sunday, March 24 at The Yoga Barn.

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Unesco has listed Thai khon as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat said the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage agreed to officially list Thailand’s khon masked dance drama as intangible cultural heritage on Thursday. khon is a dance drama genre from Thailand. khon has been performed since the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It is traditionally performed solely in the royal court by men in masks accompanied by narrators and a traditional pipit ensemble. A variation of this genre with female performers is called khon phu ying. Mr Vira credited the success to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s contribution to preserve and improve the art. “She ordered a remake of costumes and ornaments, as well as makeup, stage, format, light and sound, turning it into a royal khon performance,” he said. Anucha Teerakanond of Thammasat University said there were three intangible cultural heritage lists. The longer one is the representative list which Thai khon has been added. Another one is the list in need of urgent safeguarding by communities and countries. The other one is the good practice list. “Cambodia‘s Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet is on the urgent list while Thai khon is on the representative list,” he explained. To celebrate, Thailand‘s Cultural Ministry will start holding khon-related activities until the end of next year. They include live performances, animation films, exhibitions, children books, features and digital database. Contributors to the art will also be celebrated. Thailand started applying for listings of intangible cultural heritage after the country ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 10, 2016. For next year, the ministry plans to apply for the listings of nuad Thai (Thai traditional massage) and Nora, a southern traditional dance. Credit to: https://www.bangkokpost.com/lifestyle/art/1584642/unesco-lists-khon-as-cultural-heritage. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post Public Company Limited. All rights reserved.

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The increasingly global BaliSpirit Festival will take place from March 24-31, 2019. The BaliSpirit Festival, a Global Celebration of Yoga, Dance & Music offers rejuvenation and inspiration to all who enter its tropical grounds. Over 300 Workshops, Seminars, and Master Classes for 7 days, including Yoga, Dance and Movement, Healing, Personal Development, and Breathwork facilitators. Styles of Yoga and movement include Ashtanga, Acro, Power, Zenthai Shiatsu, Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Laughter Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Jivamukti, Anusara, Qi Gong, Kundalini, Sound Alchemy, Esalen Massage, Hangab Therapy, Watsu, Gong Bath Meditation, Crystal Bowls, Sound Healing, Breathwork and Meditation, Ecstatic Dance, Qi Gong, Hula Hoop, Capoeira, Embodied Flow, Latin, Balinese and African Dancing, Reggae and Dancehall, Mental Health, Spirituality, Nutrition, Ayurveda, World and Cultures, Motivation & Life topics, Sexuality, Sacred Cacao Ceremonies, Kirtan, Soul Music, African Drumming, Balinese Music Performances, and many more. Our musical vision this year is to create a more connected and intimate concert experience, to ignite the quality of attention and heart-centered presence that leads us into deeper connection, brighter joy and truly sacred celebration. To this end, the concerts will take place under the stars at our lush and beloved original venue, Bali Purnati. The Coco Love Stage located in the Dharma Fair captured over 50 diverse music artists from all over the world. Coco love stage celebrates passions for collaboration on its East to West jamming sessions. The musicians showcased a variety of genres including: Traditional Indonesian dancing, Balinese Gamelan, Acoustic, downtempo melodic DJ’s, Ecstatic Kirtan, Indian, African, Conscious Hip-Hop, Folk & other forms of World Music fusion. The Coco-Love Stage continues to be a valuable addition to the festival, promoting a dynamic vibe and offers festival participants a chance to relax and enjoy live music and additional community events. The last day of the Festival and by far the most popular, is dedicated to children. Hari Cinta Keluarga provides a multi-lingual, free program for the Balinese community, welcoming them to join in the festivities. Don’t forget to check out our Dharma Fair & The Night Market, with over than 60 vendor booths feature locally made products, food & beverage services, performance stage, + NGO and sponsor booths. In the weeks leading up to and following the Festival, Bali is alive and pulsating with the energy of the presenters and participants who have come to town. A number of music and yoga events are additionally held in venues Island-wide. Now in its 12th year, international leaders and a surging audience of empowered consumers from across the globe gather for this 7 days/8-night event to awaken and nourish each individual’s potential within, leading to positive change in our homes, in our local communities, and thereby, around the world. Through the beneficial and inspirational traditions of Yoga, Dance, Music and Healing, The BaliSpirit Festival illustrates the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana: living in harmony with our spiritual, social, and natural environments. Guests often describe The BaliSpirit Festival as “life changing”, “inspirational” and “being positively impacted by the festival’s successful blend of energy, passion, personal awakening, social consciousness, and high-quality entertainment.”. One attendee in 2018 said, “It is a highlight of this festival to connect with beautiful, conscious souls, just coming together on a sacred space in Bali. It is such an honour to share passion and to come from a heart space, connecting over yoga, dance, expression and music, vegan food, plant-based food, gluten free food…all of this is heaven on earth.” Save up to $125 in Super Early Bird Passes for the 12th annual BaliSpirit Festival, known as one of the Top Yoga Festivals Around the Globe. We will be releasing additional ticket types later in the year. Check http://www.balispiritfestival.com/tickets/ to sign up as the super early bird opens now. Experience one of the world’s most inspiring yoga festivals, celebrating global community, world music and well-being!

