Ever felt like your usual weekend getaways just don’t cut it anymore? Looking for a destination that clears your head and fills your soul at the same time?

A quick flight away, Sa Pa, Vietnam might just be the shift in rhythm you didn’t realize you needed. With its mist-covered peaks, rich cultural roots, and sweeping views, this highland haven is ideal for young professionals in search of something beyond the usual.

A highlands escape that feels far from everything

In a world filled with rushed weekends and familiar destinations, Sa Pa offers something rare: a peaceful place that still feels alive. Located in the mountainous north of Vietnam, it feels like a retreat but still gives you a mix of adventure, culture, and clarity.

We visited this June, and it felt like walking through a dream. The mountain air was cool, the mist clung to the terraced hills, and the views were so wide and open you couldn’t help but pause and take them in. Located in Lào Cai Province, Sa Pa combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural roots. It’s a great option for young professionals who want more than just beaches or busy cities—and who still have the energy for long walks, uphill treks, and scenic descents.

Even getting there is part of the experience. From Hanoi, we took a sleeper bus where you can actually lie down and enjoy a built-in electric massage. Shoes aren’t allowed inside, but the driver provides plastic covers. At the two bus stops along the way, free slippers are available so you don’t have to put your shoes back on. The five-hour ride was smooth, and a shuttle was already waiting when we arrived to take us to our hotel. Everything went seamlessly. After that, exploring the town was easy—walkable streets, friendly locals, and a slower pace that lets you breathe.

Once you're in town, something might catch your eye. The name “Sa Pa” has a space in it, and that’s actually the proper way to spell it in Vietnamese. Still, you’ll see plenty of signs that use “Sapa” as one word. It’s nothing to stress over, since both versions are commonly used and understood by everyone.

Culture at the base, heaven at the peak

The town of Sa Pa has its own quiet charm. An old French colonial church stands in the town square, framed by mountains. Around it, you’ll find restaurants and shops offering everything from local noodle soups to European-style comfort food. Many local dishes are perfect for vegans or those who enjoy a healthy balance of meat and vegetables—think hearty broths, stir-fried greens, and fragrant herbs. During our visit, we even met fellow Filipinos exploring Sa Pa. Some were trying out Vietnamese phrases like cảm ơn&nbsp;(thank you), while others taught locals to say salamat. To our surprise, many shopkeepers already knew the word—proof of the warm and growing connection between cultures.

Not far away is Cat Cat Village, home of the Black Hmong people. We walked past traditional wooden houses, saw handmade indigo fabric being dyed, and joined a cultural show filled with dancing and stories from the tribe’s past. Visitors are also welcome to try on traditional clothes. The whole experience feels natural and welcoming.

But the most unforgettable part of the trip was reaching the top of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam. It’s often called the Roof of Indochina.

This journey is part of Sun World Fansipan Legend, a modern mountain resort complex that still respects tradition. It starts at Hotel de la Coupole. From there, you ride the Muong Hoa funicular, which travels through hillsides and tunnels with great views along the way. At the top station, you transfer to the Fansipan cable car. It’s one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world, floating above forests and clouds. The 15-minute ride offers peaceful and amazing views that you won’t forget.

Once you reach the summit, everything feels calm and sacred. Stone steps guide you to temples, pagodas, and giant Buddha statues, all partly hidden by the mist. Prayer flags wave in the wind while clouds pass close to your face. It’s a quiet and moving place. The best time to go is from March to June or September to November. But even if the weather is foggy, it’s still a special experience.

High adrenaline, deep perspective

If you’re looking for more excitement, Sa Pa has that too. Rong May Glass Bridge, also known as Cloud Dragon, is a clear walkway suspended high above a forested valley. You can also try the zipline, glass elevator, sky bike, and a narrow suspension bridge that follows the same dizzying route as the sky bike. With the ground far below and only glass or cables beneath you, it’s the kind of thrill that makes your palms sweat before you even step forward.

After that, we found the&nbsp; Bản Mòng Alpine Coaster, Sa Pa’s most modern mountain slide. You control your speed as you glide past tall pine trees and sweeping hillside views. It’s fast, fun, and safe enough that we couldn’t resist going for another round.

