Copy of giant poetry book presented to UNESCO

A reproduction of Vietnam’s biggest poetry book titled ‘Hoa Lu Thi Tap’ was presented to the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) on November 5.

The copy, with its covers made of rare wood and the inside sheets of leatherette paper, weighs 8.3 kg and measures 42cm x 30.5cm x 0.7cm, as compared to the giant version with a weight of 54kg and measurements of 109cm x 70cm x 10 cm.

‘Hoa Lu Thi Tap’ is a collection of 121 poems written by Prof. PhD Hoang Quang Thuan, Dean of the Institute of Telecommunication Technology under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

The epic poems tell readers about a historic period 1,000 years ago spanning the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties of Vietnam until 1,10 when King Ly Cong Uan moved the royal capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.

The poems are written in calligraphic style by painter Tran Quoc An and illustrated with photos by Pham Tu in the giant book that is also made from rare wood and leatherette paper.

The giant book was recognised as the biggest poetry book made in Vietnam on November 4 and will receive the certificate on December 11.

The President of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology has proposed that UNESCO recognise the poetry collection as a Memory of the World. A copy of the poem collection and the proposal were presented to UNESCO during its Executive Council’s 136th session in Paris on October 14.

1000-year-old history of Hanoi discussed in France

An international seminar entitled ‘The thousand-year-old History of Hanoi’ was held on November 8 and 9 in Paris, France.

The event brought together nearly 100 scholars and researchers of Vietnamese history from universities in Asia, Europe and the US.

The twenty speeches delivered at the seminar highlighted the characteristics of Hanoi in the past and the present, as well as various elements of the city’s development, and its old buildings and structures which were inspired by French architecture such as the Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge and the Old Quarter.

Delegates also touched upon Vietnam’s historical and cultural values, especially the spirit and strength of the people during the resistance wars against foreign aggressors.

The two-day event provided the opportunity to introduce the 1000-year-old capital, its renewal process, and the challenges facing the city today.

Elderly photographers show photos of Hanoi

Members of the Hanoi-based club of elderly photographers opened an exhibition entitled ‘Hanoi in My Mind’ at 45 Trang Tien street in Hanoi on November 7.

One hundred and twenty photos on display are arranged under two themes ‘The Millennial Anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi’ and ‘Colourful Hanoi.’

The pictures feature the excitement of Hanoians and the festive atmosphere of the capital on its 1000th birthday. They also capture a beautiful and charming Hanoi through images of its landscapes, historical monuments and achievements during the development process, which can be seen in ‘Cong Co Son Tay’ (Son Tay Ancient Citadel Gate) by 95-year-old photographer Nguyen Nhung, ‘Ho Guom Vao He’ (Sword Lake in Summer) by 93-year-old photographer Le Vuong and ‘Con Duong Gom Su’ (Ceramic Road) by Huu Nen, among others.

The exhibition, which also includes members of Vinh Long and Ho Chi Minh City clubs for elderly photographers, will be on show until November 12.

Treasures from Vietnam’s last dynasty displayed in RoK

More than 160 antiques dated from the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century are on display at the National Palace Museum of the Republic of Korea as from November 8.

The event is a joint effort between the RoK’s National Palace Museum, and Vietnam’s Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, Hue Monuments Conservation Centre and the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Tran Trong Toan said the display will help boost the understanding between the two countries.

The RoK National Palace Museum’s Director, Chang Jong-soo, stressed the significance of cultural exchange to study the cultural values and similarity between the two countries.

He said the event offers Korean people rare chance to understand more about old royal families’ life in Vietnam. 

I Am Giant return to HCM City

UK-based band I Am Giant will return to Vietnam for two performances in HCM City starting on November 10 after rocking Hanoi and Da Nang City with two live shows called Tiger Translate in May.

They will perform their popular hits including City Limits, which was on the A rotate of New Zealand's The Rock Network (radio) for an impressive four months after its debut, and Neon Sunrise at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Formed in 2008, I Am Giant comprises two New Zealanders Shelton Woolright (drums, formerly with Blindspott), Paul Matthews (bass, formerly with Stylus and Tadpole), and two Londoners – Max O'Donnell (guitar) and Ed Martin (vocals).

Influenced by Muse, Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Oceansize, A Perfect Circle and Rage Against the Machine, the band's music centres on alternative, Indie, and melodic rock.

Vietnam wins two prizes at Asia Bellydance Competition 2010

Vietnamese belly-dancer Do Hong Hanh gained two prizes, Asia Silver Cup and Grand Dancer 2010 in the Asia-Pacific region, at the Asia Bellydance Competition 2010 in China on November 5.

As part of China’s national festival, the competition was held alongside other events such as film festival, youth festival, the 16th Asian Games (ASIAD), the Manga festival and the Carnival Chinese.

The 2010 bellydance competition drew the participation of arts troupes from many countries around the world, including Singapore, Thailand, China, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, the US, India, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Vietnam’s representative, Do Hong Hanh, took part in the event in the style of Tribal Fusion. She made a good impression on the jury, press and audience with her clothes, make-up and self-made accessory.

Hong Hanh was invited to join in the Carnival Chinese with other foreign arts troupes. On November 6, the China Central Television (CCTV) station interviewed and shot a film of Ms. Hong Hanh while performing in the Carnival Chinese.

PV