Vietnam hosts Battle of the Year South Asia

The Battle of the Year (BOTY) South Asia – the world’s biggest hip hop and break-dance tournament – took place at Bien Dong Park in central Danang City on August 29.

The champions of BOTY Vietnam 2014 – S.I.N.E and runner-up Big Toe – represented Vietnam to compete with rivals from regional countries, including Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The champions of BOTY South Asia move on to compete at the world BOTY in Hannover, Germany on October 18.

The competition creates a useful playground for Vietnamese hip hop and break-dance talents to exchange with international players.

The jury board included celebrities – Kastu from Japan, Bojin from Taiwan (China) and G1 from Thailand.

Vietnamese flick to compete at Toronto Film Festival

A film by 32-year-old Vietnamese director Nguyen Hoang Diep entitled “Dap canh giu khong trung” (Flapping in the middle of Nowhere) is poised to compete at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival taking place from September 9-14.

The film, tells the story of Huyen, a pregnant teenager, who reluctantly agrees to prostitute herself  in order to earn money for an abortion. When the only customer willing to give her money has a fetish for her pregnant belly, things get complicated.

Vietnamese stars cast in the film include Nguyen Thuy Anh, Tran Bao Son, Ha Hoang and Thanh Duy Pham Tran.

Presently, the film is screening at the 2014 Venice International Film Festival from August 27 to September 6. Diep and his film crew plan to depart for Toronto on September 5 after introducing the film in Vience, Italy.

More documents, artefacts donated to Hanoi Museum

The Hanoi Museum has received 145 documents and artefacts by 41 organisations and individuals across the country in response to a campaign to donate documents, objects and photos.

Launched by Hanoi city, the campaign aims to collect documents and artefacts related to the two resistance wars against France and the US and the subsidy period.

The items will be displayed at the Hanoi Museum on occasion of the 60th anniversary of the capital city’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2014).

According to To Van Dong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the campaign has called for a response from organisations and individuals nationwide and overseas Vietnamese in preserving and promoting the national cultural heritage values in general and in Hanoi particular.

ASEAN Cultural Space exhibition opens in Hanoi

The ASEAN Cultural Space exhibition was launched in Hanoi on August 28, showcasing nearly 1,000 items on Vietnam and the Southeast Asian nations in various languages.

The public can explore the historical and cultural values of Vietnam and gain insights into the region, which is working towards forming an official community by 2015 built on the pillars of politics and security; economy; and culture and society.

The exhibition features Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day, its economic and cultural achievements, and its contributions to ASEAN.

Many of the items on display show ASEAN’s support for Vietnam in safeguarding its sovereignty over sea and islands.

Photographs of the ASEAN region and its people will be on display, along with literary works and architectural studies. Visitors will also be introduced to dance and cinema from across the ASEAN region.

The exhibition, which runs until September 15, is organised in celebration of the 69 th anniversary of National Day, the 47 th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, and the 19 th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN.

National news report writing contest launched

A news report writing contest themed “40 Years of Unforgettable Memories” was launched throughout the country on August 27 by the Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper and the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association.

The competition opens for journalists, members of the Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City writers associations and writers at home and abroad.

It is aimed to highlight outstanding achievements in various fields; changes, development and images of the country in general and Ho Chi Minh City from 1975 to 2015.

The entries honor outstanding events, typical individuals, and cooperation projects which have many influences on the development of Ho Chi Minh City.

The competition is also to mark the 40th anniversary of South Vietnam Liberation and national Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-2015), the 90th anniversary of Viet Nam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2015), and 70th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945-2015).

Submissions have a maximum of 2500 words and illustrated photos, and can be sent to the Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper at 399 Hong Bang, Ward 14 in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5; or email: kysu40nam@gmail.com and kysu40nam@sggp.org.vn by March, 2015.

The award ceremony will be organized in 2015 on occasion of the Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper’s first issue (May 5).

Tuyen Quang gains recognition for two more cultural heritages

A ceremony was held in the mountainous northern province of Tuyen Quang, on August 27 to receive certificates recognising the “Cap sac” (coming-of-age) ritual and the “Pao dung” singing of the Dao ethnic group as national intangible cultural heritage.