What truly stands out is the involvement of the local community. Tourism is growing, but many residents remain at the heart of it. Some run homestays, while others lead treks through rice terraces and hill tribe markets. It’s not just a destination to check off — it’s a place where stories and everyday life are openly shared with visitors.

Discover Sa Pa, Vietnam before the crowds do

In Sa Pa, you don’t have to choose between adventure and culture. You get both, all in one place.

For young professionals tired of deadlines and digital overload, this mountain town offers something rare, a true break. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you, not because of the photos you take but because of how it makes you feel.

So go now, while your legs still love the climb and your heart’s still curious. Go before it becomes another crowded stop. Go while Sa Pa still feels like a secret — one worth keeping, but even better when shared.

About the author: Neil Gregori Garen finds poetry in plane tickets and meaning in misty mountains—writing so others can feel it, too.

Neil Gregori GarenEver felt like your usual weekend getaways just don’t cut it anymore? Looking for a destination that clears your head and fills your soul at the same time?A quick flight away, Sa Pa, Vietnam might just be the shift in rhythm you didn’t realize you needed. With its mist-covered peaks, rich cultural roots, and sweeping views, this highland haven is ideal for young professionals in search of something beyond the usual.A highlands escape that feels far from everythingIn a world filled with rushed weekends and familiar destinations, Sa Pa offers something rare: a peaceful place that still feels alive. Located in the mountainous north of Vietnam, it feels like a retreat but still gives you a mix of adventure, culture, and clarity.We visited this June, and it felt like walking through a dream. The mountain air was cool, the mist clung to the terraced hills, and the views were so wide and open you couldn’t help but pause and take them in. Located in Lào Cai Province, Sa Pa combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural roots. It’s a great option for young professionals who want more than just beaches or busy cities—and who still have the energy for long walks, uphill treks, and scenic descents.Even getting there is part of the experience. From Hanoi, we took a sleeper bus where you can actually lie down and enjoy a built-in electric massage. Shoes aren’t allowed inside, but the driver provides plastic covers. At the two bus stops along the way, free slippers are available so you don’t have to put your shoes back on. The five-hour ride was smooth, and a shuttle was already waiting when we arrived to take us to our hotel. Everything went seamlessly. After that, exploring the town was easy—walkable streets, friendly locals, and a slower pace that lets you breathe.Once you're in town, something might catch your eye. The name “Sa Pa” has a space in it, and that’s actually the proper way to spell it in Vietnamese. Still, you’ll see plenty of signs that use “Sapa” as one word. It’s nothing to stress over, since both versions are commonly used and understood by everyone.Culture at the base, heaven at the peakThe town of Sa Pa has its own quiet charm. An old French colonial church stands in the town square, framed by mountains. Around it, you’ll find restaurants and shops offering everything from local noodle soups to European-style comfort food. Many local dishes are perfect for vegans or those who enjoy a healthy balance of meat and vegetables—think hearty broths, stir-fried greens, and fragrant herbs. During our visit, we even met fellow Filipinos exploring Sa Pa. Some were trying out Vietnamese phrases like cảm ơn&nbsp;(thank you), while others taught locals to say salamat. To our surprise, many shopkeepers already knew the word—proof of the warm and growing connection between cultures.Not far away is Cat Cat Village, home of the Black Hmong people. We walked past traditional wooden houses, saw handmade indigo fabric being dyed, and joined a cultural show filled with dancing and stories from the tribe’s past. Visitors are also welcome to try on traditional clothes. The whole experience feels natural and welcoming.But the most unforgettable part of the trip was reaching the top of Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam. It’s often called the Roof of Indochina.This journey is part of Sun World Fansipan Legend, a modern mountain resort complex that still respects tradition. It starts at Hotel de la Coupole. From there, you ride the Muong Hoa funicular, which travels through hillsides and tunnels with great views along the way. At the top station, you transfer to the Fansipan cable car. It’s one of the longest and highest cable cars in the world, floating above forests and clouds. The 15-minute ride offers peaceful and amazing views that you won’t forget.Once you reach the summit, everything feels calm and sacred. Stone steps guide you to temples, pagodas, and giant Buddha statues, all partly hidden by the mist. Prayer flags wave in the wind while clouds pass close to your face. It’s a quiet and moving place. The best time to go is from March to June or September to November. But even if the weather is foggy, it’s still a special experience.High adrenaline, deep perspectiveIf you’re looking for more excitement, Sa Pa has that too. Rong May Glass Bridge, also known as Cloud Dragon, is a clear walkway suspended high above a forested valley. You can also try the zipline, glass elevator, sky bike, and a narrow suspension bridge that follows the same dizzying route as the sky bike. With the ground far below and only glass or cables beneath you, it’s the kind of thrill that makes your palms sweat before you even step forward.After that, we found the&nbsp; Bản Mòng Alpine Coaster, Sa Pa’s most modern mountain slide. You control your speed as you glide past tall pine trees and sweeping hillside views. It’s fast, fun, and safe enough that we couldn’t resist going for another round.What truly stands out is the involvement of the local community. Tourism is growing, but many residents remain at the heart of it. Some run homestays, while others lead treks through rice terraces and hill tribe markets. It’s not just a destination to check off — it’s a place where stories and everyday life are openly shared with visitors.Discover Sa Pa, Vietnam before the crowds doIn Sa Pa, you don’t have to choose between adventure and culture. You get both, all in one place.For young professionals tired of deadlines and digital overload, this mountain town offers something rare, a true break. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you, not because of the photos you take but because of how it makes you feel.So go now, while your legs still love the climb and your heart’s still curious. Go before it becomes another crowded stop. Go while Sa Pa still feels like a secret — one worth keeping, but even better when shared.About the author: Neil Gregori Garen finds poetry in plane tickets and meaning in misty mountains—writing so others can feel it, too.

