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“Hanoi in me - 2018” photo exhibition opens
The 13th “Hanoi in me” photo exhibition showcases 80 authentic and lively photos featuring artisans’ portraits, working life and daily activities in Hanoi`s craft villages.
The Economic & Urban newspaper in collaboration with the Hanoi Elderly Photographers Club and Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Center of Scientific and Cultural Activities on October 9 opened to the public a photo exhibition titled “Hanoi in me - 2018” with theme of “Craft villages and streets” at the Temple of Literature.
The event, part of activities to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2018), will run until October 13.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalist Association Ho Quang Loi, Deputy Director of the Press and Publishing Department under Central Committee for Propaganda Tran Thanh Lam, Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports To Van Dong.
After expanding its administrative boundaries, Hanoi is home to the largest number of craft villages in the country, with some 1,350 ones, of which 272 have been recognized as craft villages and 198 are traditional craft villages.
Thanks to their skillfulness, artisans have created products with diverse models and of different materials such as bamboo and rattan, ceramics, woodwork, lacquer mosaics, culinary specialties, etc. These products are not only sold domestically but also exported to many countries in the world.
Centuries ago, the artisans who migrated to the imperial city brought along with them traditional crafts from their home villages. They incessantly preserved and created products that have become more unique, sophisticated and diverse, contributing to linking the city’s streets and the craft villages.
The streets bearing the names with “Hàng” (street) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter today have become the identity of the Hanoi craft culture, attractive destinations for both domestic and international travelers wishing to explore the capital city.
The 13th “Hanoi in me” photo exhibition is divided into three main sections, which are “Craft villages”, “Handicrafts”, and “Culinary professions”, which showcase 80 authentic and lively photos representing artisans’ portraits, working life and daily activities in Hanoi's craft villages.
In Section 1, the photos form a big picture depicting the bustling and busy craft villages in Hanoi with “Multi-metal mosaic artisan” in Kham Thien street, Dong Da district, “Artisans on Hang Bac street”, “The last family on To Tich Street keeps their wood lathing craft”, “Devoted to preservation of Hang Trong folk painting”, “Banh com (green rice flake cakes) in Hang Than Street”, among others.
Section 2, themed “Handicrafts”, describes real and lively activities at centuries-old handicraft villages on the outskirts of the city. Outstanding photos include “The sophistication of Chang Son paper fans”, “Producing lamp-shades in Phu Vinh (Chuong My), “Childhood in Chuong village (Thanh Oai)”, “Bat Trang ceramics”, etc.
Meanwhile, “Culinary professions” in Section 3 has caught beautiful moments at villages where traditional specialties are made. Visitors can find the most amazing moments through “Carefully making cellophane noodles in So village (Quoc Oai district)”, “Sunny day”, “Thanh Tri roll rice cake”, “Young rice flake from Vong village - a flavor of Hanoi Autumn”, etc.
“Hanoi in me” is an annual exhibition held by the Economic and Urban newspaper in coordination with the Hanoi Elderly Photographers Club. With 12 events over the last 12 years, the event has become a gathering point of photography and Hanoi lovers every October.
The event has left deep impression as it highlights true and long-lasting love for Hanoi, humanitarian professionalism, and lively experiences, said Editor-in-Chief of the Economic and Urban newspaper Nguyen Minh Duc.
Among the photos on display this year, many of them have contributed to leaving a hallmark for the “Hanoi in me” section of the Economic and Urban newspaper weekend issues over the past 13 years.
It can be affirmed that the exhibition gathers the most spectacular and highest quality pictures themed “Craft villages and street” by members of the Hanoi Elderly Photographers Club, reporters and close collaborators of the newspaper. A lot of the photos have won awards at prestigious competitions.
The 80 photos paint the life at craft villages and streets in Hanoi with real and lively colors. From the content to the layout, each photo has fresh and unique point of view that highlights the beauty, skillfulness and creativeness of handicraft workers.
Through those lens, domestic and foreign visitors can feel the quintessence and uniqueness of craft villages and streets in Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general. The event also contributes to encouraging Vietnamese people to consume made-in-Vietnam goods and attracting visitors to craft villages and streets for real experience.
The Inspire Me Festival 2018 will be held for the first time in early November in Hanoi by the British Embassy and the city’s People’s Committee to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam and 25 years of the British Council’s presence in the country.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the latest exhibitions and technology shows from the UK, face paintings, British cuisine, tea parties, and the “Music Is Great 2018” contest. There are also interactive games and locations for photos with iconic UK symbols such as a red phone booth.