The Cap sac ritual is essential for all Dao men. They must endure the ritual in order to be recognised by the community as a mature and competent adult capable of holding communal positions.

The ritual is rooted in a thousand-year-old Dao legend. It is usually conducted at the end or the beginning of the lunar year for one male or more, always an odd number. Three shamans chair the rituals, assisted by three more, over the course of three days.

On the first day, the ritual is conducted outside. On the next day, the men enter the house to listen to the shamans’ prayers and learn traditional dances. The third day is dedicated to rituals honouring the ancestors.

Pao dung singing, a unique Dao art form, speaks of creativity in labour, the beauty of local landscapes, culture, and love. The songs teach their listeners about their homeland and family relationships.

This type of song is often performed during traditional community rituals and in day-to-day life in the form of lullabies or love songs.

Tuyen Quang province is home to two other national intangible cultural heritages, including Then singing and the Long Tong festival.

A photo exhibition depicting the image of Vietnam in periods and its traditional friendship and solidarity with Cuba was held in Havana, Cuba, on August 27.

The event shapes part of activities to mark the 69th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and the National Day (September 2).

Ambassador Duong Minh said the event is hoped to give Cuban people a glimpse into the past struggle for national independence of Vietnam as well as her significant achievements recorded during 30 years of Doi moi (Renewal) process.

Some photos highlight the first-ever visit by former Cuban President Fidel Castro to the liberated zone in the central province of Quang Tri in September 1973 to encourage the spirit of Vietnamese soldiers.

Former Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Aise Sotolongo extolled the fighting spirit of the Vietnamese people and the sound leadership of late President Ho Chi Minh that contributed to the victory of the August Revolution in 1945.

More households in Can Tho access clean water

The Mekong Delta City of Can Tho has set a goal to bring safe water to 18,315 more local households in 2015.

The figure will bring the rate of water supply coverage in rural areas in the city to 67 percent, an increase of 11 percent compared to the current level said Pham Van Quynh, Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at an August 27 meeting on the national target programme on clean water and environmental hygiene in rural area.

To achieve the goal, the city will need 72 new water supply stations with a daily capacity of 500-1,000 cu.m, Quynh said, adding that 160 existing stations will also have to be upgraded to raise their capacity from 80 cu.m to 250 cu.m per day, while the supply pipe system should be expanded, at a total cost of 513 billion VND (24.1 million USD).

However, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee said the city should strive to increase the rate of rural households accessing clean water to over 70 percent next year and over 90 percent in 2020.-

Bartender-Barista Cup Saigontourist 2014 ready for final round

The final round of the contest Bartender - Barista Cup Saigontourist 2014 will be held at Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 11 after the qualifying round finished on August 28 at Van Thanh Tourist Park in Binh Thanh District.

The contest features four categories including classic cocktail bartending, flairtending, Espresso and Latté art performances and Bartender – Barista costumes. Five finalists who have high scores in their expertise and fifteen finalists who have the most impressive bartender costumes have been chosen for the final round.

The contest this year attracts 107 bartenders from hotels, restaurants and bars nationwide, with 51 of them joining category ‘Bartending drinks,’ 35 choosing ‘Bartender performance’ and 21 in ‘Coffee art bartender.’ The first winner will be awarded a trip to France to join the international bartender contest.

The annual contest, launched since 1999 by Saigontourist Holding Company, is aimed at giving a playground for bartenders to improve and exchange their skills and talents.

For more information, visit www.saigon-tourist.com.

Exhibition spotlights President Ho Chi Minh’s testament

An exhibition was launched on August 29 at Hanoi’s Ho Chi Minh Museum on the testament of the late President Ho Chi Minh and the achievements that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have made during 45 years of implementing his will.

Along with the copy of the original ten-page testament, the exhibition also displays close to 200 photographs, documents and objects showcasing Vietnam’s successes over the last 45 years, including the liberation of the South and national reunification, socio-economic development, and the expansion of international cooperation.

The late President Ho Chi Minh wrote his will between May 1965 and May 1969. This special historical document has become a guideline for national development and building Vietnam ’s future.