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Above the clouds: Why Sa Pa, Vietnam is the escape young professionals didn’t know they needed

Iloilo City- Following its successful launch last May 2024, Filipino Transport Network Company (TNC) Unified Transport Operations League (UTOL) expands its operations to other provinces in the Philippines and is now making its presence felt in Iloilo City, one of the major centers of business in Western Visayas.

Atty. Orly Ocampo, Head of the Legal Department of UTOL, noted that the move to expand into provinces was in response to the Board Resolution of &nbsp;the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which opened slots for transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) applications in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions.

“The LTFRB Board resolves to open TNVS slots in Region 6 ( Western&nbsp;Visayas) which includes Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique and Bacolod. For this year, the agency opened 1,600 slots. UTOL will expand to regions where there are open slots to address the demand of the market,” Atty. Orly Ocampo, Head of the Legal Department noted.

UTOL chairman of the board Roland Maningas shared that unlike Metro Manila, TNVS availability in the provinces remain untapped and there is a big market that TNCs can expand into. In fact, TNVS services in many tourist destinations are underutilized, with many driver operators offering vehicles for hire at a daily or hourly rate instead. “We saw that in the provinces, there is demand for TNVS services, usually fueled by tourists. However, the riding public and public utility vehicle drivers and owners in these areas are not wholly familiar with the TNC concept. We want to be the first to penetrate these new markets. We want to educate both the riding public and the driver operators and show to them that there are other ways to get around in their areas and provide better transport services,” he said.

UTOL originally wanted to focus solely on Metro Manila as it irons out its operations, but with the opening of slots in other provinces, the company saw an opportunity to grow its presence and leverage on the advantages in being the first mover.

“The open slots give UTOL the opportunity as a TNC to accredit its own fleet of TNVS drivers/operators. We hope that these first-time TNVS franchise holders would also support UTOL. We have said before that we want to be partners with TNVS drivers/operators and help each other build a better future for both of us,” Atty. Ocampo shared.

