Playwright and revolutionary Hoc Phi celebrates 100 years

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday, Sept 26, attended a ceremony celebrating the 100th birthday of Chu Van Tap, one of Viet Nam's most honoured playwrights and also an active revolutionary during the war.

Also known by his pen name of Hoc Phi, the former general secretary of the Viet Nam Stage Artists Association has written 30 plays and 9 novels. Most of his work examined the history of the Viet Nam Communist Party and celebrated the sacrifices of Vietnamese soldiers fighting for the country's freedom.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hoc Phi said he was deeply honoured by the Party and State's recognition and would vow to use his remaining time to continue working for the good of his country.

Ancient Han documents on Hoang Sa Islands translated

Da Nang's Study Encouragement Association introduced ancient documents translated from Han Chinese script into Vietnamese at their new Han Nom centre on Monday.

The centre, which studies the Han Chinese and Vietnamese Nom scripts, received the manuscripts, which contain accounts of Vietnamese control of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands hundreds of years ago.

The central city's historical science association also plans to make new translations available to the public, and will collaborate with the Foreign Affairs Department and the People's Committee of Hoang Sa District to translate Ky yeu Hoang Sa (the Yearbook of Paracel Islands) into English and Chinese.

Photographs of Ninh Binh on display for tourists in Hoi An

A photography exhibition entitled Impressive Ninh Binh is on display near the Japanese Bridge in the old town of Hoi An.

Over 100 pictures taken by Vietnamese photographers are on display, showing the stunning landscapes and popular destinations from the northern province of Ninh Binh.

Organisers hope that tourists in Hoi An will be persuaded to visit these locations, which include the ancient capital Hoa Lu, the caves of Tam Coc and Trang An and the natural wonders of Cuc Phuong National Park, amongst others.
The exhibition closes on October 4.

Fireworks competition to lure international teams to Da Nang

Teams from Russia, the US, Japan and Italy will join hosts Viet Nam at the next Da Nang International Fireworks Competition, the organising committee officially announced yesterday.

Team Khan of Russia, Melrose Pyrotechnics of the US, Marutamaya of Japan, and defending champions Parente of Italy will battle against Da Nang's team for victory in the contest, which takes place on April 29-30 next year.

The competitors will hope to wow the crowds with their displays, which will be launched from the Han River Port.
Da Nang is the only city in Viet Nam to host the popular competition, which began life in 2008. It will be held biennially from 2015.

Chef hosts gourmet food weekend

French chef Didier Corlou recommends the Indochina menu he designed for a gastromic weekend at La Ferme du Colvert in Luong Son District, Hoa Binh Province, on October 6-7. The menu gives a selection of Vietnamese dishes a delicate French touch.The one or two-day programme will be a green weekend, with a unique range of spices, 45km from Ha Noi.

Also, enjoy Muong cultural activities with song and dance performances, and explore regions of the Muong. Other activities include football, rowing, biking, hiking, yoga, martial arts, fishing and boating.

Frices: VND945,000 for the one-day programme or VND1,995,000 for the 2 days/1 night package. Book now for a 20 per cent discount. Please call (04) 3776 4301 or email: booking@lafermeducolvert.com or infos@vietnam-aventure.com

R&R Tavern hosts fundraiser for orphanage

To raise funds for medical and education expenses for an orphanage in Ha Noi, R&R Tavern will play music, hold an art auction and a bring-and-buy from 3pm this Saturday at the tavern at 256 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Ha Noi. People with goods for the kids or that can be sold, call or email Sally Shephard: sallyshephard@projects-abroad.org (01636 810095)

Theatre throws light on tradition

A night of Vietnamese culture will be held this Saturday at the Golden Bell Theatre at 72 Hang Bac St, Ha Noi, from 8-9pm. The various traditional folk styles include tragic love stories in quan ho singing, Cham dance and cai luong (reformed opera). Simultaneous interpretation and visual aids are available to help understand the life and soul of the Vietnamese people.

Vintage, high performance bikes on show

More than 300 scooters and motorbikes including vintage and high performance products will be on display at the first Scooter – Motorbike Fest held at the Kumho Link in HCM City on Saturday. Motorbikes made by major companies like BMW and Harley Davidson will be a festival highlight. The event will also include games and live music. It will take place from 10am to 5pm at 39 Le Duan Street in District 1.

German Film Festival rolls into town

The German Film Festival 2012 will be held at the BHD Star Cinema in HCM City from September 28 to October 4. The festival will feature ten movies with English and Vietnamese subtitles. Free tickets are available at the Goethe Institute at 18 Street 1, Do Thanh, District 3, and BHD at 3C 3 Thang 2 Street, District 10.

New World Saigon Hotel hosts bridal fair

The New World Saigon Hotel, in collaboration with the Nhu Cam wedding team, will host a fair called The Dream Collection on Saturday and Sunday at the hotel.

The show will feature wedding plans from top wedding professionals, as well as wedding exhibits like dresses, tuxedos, floral arrangements and wedding cakes. The fashion show on the second day will highlight the latest trends in bridal gowns, formal wear and floral designs.

Admission is free. The hotel is located at 76 Le Lai Street in District 1.

UK duo performs at Lush bar

 Them&Us, the UK-based duo of beat boxer Killa Kela and DJ and song writer Ami Carmine will perform at Lush bar tomorrow. The duo has worked with many influential artists in the world like Basement Jaxx, Gary Barlow from Take That. The show will take place at 2 Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1.

VNN/VOV/VNS