The will also refers to the constant pursuit of the transition to socialism and the implementation of the renewal process. Furthermore, it notes the importance of strengthening international solidarity and utilising the strengths of the nation and today’s era to contribute to global efforts promoting the world revolution.

Jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Reserve Department of the Party Central Committee Office and the Academy of Journalism and Communications, the exhibition will run until October 29.

Alongside the opening of the exhibition, a scientific conference was also held to discuss the value of the will and review achievements Vietnam obtained under its guidance, as well as looking at future challenges and devising ways to implement the will better.

Music concert of violin strings made of real hair

“Hair Sonata - The symphony of hair and music - When her hair sings...” is the name of a special concert featuring the unique violin with strings made of real hair that will take place at 8 p.m. at Hanoi Opera House next Thursday.

The concert also promises to be a remarkable reunion of local divas in one night. With inspiration from women’s hair, composer Quoc Trung and director Pham Hoang Nam have jointly initiated the concert to honor women’s beauty, and particularly women’s hair.

In addition to admiring the unique violin, audiences can also enjoy the pioneering combination of classic music and modern electronic music. Throughout the show, various golden classics will be remixed in modern style and performed by two Grade-A divas Thanh Lam and Hong Nhung, singers Pham Thu Ha and Hoang Quyen, violin talent Xuan Huy, young violist Khanh Linh and the orchestra under the baton of conductor Le Phi Phi.

The concert will be presented like a documentary film with three chapters about a girl growing from her pure and innocent adolescence with her first love to the day she has matured into a wiser and more decisive woman who always loves and wants to be loved, yet still very feminine and graceful with such a beautiful soul inside.

Victor Vu comes back with thriller Scandal 2

Director Victor Vu continues to draw the audience in another obsessive story about the superficially glamorous, yet dramatic world of celebrities with his horror movie series Scandal.

The movie begins with Bella (starring Trang Nhung), an actress who was famous in the past and now wants to get back her days of glory. Thus she goes to see a couple of married plastic surgeons Quan (starring Chi Bao) and Van (starring Than Thuy Ha) as the final solution to help regain her juvenile beauty. Unfortunately, the surgery fails with the death of Bella right on the operating table. And just when people are about to forget the story of such an ill-fated actress, several months later, Bella suddenly re-enters the showbiz world, causing a big shock for everyone.

The film setting is mostly in HCMC but many scenes are shot imposingly in Danang’s Hoi An City with more than 200 walk-on participants.

Scandal 2 is released on Thursday.

Local actress calls for public to stop using rhino horns

Vietnamese actress Hong Anh, ambassador of the campaign “Stop Using Rhino Horn,” has raised her voice to urge the public to stop using rhino horns in the mission to save the threatened species from extinction.

Her voice was shouted on August 27 at the event “Stop Using Rhino Horn” as part of the program ‘When the buying stops, the killing can too’ organized by the nonprofit organization WildAid and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). The event was held by CHANGE Center at Trung Nguyen Café at 19B Pham Ngoc Thach Street in HCMC’s District 3, attracting many celebrities such as songwriter Duong Thu, doctor Nguyen Chan Hung and singer Thanh Bui.

“Using rhino horns is a crime and it is often committed by rich and powerful people. So we have to use media and communication channels to change behaviors and educate the public on laws related to endangered species and join international communities in saving these species for an ecologically balanced earth,” said the actress.

Statistics of CHANGE shows that rhino horns smuggling is increasing and Vietnam and China are the two biggest importers. Last year, 1,004 rhinos were killed in Africa and until August this year, 668 rhinos have been killed.

Workshop with German filmmakers

The Goethe Institute will host a workshop with a German team of experienced filmmakers - director Constanze Knoche and scriptwriter Leis Bagdach - on September 5.

They have written screenplays for various successful German television series and have shot a number of feature films and documentaries together, including the opening film of this year’s German Film Festival in Vietnam - Die Besucher. So in this seminar, which is aimed at students and professionals in the film industry, they talk about the production process of Die Besucher, discuss cinematic designs with participants based on selected scenes from the film and share their personal experiences as filmmakers.