One of the projects that UTOL has worked out is an agreement between the company and car dealers to provide one-stop shop services for UTOL-registered drivers/operators. “Normally, when someone goes to dealership, customers there only get the unit. However, we have partnered with Toyota Valenzuela and Toyota Pasong Tamo to provide more services to help our driver operators. If they are accredited by UTOL, they also get to avail services such as financing services, insurance, and law offices services. So those who are interested in entering the TNVS services can join UTOL caravans because during these events, everything is already laid out for them, from car ownership, to financing, to TNVS accreditation,” Atty. Ocampo added.

UTOL is also in discussions with other car dealers in provinces to provide these services in order to help support prospective applicants.

The company has also partnered with SSS, with UTOL pledging to subsidize the SSS contributions of eligible drivers/operators. “We will be shouldering the SSS contributions of our driver operators. We only require that they are active on UTOL for 6 months straight. That is the first requirement because that is the minimum required by the SSS under the program. This incentive program is our way of showing to our drivers that we value them and UTOL supports them in many ways, not just by offering an online platform as a TNC,” Maningas&nbsp;shared.

UTOL has just opened its first Iloilo office at 14A Blk 2 Lot 15, Bankers Village, Brgy. Quintin Salas Jaro, Iloilo City with contact numbers 09668610750 and 09085409409. A Grand motorcade will happen on July 27, 2024 starting at Robinson Pavia and ending at Park Inn by Radisson.

UTOL is an All-Filipino ride-hailing transport network services company that aims to address the needs of both the riding public and TNVS driver and operators.

The company had its major press launching event last April 30, 2024 at the Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel and its Grand Launching Event last May 8, 2024 at the Palacio de Manila where more than 500 drivers attended to signify their full support.

Iloilo City- Following its successful launch last May 2024, Filipino Transport Network Company (TNC) Unified Transport Operations League (UTOL) expands its operations to other provinces in the Philippines and is now making its presence felt in Iloilo City, one of the major centers of business in Western Visayas.Atty. Orly Ocampo, Head of the Legal Department of UTOL, noted that the move to expand into provinces was in response to the Board Resolution of &nbsp;the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which opened slots for transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) applications in the Visayas and Mindanao Regions.“The LTFRB Board resolves to open TNVS slots in Region 6 ( Western&nbsp;Visayas) which includes Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Antique and Bacolod. For this year, the agency opened 1,600 slots. UTOL will expand to regions where there are open slots to address the demand of the market,” Atty. Orly Ocampo, Head of the Legal Department noted.UTOL chairman of the board Roland Maningas shared that unlike Metro Manila, TNVS availability in the provinces remain untapped and there is a big market that TNCs can expand into. In fact, TNVS services in many tourist destinations are underutilized, with many driver operators offering vehicles for hire at a daily or hourly rate instead. “We saw that in the provinces, there is demand for TNVS services, usually fueled by tourists. However, the riding public and public utility vehicle drivers and owners in these areas are not wholly familiar with the TNC concept. We want to be the first to penetrate these new markets. We want to educate both the riding public and the driver operators and show to them that there are other ways to get around in their areas and provide better transport services,” he said.UTOL originally wanted to focus solely on Metro Manila as it irons out its operations, but with the opening of slots in other provinces, the company saw an opportunity to grow its presence and leverage on the advantages in being the first mover.“The open slots give UTOL the opportunity as a TNC to accredit its own fleet of TNVS drivers/operators. We hope that these first-time TNVS franchise holders would also support UTOL. We have said before that we want to be partners with TNVS drivers/operators and help each other build a better future for both of us,” Atty. Ocampo shared.One of the projects that UTOL has worked out is an agreement between the company and car dealers to provide one-stop shop services for UTOL-registered drivers/operators. “Normally, when someone goes to dealership, customers there only get the unit. However, we have partnered with Toyota Valenzuela and Toyota Pasong Tamo to provide more services to help our driver operators. If they are accredited by UTOL, they also get to avail services such as financing services, insurance, and law offices services. So those who are interested in entering the TNVS services can join UTOL caravans because during these events, everything is already laid out for them, from car ownership, to financing, to TNVS accreditation,” Atty. Ocampo added.UTOL is also in discussions with other car dealers in provinces to provide these services in order to help support prospective applicants.The company has also partnered with SSS, with UTOL pledging to subsidize the SSS contributions of eligible drivers/operators. “We will be shouldering the SSS contributions of our driver operators. We only require that they are active on UTOL for 6 months straight. That is the first requirement because that is the minimum required by the SSS under the program. This incentive program is our way of showing to our drivers that we value them and UTOL supports them in many ways, not just by offering an online platform as a TNC,” Maningas&nbsp;shared.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/a54c9600-a02a-4619-3e3a-d1e74b441500/public" alt="Image" />UTOL has just opened its first Iloilo office at 14A Blk 2 Lot 15, Bankers Village, Brgy. Quintin Salas Jaro, Iloilo City with contact numbers 09668610750 and 09085409409. A Grand motorcade will happen on July 27, 2024 starting at Robinson Pavia and ending at Park Inn by Radisson.UTOL is an All-Filipino ride-hailing transport network services company that aims to address the needs of both the riding public and TNVS driver and operators.The company had its major press launching event last April 30, 2024 at the Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel and its Grand Launching Event last May 8, 2024 at the Palacio de Manila where more than 500 drivers attended to signify their full support.