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The ever popular Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) happening in Kuching, Malaysian Borneo, is not an ordinary festival to the world crowd. Running since the early 90s, this  yearly festival never failed its audience and keeps bringing various talented performers from all over the world. Last year Rainforest World Music Festival, organized at the Sarawak Cultural Village, SCV, gathered a big audience at the performance of Tahitian group O Tahiti E. This amazing team who managed to woo the crowd through their amazing dancing movements was not just an ordinary group but a famous one the world over. Seeing their dance and listening to their music made me move as well. While their appearance reminded me of Moana, the Disney movie, they were for real, and every workshop they joined was a great success too. Same I can say for most of the groups invited year after year at this amazing gathering. This year, Rainforest World Music Festival is expected to bring 27 performers, among them Danai Kuwai (Sarawak), Dona Onete (Brazil), Elisouma (Comoros Islands), Kevin Locke (USA), Votosi (Poland) and many more, as well as the extraordinary and interesting combination of Sarawakian music in local band At Adau. For a complete list of performers, click HERE. But it does not stop at the music. In line with FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, Rainforest World Music Festival does not miss the chance to display Russian culture through the performance of a Oyme, a group from the Republic of Mordovia, part of the Russian Federation. And if music is not your cup of tea, please do not retreat: Rainforest World Music Festival also provides its cheerful public with other activities such as Wellness and Lifestyle: Yoga and Zumba classes, Sape sessions, Sampeh stories, Children’s sessions, Rainforest Crafts Bazaar, Food and Village Mart and also mini sessions known as workshops. Don’t miss out a chance to join us at Rainforest World Music Festival this year.Tickets can be booked and buy online through http://rwmf.net/tickets/ or https://www.facebook.com/rwmf.official/. My advice, book early for affordable prices. See you there, and enjoy the festival.

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Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, March 2018 – BaliSpirit Festival is a Global Celebration of Yoga, Dance & Music. It is located in Yayasan Bali Purnati, Batuan, Bali on April 2-8, 2018. This festival seeks to awaken and nourish the potential inside every individual, leading to positive change in ourselves, our homes, in our communities, and around the world. Commencing on April 2, there are over 100 different daytime workshops and events at BaliSpirit Festival, where attendees can freely move between an unlimited number of workshops and events. Workshops and events range from yoga classes, health seminars, satsangs, sound healing and meditation to kirtan and music performances from world class teachers, guest presenters, yogis, artists, healers, innovative thinkers and musicians from around the world. Together to celebrate wellness, music, tolerance, peace, cultural curiosity and joy in the stunning tropical setting, presenters are passionate about sharing their knowledge to inspire and enlighten everyone to join the festival. This year, BaliSpirit Festival is proud to announce that the festival has been selected by the Tourism Ministry of Indonesia in their selection of Wonderful Indonesia’s 100 Festival. No less than 100 events and 10 national events are included in the Calendar of Events of Wonderful Indonesia (CoE WI). For yoga lovers, there are classes for all levels, for absolute beginners to handstand lovers across all traditions of yoga including: Vinyasa Flow, Kundalini, Hatha, Jivamukti, Ashtanga, Power Yoga, Children’s yoga and more. BaliSpirit Festival also provides dance classes, many discussions, music workshops, seminars, and in addition to the many healing and breathwork workshops part of the main program of BaliSpirit Festival, attendees can also book individual healing sessions offered at the Healing Huts area. The Dharma Fair is the heart of the festival community with a thriving market place with the Community Pavillion for all activities, and community daytime music stage: Coco Love Stage. The Coco Love stage features artists from all over the world and offers a unique experience, features a wide range of uplifting music and dance performances throughout the day. From local Balinese performances to world music