Education, business, innovation tourism, fashion and food and beverage exhibitions will be found along Dinh Tien Hoang Street, while fashion shows and live music will be at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and the London Symphony Orchestra will perform by Ly Thai To Statue.
Ambassador of the UK to Vietnam, H.E. Gareth Ward, said it will be an opportunity for people to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the UK in the heart of Hanoi. “The 87 units in many areas participating in the festival will showcase the creativity and dynamism of the UK, bringing inspiration from the country,” he said.
As part of the “Inspire Me” 2018 series, the British Embassy in Vietnam also organized the Chevening UK Scholarship Day in August and September in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, to provide information and support potential candidates.
The British Council in Vietnam will organize a series of other events in the time to come, including UK Education Day 2018 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and featuring 30 UK universities, Journey of Social Creativity in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with Dr. Belinda Bell from the University of Cambridge, and Technology Innovation Journey, taking place in all three cities.
The British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) will also hold educational exhibitions and business exhibitions.
On June 4, a ceremony to mark the 45th anniversary of UK-Vietnam diplomatic relations and the 92nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II was held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations in cooperation with the UK Vietnam Friendship Association’s chapter in Ho Chi Minh City.
UK Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Ian Gibbons said that more high-ranking UK officials will pay visits to Vietnam to tighten cooperative relations.
More Michelin stars at Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon is hosting acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Francesco Gasbarro for a special culinary residency to continue its commitment to providing world-class dining experiences.
On October 16 at R&J Italian Lounge & Restaurant, Chef Gasbarro will present a five-course wine dinner and from October 17 through 20 a select six-course menu.
“My aim is to redefine Italian food, and while it is firmly rooted in tradition I am not constrained by tradition,” Chef Gasbarro said. “I am very excited to be part of this event and partner with a fantastic venue such as The Reverie Saigon.”
Mr. Kai Speth, Vice President Operations and Business Performance of WMC Group, which operates The Reverie Saigon, said this latest event at the hotel cements its reputation as the home of the finest culinary events in Vietnam. “Chef Gasbarro has taken the culinary world by storm, and I think diners will be amazed by his inventiveness and artistry,” he said.
Direct from the hottest dining destination in Geneva, La Bottega, Chef Gasbarro will bring his signature “free-style” approach to Italian cuisine. La Bottega was awarded its Michelin star just five months after opening in 2015, and has retained it ever since thanks to their determination to marry inventiveness with the highest quality ingredients.
His signature dishes to be presented at R&J will include Uovo (slow cooked organic egg, cauliflower and truffle), Cappelletti (home-made pigeon “cappelletti” pasta, butter and fresh thyme), Spaghetti (spaghetti pasta, smoked lapsang souchong tea, pumpkin and pecorino), Ricciola (line-caught Mediterranean amberjack, organic carrot, almond and ginger), Manzo (USDA first choice beef rib-eye, and Da Lat sweet potato and onion), and Nocciola (hay ice cream, Piedmont hazelnuts, and passion fruit).
Chef Gasbarro began his culinary education early, with a father who was a chef and grandmother he describes as “an amazing cook”. He opened his first restaurant in the Campo di Marte area of Florence before teaming up with Paulo Airaudo to open La Bottega.
Taking its name from Shakespeare’s epic romance, Romeo and Juliet, R&J stokes a similar passion in lovers of traditional Italian cuisine. Prepared under the watchful eye of a renowned Italian chef, the menu at R&J features exquisite Italian cuisine, prepared with the finest seasonal produce and presented with flair right in the heart of Saigon.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Reverie Saigon offers an astonishing hotel experience, showcasing extravagant, unapologetic European opulence in a storied Asian setting. The hotel features 286 rooms and suites alongside 89 fully furnished serviced apartments, all of which are among the largest in the city and feature incomparable views of the winding Saigon River and the city skyline.
The Reverie Saigon is managed by the Windsor Property Management Group Corporation (WMC Group). Incorporated in 2007, WMC Group is a hospitality and property services management company headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. The company's diverse management portfolio includes premier hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants in the CBD, Grade A office space, and shopping centers.
The 5th International Puppet Festival officially opened in Hanoi on October 8 night with the participation of puppeteers from eight countries, including the host Vietnam.
About 100 puppeteers from Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, Belgium, France and Brazil traveled to Vietnam for the festival. The four Vietnamese troupes participating include the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre, Thang Long Puppetry Theatre, Hai Phong Puppetry Theatre and Ho Chi Minh Puppetry Theatre.
Tran Huong Duong, Deputy Director of the Performing Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the festival is a chance for Vietnamese puppeteers to introduce the country’s unique and artistic puppetry to the international community.