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Travel / Sightseeing

Goods and services

UTOL, An All-Filipino TNC Company Expands to Iloilo

<a href="mailto:acbuenaventura@up.edu.ph">By: Alec Hope Buenaventura</a>

CLIMATE INJUSTICE - while the effects of climate change are global, the weight of its brunt is not the same for all. It is the least contributors, not the chief instigators, who carry the heavy repercussions. Perhaps, the Philippines has a degree of familiarity with this case. The water supply shortage in Metro Manila is actually brought about by climate change. Because of floods and droughts, Angat dam is expected to fall short of supplying clean water to the nation’s center, creating yet another sustainability problem on top of many other social issues the country is already facing. The proposed solution - the Kaliwa dam. However, have we ever considered the validity of this notorious project?

Recently, information has been brought to light that the Kaliwa Dam project is at 30%, that is according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System or MWSS. Though far from complete, its persistence poses a graver threat not only to the environment but also to the society. Intensifying climate injustice, a clear case of the so-called sustainability paradox.

As a concept, sustainability is an intersectional concept that one cannot pursue economic progress while sacrificing the environment, culture, morals, and other social and humanitarian aspects. Therefore, a paradox takes place when a certain policy, claims to be “sustainable”, yet only caters to one aspect of development, then compromising the others.

The Kaliwa dam project, for example, aims to resolve an economic issue. Ironically, it is at the expense of the rights of the Indigenous people or IPs and environmental sustainability.

I once had the opportunity to personally speak with one of the affected Indigenous people groups, the Dumagat Remontados of Mt. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. The Dumagats are exceptionally virtuous people, possessing rich community values that people from the city cannot easily understand. For them, nature is integral to life and their land is the source of their identity and culture. Not to mention their overflowing fountain of local wisdom, primarily in nature and farming.

As we talk, the Dumagats revealed that the perpetrators of the Kaliwa dam deliberately toned-down the ill-effects of the project. For one, contrary to the report of MWSS, that there will be only around fifty families affected, more than a thousand Dumagat families will forcibly be displaced from their homes if the dam is constructed. There were also no consultations transpired to which they might have expressed their dissent to this project as opposed to the reports.&nbsp;

Like it is not enough injustice, the dam will also inundate the Tinipak River, the river that gives life, so-sacred to them, a site where most of their religious rites take place.

As expected, the process of drilling and digging to build the dam will engender environmental perils as it destroys the ecological balance of the Sierra Madre. Destructions like these lead to weaker soil integrity which will make the mountain ranges prone to landslides. Sierra Madre also serves as Luzon’s frontier against typhoons entering the country. Thus, if the project continues, the threat of typhoons to hit the Philippines stronger is imminent.&nbsp;

To make matters even worse, this serves as a multiplier to the climate injustice that the Dumagats are already facing. Due to the already existing climate change, the Tinipak River suffers lower water level&nbsp; during dry-season, yet, it rises extremely when hit by a typhoon such as in the case of Bagyong Ulysses in the past year. Scientifically, the higher the heat index during the dry season increases evaporation rates explaining the low water level. On the other hand, during the wet season, this high surface temperature increases the amount of precipitation, increasing the amount of water to rainfall as experienced by the people of Daraitan.

