Exhibition on former Hoa Lo prisoners

A series of photos and documents, featuring former Hoa Lo prisoners, is being showcased at an exhibition at Hoa Lo prison historical site in Hanoi.

As part of activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – 2014), the exhibition is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and will run from September 30 to October 10.

Over 150 photos, documents and artifacts reflect revolutionary soldiers’ sacrifice and resilient fighting spirit.

The exhibition is divided into three parts, including Hoa Lo prison – one of the largest prisons under the French occupation; contributions to the liberation of Hanoi; former Hoa Lo prisoners and the cause of national construction and defence.

Hoa Lo prison was built by the French colonialists in 1896. Over more than half a century, 200 revolutionary soldiers died and the health of many soldiers was affected by cruel torture and long detainment at the prison, part of which is now a historical site open to visitors.

The site receives more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Fire artworks by RoK artist on show in Hanoi

A Fire artworks exhibition by artist Jung Il-Jin from the Republic of Korea opened on September 30 at the Korean Cultural Centre in Hanoi.

Twelve fire paintings on display feature elegant blazing flames with oil painting technique. “Everyone may have felt a strange feeling at least once in front of the fire with this great and intense energy. My work also started like this,” said young painter Jung.

“Its warmth, energy and changeability makes me feel like I am being sucked into fire and makes me lost in wild fancies,” he said.

“I want to express the pure fire which can shake the feelings of people who look at it as well as me.”

According to the painter Doan Thi Thu Huong, deputy director of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, though this is not a new type of expression, Jung’s paintings leave a strong impression with his creativity shown variously in each of his works.

“The blazing flames in scarlet on a black background show the vitality and passion for art of the painter,” she said.

As a young painter, Jung Il Jin had individual exhibitions at home and abroad.

The Korean Cultural Centre aims to introduce Korean various art forms to Vietnamese audiences through such exhibitions.

The exhibition will last until October 6.

Hanoi bustles with cultural and arts activities on Liberation Day

An array of cultural and arts activities is being scheduled in Hanoi during October 2 -10 to mark the 60th anniversary of the city’s liberation (1954 -2014).

The programme, held by the city Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will open with the final round of a singing contest about Hanoi on October 2 at the Friendship and Cultural Palace, followed by a dragon dance festival at Ly Thai To Square on October 4.

A street festival across Dinh Tien Hoang street and a TV programme entitled ‘Hanoi – Faith and Hope’ linking four places – Vietnam Television’s Studio, August Revolution Square, Temple of Literature and Ly Thai To Flower Garden – will take place on October 10.

Firework displays will also be set off in 30 districts and towns throughout the city on the same day.

City dwellers in Ba Vi, Ba Dinh and Long Bien district can also enjoy free performances of folk art forms, such as 'tuong' (classical drama), 'cheo' (traditional opera) and 'Quan Ho' (love duet singing) at outdoor stages.

Fashion brings Vietnam and Italy closer

A series of the latest designs by four Vietnamese designers will be presented at the Y – Viet Fashion Show 2014 entitled ‘All beauties lead to Rome’ at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel at 8pm on October 5.

The Italy – Vietnam Fashion Show 2014 will aim to present and promote Vietnamese and Italian cultures through fashion. The fashion night is a mixture of traditional beauty with the elegant and classy exquisiteness of Italian fashion.

The show will open with the collection ‘Come Back’ of Thieu Ngoc. This collection is inspired by the children’s paintings on Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural, a well-known contemporaneous cultural project of Hanoi and also an illustration of the famous Italian mosaic art. The collection bears a clear imprint of the Italian – Vietnamese cross-cultures bases on the world fashion trends.

Meanwhile, the second part of the show will be the presentation of the collection ‘Winter Night’ of fashion designer, Nguyen Cao Bang Tam. It is the fruit of the inspiration from the chrysanthemums, a stereotype flower of the capital. Chrysanthemums are classically and elegantly beautiful, a source of inspiration for impressive costumes. The mysterious black color and different tonalities of grey are skillfully combined, thus giving an air of luxurious attractiveness.