The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in English and Vietnamese.

Festival satisfies visitors’ appetite for coastal cuisine

The southern coastal province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau is giving visitors the chance to enjoy its culinary culture during a four-day festival launched in Vung Tau city on August 28.

The finest local dishes are being showcased by 72 restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses from the province and its neighbouring localities.

Le Thanh Lam, a representative of the Vung Tau Tourist Company, said his company is offering dishes at reasonable prices so that all visitors, regardless of their budget, can try local specialties.

Delicacies of the southwestern region such as “bun mam” and “banh xeo” are a key attraction of the event, along with dishes from all over Vietnam .

Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to savour international cuisine, with culinary experts offering Ukrainian, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, and Korean fare.

The festival, the fourth to be held so far, will also organise cooking and cocktail making competitions.-

Concert sends a message of peace

The crowds that filled Hoa Binh Theatre seemed overwhelmed with emotion on Thursday night as flocks of white pigeons flew over a screen and dancers performed Bo Cau Trang (White Pigeon).

The performance was part of a free concert highlighting patriotism and peace, which featured 18 popular Vietnamese singers such as Hong Nhung, Uyen Linh and Doan Trang. Their repertoire included Dat Nuoc (The Country) by Pham Minh Tuan, Chieu Tren Que Huong Toi (Afternoon in My Homeland) and Mua Xuan Lang Lua, Lang Hoa (Spring: Village of Rice, Village of Flowers). Images depicting the country, people, patriotism and love for peace were displayed in the background.

Songs like Hue – Sai Gon – Ha Noi and Mua Xuan Tu Nhung Gieng Dau (Spring from Oil Fields) reflected the patriotic spirit. As pop singer Tan Minh completed the song Noi Dao Xa (Islands Far Away) which conveys the sentiments of soldiers on islands to people inland, the applause continued to echo for minutes.

"It's such a creative idea to use music to disseminate concepts of peace and war, about which the youth remain still vague," said Ton Nu Thi Ninh, chairwoman of the Viet Nam Peace and Development Foundation. "Viet Nam's music industry has so many beautiful and meaningful songs, conveying splendid messages. The peace story here is also told through the connection between generations – those who went through wartime and those who were born in or after the 1990s. I think that the love for peace should be fostered every day, not just at times of war."

Love between people was also a common theme.

"In wartime, we lost 36 of the 56 members of our class," veteran musician Tran Tien recalled. "I will never forget all these moments, so I wrote songs stressing that people want peace, not war." He went on to launch into his composition Diep Khuc Tinh Yeu (Chorus of Love), which begins with the line "Remembering the first kiss..."

Many songs voiced hopes for peace, expressing faith in a world without war, a world full of love and laughs. Khat vong (Aspiration), Song Nhu Nhung Doa Hoa (Live Like Bunches of Flowers), Canh Dong Hoa Binh (Field of Peace), Em Nhu Chim Bo Cau Trang (I'm Like a White Pigeon) and We Are The World resounded before the show ended with all participating artists belting out Tinh Yeu Hoa Binh (Love for Peace).

"I was born and grew up in peacetime. However, I have never felt love for peace as strong as now, when our national sovereignty is threatened," said Nhu Nguyet, a student from the HCM City-based College of Foreign Economic Relations. "The Story of Peace programme with its strong messages will surely capture the hearts of other young people like me."

Chairman of the Viet Nam National Union of Students Le Quoc Phong voiced a similar opinion, saying the show was "like a journey that inscribes the thinking, aspiration, responsibility and sentiments of young people in the cause of national protection and construction, which is demonstrated through the language of music".

Enterprises contributed VND6.1 billion (US$290,000) during the show to Tuoi Tre newspaper's Join Forces to Defend the National Sovereignty over East Sea programme, bringing the total raised to VND48 billion.

The show will be performed in Japan this October, according to the show's director Pham Hoang Nam.

The concert was organised by the Viet Nam National Union of Students, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and Viet Vision Company. 

VNS/VOV/VNA/SGT/ND