Furthermore, being farmers, the Dumagats are highly-dependent on nature and climatic events. Irregular precipitation patterns and increase in temperature have made weather unpredictable. As a result, since their main commodity,&nbsp; rice, is sensitive to climatic factors, they are forced to replace it with a more resilient crop such as sweet potato.

Due to human activities, their ancestral land suffers further environmental degradation. For instance, tree-logging activities in Mt. Daraitan made the soil quality deteriorate. This resulted in an observable decline in crop yield, from one pail to a hundred sacks back then, to getting only one pail in return today. Biodiversity is also observed to decline as habitat bats and snakes were disturbed due to human mobility. These are all attested by the IPs.

The aforementioned events clearly show the Dumagats are already experiencing climate injustice. Rather than fixing the situation for them, the focus of high politics is in the center. This is the very reason as to why the Indigenous peoples are pushed to the margin of the society. If this continues violation of Indigenous people’s rights and right to a balanced and healthful ecology, rights we the sovereign Filipinos are sworn to protect under Article II of the 1987 Constitution.

To reiterate, sustainability is intersectional. All social and humanitarian aspects should be included in the pursuit of true development. Instead of pushing through with this, the best take is to achieve a compromise that would allow economic stability without endangering the natural environment and the rights of the Indigenous peoples.&nbsp;

Through an emotional message, one of the Dumagat leaders expressed that they are willing to share the waters of their land, as they were the ones blessed. However, the policy-makers need to heed them and consider the alternatives that they are willing to compromise.

Given its political implications, retracting this policy requires a strong political will from the current administration. Nonetheless, it is a must in order to achieve true sustainable development and climate justice.&nbsp;

To end, I urge you to ask again. Should we proceed with the Kaliwa Dam project? If your answer is still yes, then it is fitting to say that the ultimate ramification of climate change is not the extinction of the entire humanity but the sheer dissolution of our humanity.