Fashion designer, Trang Cherry will continue in the third part with her collection named ‘Memory’ with a Retro style. Its inspiration came from the paintings of the ladies in the 1950s which she had been able to contemplate during her recent tour to Italy. ‘Memory’ is her story about the Italian culture. She skillfully combines colors of the latest European trends with classical forms of the garment, making it beautifully impressive but still a piece of the applied fashion.

The show will close with the presentation of the collection ‘Colosseum’ of fashion designer, Do Trinh Hoai Nam. After his recent tour to Europe, being quite impressed by the Italian country and with such a longstanding cultural background, Do Trinh Hoai Nam now thoroughly understands the reason why Italy is the world fashion capital. Rome’s typical architecture with the images of the armours of the warriors has been the main inspiration for a Vietnamese heart and hence the creation of the collection named ‘Colosseum’, a symbol of Rome.

The designs bear the traditional beauty of Europe through the eyes of a Vietnamese fashion designer and help introduce the Italian – Vietnamese cross-cultural experience through fashion.

Stamp set issued to mark 100th anniversary of birthday of General Le Trong Tan

A set of stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birthday of General Le Trong Tan was officially released at a ceremony in Hanoi on October 1.

The ceremony was jointly held by the Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of National Defence, Vietnam Post and the General Department of Politics.

The one-sample set is designed by painter Vo Luong Nhi, featuring a portrait of General Le Trong Tan in the military uniform of the Vietnam's People Army with a flying flag in the background.

The stamp measures 43x32mm and is printed in a VND3,000 denomination which will be available in the postal network, with a total number of one million stamps.

General Le Trong Tan, real name Le Trong To, was born on October 1, 1914 in Nghia Lo commune, Hoai Duc district, Ha Dong, Hanoi.

He held many important posts, such as Head of the Senior Military Academy (now the National Defence Academy of Vietnam), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Deputy Commander of the Southern Liberation Army.

He had also made significant contributions to two historical campaigns: Dien Bien Phu and Ho Chi Minh Campaigns. He passed away on December 5, 1986 in Hanoi.

Exhibition pays tribute to patriotic late general

An exhibition of more than 200 books and other documents that honour the life and career of the late General Le Trong Tan opened on Tuesday at the Viet Nam Military History Museum.

The 12-day exhibition, which began on the 100th anniversary of Tan's birth, highlights his help constructing the nation and developing the Viet Nam People's Army. Tan died in 1986.

"During his career, General Tan always promoted revolutionary ethics and the international spirit," said Do Ba Ty, a member of the Central Communist Party of Viet Nam. "His glorious career was closely attached to the revolutionary cause of the Party."

The exhibition features objects from Tan's childhood to his days resisting French colonialists (1945-1954) and American imperialists (1954-1975). The show reflects the positive impression Vietnamese and international allies had of the man.

He was known for always kept good relations with his fellow soldiers, wholeheartedly helping them in times of need.

The documents and objects preserved by the museum and Tan's family include awards from the State, maps he used during battle, letters to his family and books he wrote about science and military strategy.

Born in 1914 in the Hoai Duc district of Ha Noi, Tan was Chief of the General Staff of Viet Nam People's Army and Deputy Minister of Defence.

Tan greatly contributed to Viet Nam's win of Dien Bien Phu battle in 1954 and the Ho Chi Minh campaign of 1975.

A stamp set released yesterday portrays the general in his uniform, with Viet Nam's flag in the background. One million copies were issued.

Exhibition to recount 60 years of capital’s construction and development

An exhibition will open at Hanoi Museum on October 4 to highlight the capital city’s achievements in economy, culture and society throughout its 60 years of construction and development.

Covering a total space of nearly 4,000 square metres, the exhibition not only recounts hardships facing Hanoi during wartime against the French and the US (1954-1975), and the enthusiastic spirit of city dwellers to restructure the capital (1975-1986) but also highlights Hanoians’ delight and excitement when the city enters its Doi Moi (Renewal), open-door and international integration process (1986 -2014).