and kirtan, this area is for people wanting to visit and soak up the community atmosphere of the festival. Dharma Fair showcases the diverse selection of healthy, organic and vegan food prepared by some of Bali’s finest restaurants and vendors. Market Stalls of locally made handicrafts, jewelry, clothing and gifts with an emphasis on artisanship and ethical commerce. There’s also the non-profit organizations information area and the Kids Zone, with experienced daycare providers so kids can enjoy a full program of games, creative workshops, arts and crafts, storytelling, bouncy fun and much more. At night, BaliSpirit Festival also has a lively music concerts ranging from ecstatic dance to ceremonies and kirtan. Nighttime Music concerts take place on April 3-7 followed by a closing ceremony at the end of the last day on April 8. The closing day is dedicated to Hari Cinta Keluarga (Love Family Day), a special Community Day which offers the local community a space to find connection with families through an inspiring program of bilingual classes, performances & family-friendly workshops with some top guest presenters for all ages. The family-friendly program offers a variety of interactive activities and experiences. This year’s BaliSpirit Festival presenters includes: Eoin Finn (Canada), Duncan Wong (Japan), Mark Whitwell (New Zealand), Papermoon Puppet Theatre (Indonesia), Ronan Tang (China), Anthony Abbagnano (Italy), Latonya Style (Jamaica), Minuk (Columbia/Sweden), Deborah Langley (Australia), IB Candi (Indonesia), Tina Malia (USA), Arif Sentosa (Indonesia), Young Ho Kim (Germany), Kula (Portugal), Noviana Kusumawardhani (Indonesia), Julian Silburn (Australia), Diena Haryana (Indonesia), TyeZan (Switzerland), Jennifer Ann (Netherlands), and Joe Crossley (UK), while in Dharma Fair booths from among others, Ultra Jaya, Jory Best, Bali Yoga Shop, Aum Rudraksha Designs, Ubud Raw Chocolate, Dapur Kopi Bali, Kebun, Om Prakash & Sons, Alchemy, Sudiana Design, Yin Jewellery, We Ar, KAFE, Indigo Luna and Utama Spice. For complete listing of Presenters and Parties involved, you can check www.balispiritfestival.com.

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BaliSpirit Festival is one of South East Asia’s biggest and longest annual yoga, dance and music festivals. The goal of the BaliSpirit Festival is to awaken and nourish each individual’s potential for positive change within, leading to a greater positive change in our homes, in our communities and around the world. BaliSpirit Festival is a non profit event and operates 3 year-round outreach programs: AYO! Kita Bicara HIV & AIDS (HIV & AIDS awareness and education program for schools in Indonesia) Bali Conference (A music and arts education and community program) and Bali ReGreen (A bamboo reforestation program in impoverished areas in Bali). The next BaliSpirit Festival will be the 11th edition and will take place in Ubud, Bali from April 2-8 2018. There is a new format for 2018: 6 days of full programming including yoga, dance, meditation and breathwork workshops and 7 nights of night music concerts, all taking place at Bhanuswari Resort, Ubud. WHY TRAVEL TO UBUD, BALI FOR YOGA? Bali and particularly Ubud, is one of the leading destinations for yoga, healing and wellness. More and more people are visiting Bali as a destination to pursue yoga and meditation, and to journey into self-discovery. Yogis flock to Ubud, Bali’s cultural hub to immerse themselves into the plethora of yoga and healing centers, temples, the spirituality and rich culture of the Balinese, healthy vegetarian and vegan restaurants and breathtaking scenery. Ubud is a small but busy town that provides plenty to see and do, as well as a tranquil environment for reflection, spiritual realization and for travelers to take their yoga practice to the next level. THE BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE What makes BaliSpirit Festival unique is the diverse West meets East cultural fusion across the festival programming and venue. Attendees experience Balinese culture, spirituality and mesmerizing nature, the perfect setting for attendees to evolve, connect to each other and be creatively inspired. The feeling of community and practice of karma yoga and giving back is strongly felt at BaliSpirit Festival. Over USD $100,000 has been raised by BaliSpirit Festival for its annual outreach programs and partner charities which includes environmental conservation, multi-cultural and performing arts education, healthcare and HIV & AIDS awareness. The scenery and overall environment of Bali