The Author during his trekking along Mt. Daraitin and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal. Kaliwa Dam project is expected to inundate this place once operational.<a href="mailto:acbuenaventura@up.edu.ph">By: Alec Hope Buenaventura</a>CLIMATE INJUSTICE - while the effects of climate change are global, the weight of its brunt is not the same for all. It is the least contributors, not the chief instigators, who carry the heavy repercussions. Perhaps, the Philippines has a degree of familiarity with this case. The water supply shortage in Metro Manila is actually brought about by climate change. Because of floods and droughts, Angat dam is expected to fall short of supplying clean water to the nation’s center, creating yet another sustainability problem on top of many other social issues the country is already facing. The proposed solution - the Kaliwa dam. However, have we ever considered the validity of this notorious project?Recently, information has been brought to light that the Kaliwa Dam project is at 30%, that is according to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System or MWSS. Though far from complete, its persistence poses a graver threat not only to the environment but also to the society. Intensifying climate injustice, a clear case of the so-called sustainability paradox.As a concept, sustainability is an intersectional concept that one cannot pursue economic progress while sacrificing the environment, culture, morals, and other social and humanitarian aspects. Therefore, a paradox takes place when a certain policy, claims to be “sustainable”, yet only caters to one aspect of development, then compromising the others.The Kaliwa dam project, for example, aims to resolve an economic issue. Ironically, it is at the expense of the rights of the Indigenous people or IPs and environmental sustainability.I once had the opportunity to personally speak with one of the affected Indigenous people groups, the Dumagat Remontados of Mt. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. The Dumagats are exceptionally virtuous people, possessing rich community values that people from the city cannot easily understand. For them, nature is integral to life and their land is the source of their identity and culture. Not to mention their overflowing fountain of local wisdom, primarily in nature and farming.As we talk, the Dumagats revealed that the perpetrators of the Kaliwa dam deliberately toned-down the ill-effects of the project. For one, contrary to the report of MWSS, that there will be only around fifty families affected, more than a thousand Dumagat families will forcibly be displaced from their homes if the dam is constructed. There were also no consultations transpired to which they might have expressed their dissent to this project as opposed to the reports.&nbsp;Like it is not enough injustice, the dam will also inundate the Tinipak River, the river that gives life, so-sacred to them, a site where most of their religious rites take place.As expected, the process of drilling and digging to build the dam will engender environmental perils as it destroys the ecological balance of the Sierra Madre. Destructions like these lead to weaker soil integrity which will make the mountain ranges prone to landslides. Sierra Madre also serves as Luzon’s frontier against typhoons entering the country. Thus, if the project continues, the threat of typhoons to hit the Philippines stronger is imminent.&nbsp;To make matters even worse, this serves as a multiplier to the climate injustice that the Dumagats are already facing. Due to the already existing climate change, the Tinipak River suffers lower water level&nbsp; during dry-season, yet, it rises extremely when hit by a typhoon such as in the case of Bagyong Ulysses in the past year. Scientifically, the higher the heat index during the dry season increases evaporation rates explaining the low water level. On the other hand, during the wet season, this high surface temperature increases the amount of precipitation, increasing the amount of water to rainfall as experienced by the people of Daraitan.Furthermore, being farmers, the Dumagats are highly-dependent on nature and climatic events. Irregular precipitation patterns and increase in temperature have made weather unpredictable. As a result, since their main commodity,&nbsp; rice, is sensitive to climatic factors, they are forced to replace it with a more resilient crop such as sweet potato.Due to human activities, their ancestral land suffers further environmental degradation. For instance, tree-logging activities in Mt. Daraitan made the soil quality deteriorate. This resulted in an observable decline in crop yield, from one pail to a hundred sacks back then, to getting only one pail in return today. Biodiversity is also observed to decline as habitat bats and snakes were disturbed due to human mobility. These are all attested by the IPs.The aforementioned events clearly show the Dumagats are already experiencing climate injustice. Rather than fixing the situation for them, the focus of high politics is in the center. This is the very reason as to why the Indigenous peoples are pushed to the margin of the society. If this continues violation of Indigenous people’s rights and right to a balanced and healthful ecology, rights we the sovereign Filipinos are sworn to protect under Article II of the 1987 Constitution.To reiterate, sustainability is intersectional. All social and humanitarian aspects should be included in the pursuit of true development. Instead of pushing through with this, the best take is to achieve a compromise that would allow economic stability without endangering the natural environment and the rights of the Indigenous peoples.&nbsp;Through an emotional message, one of the Dumagat leaders expressed that they are willing to share the waters of their land, as they were the ones blessed. However, the policy-makers need to heed them and consider the alternatives that they are willing to compromise.Given its political implications, retracting this policy requires a strong political will from the current administration. Nonetheless, it is a must in order to achieve true sustainable development and climate justice.&nbsp;To end, I urge you to ask again. Should we proceed with the Kaliwa Dam project? If your answer is still yes, then it is fitting to say that the ultimate ramification of climate change is not the extinction of the entire humanity but the sheer dissolution of our humanity.

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The Author during his trekking along Mt. Daraitin and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal. Kaliwa Dam project is expected to inundate this place once operational.

OPINION: Climate Injustice and the Sustainability Paradox of Kaliwa Dam

Los
 Angeles, CA – May 5, 2024 – Last night, the 24th Beverly Hills Film 
Festival was set ablaze with the premiere of “Bare-Knuckle,” an 80’s 
throwback Hong Kong-style action film that not only thrilled audiences 
but also broke new ground in cinematic representation. Directed by Alex 
De Ocampo and written by the acclaimed Mark Labella, whose notable 
credits include producing the 2022 international hit Labyu with an 
Accent, the film has already sparked considerable interest and 
anticipation for its full-feature version, with funding firmly in place.
 

Starring
 Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, Devon Diep, and led by promising 
newcomers Jordan Mahr and Michael Naizu, “Bare-Knuckle” introduces a 
groundbreaking Asian action lead who is openly gay, challenging 
long-standing Hollywood stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on 
heroism. The film’s premiere saw a packed house and received rave 
reviews, signaling a strong appetite for diverse and dynamic 
storytelling. 