Hanoi’s cultural essence will also be on spotlight at the event, through photos on special national heritages and traditional handicraft products.

Visitors can also witness achievements gained by the city municipal Party committee and people in many fields of economic and rural development, environment protection, education, healthcare, diplomacy and defence.

The nine-day event aims to create a bridge linking old and young generations in order to preserve and uphold the treasured value of Thang Long – Hanoi, the heroic capital and the city for peace.

It also offers an opportunity for Hanoi-based businesses to advertise their products, promote investment, expand market and seek co-operation with partners.

African sounds come to Ha Noi

A disc jockey known as the archaeologist of African vinyl, Frank Gossner, will create a festival of the continent's sounds for the CAMA ATK Bar at the weekend.

Gossner, who has heaps of original African records in his luggage, will present Voodoo Funk (Funky Highlife, Afrobeat, Afrofunk) on Friday and Lagos Disco Inferno (Nigerian Disco, Boogie, Edofunk) on Saturday at the bar, located at 73A Mai Hac De Street.

Tickets cost VND100,000 for each evening and VND150,000 for both nights.

Urban flea market returns

Ha Noi's Urban Flea Market will return to Hanoi Rock City on Sunday, offering open-air shopping where a cross -section of society gathers to buy or sell new and used treasures.

Whether you are clearing out the attic or just looking for a good day out, the market is the place to be for people who want to get stuff out of their house.

Visitors will find a mish-mash of second-hand, vintage and retro clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as jewellery, art and crafts by local artisans and designers.

The market opens from 9am-5pm at Hanoi Rock City, 27/52 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho District.

Art market at Halloween event

Vin Gallery will offer items for sale during an art market celebrating Halloween on October 11 at The Cube Bar Saigon.

Paintings, photographs, sculptures, handmade jewellery, fashion, ceramics and handmade houseware will be on sale.

The event is open from 10am to 4pm. The venue is at 31B Ly Tu Trong Street in District 1.

Learn dance with American choreographer

A dance workshop with Emily Navarra will be held at Zero Station on October 4-5 and October 11-12.

"Shhhh, Just Dance!" is all about feeling connected, rejuvenated and inspired. It will highlight and investigate partnering and group structures through floor-work, improvisation and choreography.

Navarra holds a BA in Dance Studies from the University of South Florida.

She has worked as a freelance artist in the US, Europe, Southeast Asia, North Africa and the UK.

The workshop will be held from 2-5pm on October 12 at the 43rd alley, Lam Van Ben Street, in District 7.

Registrations can be sent to minhquytruong@gmail.com or tinerlicious14@gmail.com. The registration fee is VND400,000.

Dishes selected for VN cuisine map

After nine regional qualifying rounds of the Chiec Thia Vang (Golden Spoon) Awards 2014, nearly 250 dishes – both traditional and modern – have been chosen to be included in the Viet Nam cuisine map, according to contest organisers.

Speaking at a press meeting yesterday, Ly Huy Sang, deputy head of the organisation board and deputy general director of Minh Long I, said the map would enable visitors to explore regional food specialties.

The second Chiec Thia Vang Awards for the country's best chefs and dishes attracted 119 teams from around the country, almost a third more than last year.

The first round began on May 21 in Can Tho City and the competition then moved on to Kien Giang, Binh Duong, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Lao Cai, Ha Noi, and HCM City.

The semi-finals will be held in Ha Noi on November 11 and HCM City on November 19. The final will take place in Binh Duong on December 10.

Cash prizes and awards worth VND3 billion (US$142,850) are on offer with the winner getting VND1 billion.

VN student wins writing contest

Duong Quoc Trung, a third-year student of Ha Noi-based British University, won first prize in a writing contest organised by the Peruvian Embassy and the Ministry of Education and Training.

Trung was awarded a 14-inch Asus laptop computer while Tran Thi Hoai Phuong, a student of Ha Noi University, won the second prize, a Samsung Galaxy Tab S. and Hoang Trung Nghia, a professor of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Law, won the third prize.