makes it a perfect destination for attendees to deepen their understanding and transform their yoga practice and way of living, whilst knowing their actions are making a difference in giving back to Bali and Balinese communities. Over the last 10 years, BaliSpirit Festival has continued to grow and now attracts approximately 7000 people from over 50 different countries each year to Ubud, Bali. Past BaliSpirit Festival attendees have described their experience as ‘life changing’, ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’. BaliSpirit Festival attendees connect to themselves and each other through yoga, meditation, movement and breathwork in a safe community of likeminded people. BaliSpirit Festival provides transformational and spiritually enhancing experiences for attendee’s year after year. BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL FORMAT There are over 200 workshops in yoga, healing, personal development seminars, music, dance throughout the week and a range of different tickets to choose, from 1-day Spirit Pass to the all inclusive weekly Abundance Pass. Yoga styles include: Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Acro, Hatha, Power, Children’s Yoga, Laughter Yoga and many more… Monday April 2nd – Special events and the opening party Tuesday April 3rd through Saturday April 7th: Daytime programming of yoga, meditation, dance, seminars and breathwork workshops between 7am and 6pm. Followed by Bhakti night music performances until 10pm. Sunday April 8th: Community day (for kids and family) followed by the magical closing party. PRESENTERS AT BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL 2018 BaliSpirit Festival attracts a large number of world-class yoga teachers, healers, breathwork and movement facilitators from all over the globe to share their knowledge and practice. Full daytime line-up will be released soon, the current line-up for BaliSpirit Festival 2018 can be found here. CONFIRMED HEADLINERS FOR BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL 2018: Dana Trixie Flynn (Laughing Lotus Yoga Founder) Janet Stone, Danny Paradise Tymi Howard, Duncan Wong, Petros Haffenrichter and over 50 more MUSICIANS AT BALISPIRIT FESTIVAL Our music line-up will feature established conscious-festival headliners, authentic world music masters, and up-and-coming underground artists. Headline musicians for Bhakti night concerts will be revealed soon. As we move into our 11th year, we’re happy to announce that BaliSpirit Festival’s day-time and night-time events will finally be unified in the same venue! We aim to create a seamless experience with less travel between locations and more time to relax and enjoy the good vibes and great music – Rob Weber, BaliSpirit Festival Musical Director and Co-Founder Our commitment to the environment and the people of Bali is not just in our message, but in our action as well – I Made Gunarta, Festival Co-Founder and Cultural Liaison The unifying principle is simple: BaliSpirit’s artists are inspired by a higher power and transmit that love through their music. Expect uplifting, inspiring concerts charged with love and positivity – Rob Weber, BaliSpirit Festival Musical Director Check the program out and buy your tickets at www.balispiritfestival.com 

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“We believe that the human body is inhabited by a life giving spirit. We call this an amirue. When a person dies, his or her spirit becomes an adiau, just for the time of its journey to the place where the amirue resides. During the nine days of the Ijame ceremony we help the adiau make its way.” These words were spoken to me by Ibu Nyupur, a wadian (shawoman) from Murutuwu. This village is located six hours by road from Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, and lies deep in the heart of Dayak Ma’anyan country. The Ma’anyan are one of approximately 200 Dayak tribes, the original inhabitants of the large island of Borneo. In July this year Murutuwu Village played host to an Ijame, or death ceremony, which I was fortunate to attend. The Wadian There are two types of wadian in the Dayak Ma’anyan culture. Some preside over “life ceremonies”, such as healing, purification and thanksgiving. Others preside over “death ceremonies” and are experts in the afterworld. “Death ceremony” wadians play a critical role during the Ijame, as they are responsible for dealing with the bad spirits who may try to intervene and prevent the adiau from making its passage to the world of spirits where it belongs. The wadians do this by making special food