The
 cast also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen
 debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangco, adding to the film’s 
unique flair and appeal. “It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this 
action film with powerful male and female Asian characters,” said Mopia,
 reflecting the sentiment of empowerment and pride that permeates the 
project.


 “At its core, ‘Bareknuckle’ is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality 
faced by AAPI LGBT youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a 
society that is meant to be progressing towards acceptance and 
understanding,” stated Director Alex De Ocampo. This poignant message 
resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning 
“Bare-Knuckle” as a film that transcends its action-packed sequences to 
touch on significant social issues. 

The
 Beverly Hills Film Festival, known for attracting major stars like 
Sharon Stone, Al Pacino, and Jeff Goldblum, touted “Bare-Knuckle” as one
 of its most well-attended showings, further solidifying its status as a
 must-see film. With the script for the full feature already underway, 
the filmmaking team, led by De Ocampo and Labella, is gearing up for an 
exciting journey ahead, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in
 the industry. 

“Bare-Knuckle”
 is not just an action movie; it’s a vital commentary on the challenges 
and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, offering both exhilaration and 
enlightenment to its viewers. 

“Bare-Knuckle” is an innovative action film directed by Alex De Ocampo and written by award-winning screenwriter Mark Labella. The film stars Kevin Kreider, Devon Diep, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu, and features cameos from Tommie Mopia and Marvin Aritrangco. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the film blends thrilling action with deep social commentary, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity.Los
 Angeles, CA – May 5, 2024 – Last night, the 24th Beverly Hills Film 
Festival was set ablaze with the premiere of “Bare-Knuckle,” an 80’s 
throwback Hong Kong-style action film that not only thrilled audiences 
but also broke new ground in cinematic representation. Directed by Alex 
De Ocampo and written by the acclaimed Mark Labella, whose notable 
credits include producing the 2022 international hit Labyu with an 
Accent, the film has already sparked considerable interest and 
anticipation for its full-feature version, with funding firmly in place.
 Starring
 Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, Devon Diep, and led by promising 
newcomers Jordan Mahr and Michael Naizu, “Bare-Knuckle” introduces a 
groundbreaking Asian action lead who is openly gay, challenging 
long-standing Hollywood stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on 
heroism. The film’s premiere saw a packed house and received rave 
reviews, signaling a strong appetite for diverse and dynamic 
storytelling. The
 cast also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen
 debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangco, adding to the film’s 
unique flair and appeal. “It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this 
action film with powerful male and female Asian characters,” said Mopia,
 reflecting the sentiment of empowerment and pride that permeates the 
project.
 “At its core, ‘Bareknuckle’ is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality 
faced by AAPI LGBT youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a 
society that is meant to be progressing towards acceptance and 
understanding,” stated Director Alex De Ocampo. This poignant message 
resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning 
“Bare-Knuckle” as a film that transcends its action-packed sequences to 
touch on significant social issues. <img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/838b984f439d2dbfb2d0676e4fb2f71fa0ca860931c2ef02199f3590ced47763/2.jpg" alt="Image" />The
 Beverly Hills Film Festival, known for attracting major stars like 
Sharon Stone, Al Pacino, and Jeff Goldblum, touted “Bare-Knuckle” as one
 of its most well-attended showings, further solidifying its status as a
 must-see film. With the script for the full feature already underway, 
the filmmaking team, led by De Ocampo and Labella, is gearing up for an 
exciting journey ahead, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in
 the industry. “Bare-Knuckle”
 is not just an action movie; it’s a vital commentary on the challenges 
and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, offering both exhilaration and 
enlightenment to its viewers.

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“Bare-Knuckle” is an innovative action film directed by Alex De Ocampo and written by award-winning screenwriter Mark Labella. The film stars Kevin Kreider, Devon Diep, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu, and features cameos from Tommie Mopia and Marvin Aritrangco. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the film blends thrilling action with deep social commentary, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity.

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