Castro's combat memoirs unveiled in HCM City

The Vietnamese edition of a two-volume memoir on the career of former Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruz was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Cuba's 60th Moncada uprising.

Cuban ambassador Fredesman Turro Gonzalez (second from left) receives the memoirs from representatives of HCM City's authorities. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

It gives readers a full and honest account of the last phase of the Cuban peoples struggle for national liberation against the Batista dictatorship, as well as the challenges faced by the Cuban leader, and his moves to uphold the ethical principles of the Cuban army.

Cuba's Ambassador to Viet Nam, Fredesman Turro Gonzalez, noted that the book, written by Fidel himself, is a precious asset and must-read reference for those who are keen to learn about Cuba's revolutionary history.

At the event, a copy of the book printed on Bac Ninh traditional do (poonah) paper and in a specially made lacquer box designed as a Cohiba Habanos cigar box, was sent to the former President as a gift for his 87th birthday.

Exhibition on Uncle Ho and war invalids, martyrs

An exhibition entitled ‘Ho Chi Minh President and War Invalids and Martyrs’ opened at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

On display are 149 photos, documents and memorable quotes of Uncle Ho conveying his sentiments for the wars invalids and martyrs who sacrificed for the cause of national liberation.

The items on display also reflect the deep convictions of the central Party and State as well as the Gia Lai provincial Party, local authorities and people for those who contributed to the revolutionary cause.

The event contributes to raising public awareness to honour and remember all who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the nation as well as to promote national patriotism and revolutionary traditions.

The ten-day exhibition is held as part of activities to mark the War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27).

Japanese woman wins Miss Viet Nam Global Beauty Pageant

Vietnamese-Japanese beauty Hirao Yuka won the 2013 Miss Viet Nam Global Beauty Pageant in the US on Wednesday.

The Japan resident beat the challenge from 75 other ethnic Vietnamese contestants from around the world at the contest held in San Diego, California.

The first runner-up was model Kim Duyen of Viet Nam, while Yuly Nguyen of Canada and Mai Thanh of the US finished behind her.

The pageant was held for the first time in 2006 and was an annual event until it was suspended in 2009.

At the last pageant four years ago Alex Tran of the US won the title.

Photos capture beauty of Korea

A Busan-Ulsan-Jeju photo exhibition at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel offers a scintillating view of Korean tourist attractions and its culture.

It's being held by Travellive magazine and the Korean Tourism Organisation (KTO).

The exhibition is a result of trip to Busan, Ulsan and Jeju by photographers, journalists and TV reporters, along with first runner-up of Miss Viet Nam 2012 Do Hoang Anh, as part of the Amazing Photo Tour programme.

The Amazing Photo Tour is to be a series of activities by Travellive magazine to introduce travel information and promote tourism to Vietnamese people.

The second journey will be to Sabah, Malaysia, in September.

The 100 or so photos on display were taken during the seven-day trip by photographers Tran Viet Duc, Vo Van Loc, Thai Phien, Hoang Ha, Lam Linh, and Dam Duc Vu.

They show the natural landscape, culture and ordinary life of the local people.

The photographers said they were on the go all the time, sleeping only four or five hours a day on the trip.

"We enjoyed the alternating sunlight and rain," said photographer Loc, "However the weather didn't disappoint us or limit our creativity.

"We captured the beauty of fog and rain and the stormy ocean, which were all charming."

Kang Sung-ghil, director of the KTO, which supports the project, said: "I hope this exhibition will inspire people to look at and understand South Korea, a peaceful, beautiful and energetic nation," he said.

The exhibition will run until August 3 at Chime Bar, Sheraton Ha Noi Hotel, and will continue at the Indochina Plaza, 239 Xuan Thuy Street, Ha Noi, from August 5-20.

First Facebook poetry comp closes

The first-ever poetry contest on Facebook in Viet Nam attracted more than 3,000 poets from across the country who submitted over 10,000 poems.

Writer Sam Cam won the top prize followed by Hoang Anh Tuan and Pham Trang. Fifteen other aspiring writers were awarded prizes for effort.

Titled Loi To Tinh Dau Tien (First Love Word), the competition ran from May to June and was judged by noted poets Hong Thanh Quang, Van Le, Nguyen Trong Tao and Nguyen Phong Viet.

Vietnam Unlimited Bellydance 2013 Competition

Many belly dancers from China, Japan, the US and Vietnam are competing at the Asia Pacific Oriental Dance – Vietnam Unlimited Bellydance 2013 Open Competition thatopened in Hanoi on July 19.

The youngest contestant is four years old, while the oldest, Le Welker from Germany, is 65 years old.

Audiences were surprised at the attractive performance of Welker.

HCM City student wins slogan contest

Student Nguyen Xuan Hieu from the HCM City Foreign Trade University won first prize at a caption contest held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic tie between Viet Nam and Australia.

Her slogan: "Side by side or miles apart, our friendship crosses borders" brought her a one-month scholarship to study English in Australia, worth VND150 million (US$7,000), and another scholarship in Viet Nam for VND30 million.

At the awards ceremony held in the city on Saturday, Australian Consul General John McAnulty expressed his delight at the quality of the entries.

The organisers also awarded a second prize of VND20 million, a third prize of VND10 million.

Culture week honours Mu Cang Chai for unique landscape

A culture, sports and tourism week will be held in the northern mountainous province of Yen Bai from September 26-29, honouring the scenic Mu Cang Chai terraced fields.

The event will take place in Mu Cang Chai Town and the communes of La Pan Tan, De Xu Phinh and Che Cu Nha. It will promote the potential and strengths of the region and unique cultural characteristics of Mong ethnic people.

Highlights of the week will be photo exhibitions, the traditional market, performances of folk activities, and the traditional banh day (round sticky rice) cake festival.

Community-based tours and film screenings will be held during the event.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA/ND