offerings (pisarakan) and performing ancient chants throughout the night. The Ijame Ceremony The Ijame death ceremony has been conducted for hundreds of years, but only in Paju Epat, an area including four villages in East Barito. It is the only ceremony that the entire village community participates in and plays an important role in keeping the Ma’anyan culture alive. Ijame is conducted in an area of the village where the cemetery and the village assembly hall, or balai, are located. A cremation structure (papuian) is erected in the area. This is where the bones of the deceased are placed for burning on the final day. There is also a large coffin-like box made from ironwood (tambak), which is a repository for family ashes. Digging up of the Bones The Ijame I attended began with the digging up of the bones of a local villager, who had died two years previously. Bones from three others were brought from neighbouring villages, and they were all placed in a temporary small wooden repository in the assembly hall. On the first day of every Ijame, special offerings are placed in four areas on the outskirts of the village to keep the bad spirits away. This is also the time that the idiran is constructed. Daily rituals are then performed during the ceremony, including the slaughter of at least one pig. Each evening the wadian perform endless chants, offering food, supplies and guidance to the adiau spirits. Cockfighting On the second day cockfights and gambling begin and are performed in the morning and afternoon. The losing (dead) cock from each fight is then hung up on a post, as an offering for the spirits and later made into soup. I was asked to share a bowl with the village cultural leader (kapala adat) and I can vouch for its tasty flavour! Preparations and Animal Sacrifice During the following days, the men focus on constructing the papuian, while in the assembly hall the women prepare baskets, rice and other items considered of use in the spirit world. Day eight attracts officials and others from neighbouring villages to join in the feast. This is the day of slaughter when pigs and buffalo are sacrificed, speeches are delivered and a festive mood takes over. The Burning The ninth and final day is the busiest. It begins with the wadians’ chanting, then the idaran is dismantled and the wood used as a platform on which the ashes will be raked after burning. Various other rituals are performed until the bones are ready for burning. After burning, the ashes are retrieved by the families of the deceased and placed in the tambaks. Then a chicken is released as a symbolic gesture of the soul’s journey to freedom. In the evening the best orator in the village delivers a final speech. It always includes some local history and traditional stories. The Preservation of Ijame So what of the future of Ijame? In the past, there were sometimes hundreds of deceased cremated at one time at these ceremonies. Back in those times almost all the people in the Paju Empat villages were animist. However, missionaries started making their way into these areas in the 50s and have been very successful in their conversion efforts. Today, most of the Dayak Ma’anyan do not follow their ancient ways. There are only a few hundred that are truly animist. The search is on for the younger generation to fulfil the role of wadians. The Future of Ijame As Pak Batarius, the kepala adat and “wisdom keeper” of the village explained, “It seems the younger generation are losing their culture, and this is of great concern to those of us who are responsible for passing on the wisdom and knowledge of the ancestors. Ijame is an important ritual, and we hope it will continue. This year the tourism office of the local government helped fund the ceremony and we hope other foreigners like you will come and witness this special event. This will help us get funding to have more death celebrations like this in the future. The high cost can sometimes be a barrier”. As the first foreign visitor to come to Murutuwu in many years, I was welcomed with genuine hospitality and immediately included as part of the village family. It was such an honour to witness the Ijame. Many young people attending the Ijame seemed to marvel at this expression of their original culture. They enthusiastically watched and took part in the rituals. I had the distinct feeling that, in participating, they were gaining a better understanding of their identity and appreciation of their culture. In the end, I was left thinking that the future was in good hands. Published in Hidden Heritage October...