In the past two months, the jury screened 30 essays in English and Spanish from the contestants, consisting of students and people working with Peru from six provinces and cities in the country such as Ha Noi, Da Nang, Quang Tri and Dong Thap, as well as Binh Duong and HCM City.

At the awards ceremony held here on Tuesday, Peruvian Charge-d'Affaires Luis Tsuboyama said each contestant had built a bridge between Peru and Viet Nam with their writings.

Tsuboyama also revealed that Peru would be organising a food week here and in HCM City at end-November while a Peruvian film week will be held in December.

Largest art show with 3D technology organised

The largest-ever art show, gathering the most famous artists in the country and staged by directors and technicians from Singapore and Malaysia, will be held at Thong Nhat Palace here on October 11.

Entitled "Cao Hon, Xa Hon – Viet Nam Oi!" (Higher, Further – My Viet Nam!), the 100-minute show will use the most modern light and sound technology with 3D pictures on a large screen.

Artists will include pop singers Hong Nhung, Ho Ngoc Ha and Thanh Bui. The show, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the military-run Viettel Post Joint Stock Corporation, will start at 8pm and will be broadcast live on VTV1 channel.

Hanoi, Rome share ancient relic preservation experience

Maurizio Anastasi, head of the technical office of the Cultural Heritage Superintendency of the city of Rome and a visiting delegation of Hanoi city leaders in Italy recently discussed cooperation in the restoration and preservation of ancient relics.

During the meeting, Mr Anastasi and Italian experts expressed their eagerness to share their vast experience in managing and restoring world famous ancient relics and developing museum projects over the past several centuries with Hanoi.

At the meeting they also talked about ways of making relics sites more appealing to tourists. Experts from the Cultural Heritage Superintendency gave a presentation on the use of state-of-the-art technology using video clips and lighting at relics sites to help visitors learn and make their experience more enjoyable.

In addition, Rome experts emphasized the importance of soliciting capital resources from the private sector to preserve and restore ancient relics as well as the city’s key role in managing and devising orientations.

In turn, the delegation from Hanoi thanked their hosts for their assistance and said they look forward to cooperating in the restoration and preservation of relics sites in the time ahead.

Rome is a 2,700 year old ancient city and is the cradle of the Roman culture and architectures with world famous heritages attracting the most visitors.  

Buon Ma Thuot promotes cultural tourism

A conference on Buon Ma Thuot tourism development was held in Dak Lak Province’s Buon Ma Thuot City on September 30.

The central highland city is home of historical sites, such as Bao Dai villa, Buon Ma Thuot Exiled house, Ea Kao Lake and others. National highways, including 14, 26,27 and 29 run through the city which are regarded as the center of the highland area.

According to experts, the local authorities should focus on promoting and developing cultural and historical activities featuring of the city, such as Origin of the name of Buon Ma Thuot City, Father Ama Thuot- the man who built the first village on the bank of the Ea Tam Stream (now is Buon Ma Thuot City) and his grave, Ama Thuot minority long house, the space of gong culture, coffee festival and other famous historical sites and landscapes.

Ha Tinh receives certificate for Phoi Phoi-Bai Coi archaeological site

People’s Committee of Nghi Xuan district in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ha Tinh province held a solemn ceremony on September 30, to receive  certificate of Phoi Phoi- Bai Co national cultural historical relic site.

Phoi Phoi-Bai Coi archaeological site is located at village 9 in Nghi Xuan district of the central province of Ha Tinh.

In 1974, a group of archaeologists from Vietnam Archaeology Institute discovered many artifacts such as ancient stones, ceramics, coppers, graves and burial jars.

From 2009 to 2012, Vietnam National Historical Museum continued to discover ancient artifacts at the Phoi Phoi-Bai Coi archaeological site like pottery, coppers, irons, graves and burial jars.

Phoi Phoi- Bai Coi archaeological site, where preserved cultural values over Ly, Tran and Le dynasty and also recognized as a place to confirm the Sa Huynh civilization exchanged with the Dong Son civilization.