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Boracay Latin Dance Festival 2018, from 22 to 25 February 2018. Four days of fun on one of the world’s best islands! Check http://boracaylatindancefestival.com + Parties Every Night + Weekend Workshops + Bootcamps + Jack & Jill Competitions + Plus All Kinds of Fun and Games OFFICIAL HOTEL – COAST Boracay  For reservations, call +632 576.4555 or email reservations@coastboracay.com. Anyone staying at Coast may purchase Full Passes for USD$125. Most but not all events will be held at Coast. http://coastboracay.com/ AND http://boracaylatindancefestival.com/hotels/official/ FESTIVAL TRAVEL GUIDE To make it easier and more exciting to travel to Boracay (than it already is!) and access to Boracay Latin Dance Festival 2018 look up http://boracaylatindancefestival.com/travelguide/

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My days in Phnom Penh were busy enough and the activities undertaken quite varied: historical places, a cooking class, a couple of hotel reviews, a treatment at a spa and more. I was determined to miss out on the attractions heavy on Cambodia’s brutal history, which give little impression of the country’s rich heritage. What I needed to complete this adventure was… art. And art I found in the form of a leaflet at the hotel desk that read “Phnom Penh’s top ranked cultural performance”. That was it, I thought: I searched for their website, found it and emailed the booking department asking for a ticket to see the play “Children of Bassac” by Cambodian Living Arts. I was lucky to be in town on a Friday, the only day this play is on at the National Museum, and it was also the first representation of the season. THE LOCATION The location and stage of the show were simple but stunning, an open air concept that added to the feeling and aura of the performances. The moon was shining brightly when I reached the stage following a lantern-lit path. The small and magic outdoor amphitheater in the grounds of the National Museum was the immediate highlight of the show to come. I accommodated myself in the first row and took advantage for a chat with Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) communications manager, whom informed me that the audience numbers, formed predominantly by tourists, have been growing from year to year. So how did people mainly get to know about these shows, I wondered? Like me, some see the advertising on tuk-tuks or from street press, others are approached by enthusiastic young people out the front of the museum itself. Marketing has been an important part of Cambodian Living Arts success, and it is a meaningful success: in the absence of a national opera company, the only job opportunities open for young traditional arts performers is right here! CAMBODIAN LIVING ART Initiatives like Children of Bassac are sponsored by non-profit organization Cambodian Living Arts, an organization dedicated to the transformation of Cambodia through the arts. Cambodian Living Arts productions cover folk and classical dance, village rituals and harvest celebrations. Each performance showcases a wide range of traditional performing arts. It is so important that these art forms are being preserved and saved for posterity through the employment of over 120 performers, most coming from financially difficult suburbs of the city. These young artists are being taught by surviving master artists who are willing to pass on their skills to young students, skills including Apsara dancing, difficult-to-master musical instruments, costume crafting and choreography. These emerging artists are being empowered through their development and through a viable income achieved after years of studying to perfect their crafts. What a great and noble cause. THE DANCES If I had thought Children of Bassac was all about Apsara dancing, I was to be proven wrong: the spellbinding performance offered the audience the chance to discover the diversity of Cambodian culture and traditional arts through a combination of traditional dances from different eras and ethnic groups. The young artists wore brightly coloured outfits and made us travel through a variety of dances by the regions, celebrating the history of Cambodia. Each dance lasted no more than 10 minutes and displayed technical, playful and folk-style skills. The artists employed graceful dancing, enchanting music and plenty of energy, a dynamic performance that captured the whole audience. The distinguished show included dances based upon the Ramayana Indian myth interpreted through Cambodian lore, like the much-loved monkey dance, as well as Cambodian folk tales: a buffalo blessing from the Phnong tribe of Ratanakiri, a lively fishing dance in which fish are not the only catch, the Cambodian scarf kroma dance, and finally a captivating and well-expected Apsara dance. There was a screen onto where a projector gave brief explanation on the types and meanings of the dances performed, including some subtitles in English during the theater. The highlight was indeed the amazingly coloured costumes and most importantly the skilled dancers. THE EMERGING ARTISTS I must admit I totally fell in love with the gracefulness of the professional dancers, so passionate and entertaining that you could tell the audience had a great time watching them dance, act, sing and play instruments on stage. These talented and enthusiastic young performers take years of practice to perform such technical yet compelling dances that drew the audience in and wrap them up in their show with perfectly placed movements that require an enviable amount of strength and grace. In each of the performers I saw such a passion about their work, and such a talent as actors, actresses, dancers and musicians displayed an excellent standard of professionalism. The quality of the performances and of the dancers’ beauty, sheer strength and physical control were a perfect match to the gorgeous costumes made with traditional brocaded and silk fabrics. I felt so heavily engrossed in the show that at some point my eyes teared up a little. MY IMPRESSIONS I have been to cultural shows in other countries in the past, but this felt like a genuine experience. I was so glad to be in Phnom Penh on the right evening and to be invited to this amazing evening of entertainment. Just over one hour of show makes it for the perfect evening, recommended to anyone who is looking for a high quality traditional dance. If you are after a real cultural experience while in Phnom Penh, do not hesitate to go to one of Cambodian Living Arts shows at the National Museum. The 80 minute performances are of great value at $15 at the door, offering a gorgeous snippet of the history and myth of Cambodia. Tickets can be purchased online through bookings@cambodianlivingarts.org Your patronage goes directly back into the program, which provides well-paid work for over 100 artists, as well as covering production costs. Your participation enhances Cambodian Living Arts mission to transform and...

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