"It also offers Vietnamese puppeteers and art managers a chance to share their performance and management experience. The international puppetry troupes will bring new shows to the festival, and local groups will also have a chance to present new plays,” he said.
There will be various types of shows showcasing the cultural features of the participating countries including water puppetry, shadow puppetry, rod puppetry, glove puppetry and mask puppetry.
The Thang Long Water Puppetry Theatre will debut its new production entitled Cong Chua Toc May (Tangled Princess), which combines three types of manipulation: water puppetry; rod puppetry and string puppetry. The 45-minute show is co-directed by Nguyen Phuong Nhi and Bach Quoc Khanh and conveys a message about environment protection.
"The story of the show is about pollution, forest fires and climate change,” said Nhi. “But characters like the princess, prince and wizard will entertain young audiences.”
Cong Chua Toc May will be performed at 9:00am on October 9 at 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street.
From Une Tribu Collectif of Belgium, Michel Villee and Noemie Vincart will perform Gaspard, which will feature a man and a woman creating the illusion of life on stage. The two puppeteers explore a number of different styles and forms.
Founded in 2014, Une Tribu is a collective comprised of eight artists with different backgrounds. Gaspard will be performed at 8pm on October 11 at Au Co Theatre, 8 Huynh Thuc Khang Street.
In addition to the main performances in Hanoi, puppetry troupes will also perform in the northern provinces of Ninh Binh and Vinh Phuc. Their performances will entertain local people, enhance understanding of Vietnamese culture among foreign performers and tighten international relationships through arts.
A workshop entitled Relationship Between Body and Puppet will be held on October 13 in Hanoi. The festival will wrap up on October 15.
Ba Den national tourist site to become special, quality tourism hub
The PM decision on Ba Den national tourist site master plan is granted to the Pople's Committee of Tay Ninh
The southern province of Tay Ninh will build the Ba Den national tourist site into a special, quality and highly competitive tourism centre in the country.
The provincial People’s Committee on October 8 announced the Prime Minister’s decision on a master plan for the construction of the site by 2035.
According to the plan, the site will cover nearly 3,000 hectares spanning Ninh Son, Ninh Thanh wards and Thanh Tan commune of Tay Ninh city, and parts of Suoi Da and Phan communes of Duong Minh Chau district.
The site will be synchronised with functional areas for trade, spiritual-cultural tourism, culture-sport, entertainment, accommodation, as well as area for scientific, natural and environmental research.
As many as 1,147 hectares, or 38.27 percent of its total area, will be developed for tourism, services and accommodation. Meanwhile, an area of 100 hectares will be used for research activities.
Particularly, more than 1,100ha of special-use forest in the site will be untouched.
Tay Ninh will improve transport infrastructure system connecting the site with Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Long An provinces and Ho Chi Minh City to lure more tourists to the site.
Ba Den (Black Lady) Mountain is famous for its majestic landscapes and magnificent caves and pagodas, and is part of the Nui Ba Relic Complex in Tay Ninh province.
The complex spreads over an area of 24 square kilometres and comprises three mountains: Heo (Pig) Mountain, Phung (Phoenix) Mountain and Ba Den Mountain.
Ba Den is the highest peak, rising to the height of 986 metres. Besides the landscape, the site, with many pagodas and caves, is considered one of the most famous spiritual lands in the south, worshipping Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother). The most popular destinations at the site are the Ba Temple Complex, old pagodas like Ha Pagoda, Thuong Pagoda and Hang Pagoda and caves on the mountain.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Ngoc said this is a great opportunity for Tay Ninh to lure investment in the tourism sector, striving to make it a spearhead industry by 2030.
It is forecast that the Ba Den national tourist site will attract about 5 million visitors per year by 2025 and 8 million by 2035. It will provide jobs for 4,000 people.
Ox racing festival in An Giang kicks off
The annual Bay Nui (Seven Mountains) Ox Racing Festival kicked off on October 8 in Tinh Bien district, the Mekong Delta province of An Giang, attracting thousands of people.
This year, 64 pairs of oxen from An Giang and neighbouring provinces competed in the event.
The pair of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Thanh Tai from Chau Lang commune of Tri Ton district won first prize, while the pairs of oxen owned by farmer Nguyen Van Cuoc from Nui Voi commune in Tinh Bien district and farmer Chau Ranh Ra from Van Giao commune in Tinh Bien district finished second and third, respectively.
The festival is part of the Sene Dolta, one of the most important annual festivals of the Khmer community in the southwest region, along with Chol Chnam Thmay (New Year) and Ooc Oom Bok, a festival honouring the moon for a good harvest.
The oxen racing festival commemorates the merits of the Khmer’s ancestors and wishes for happiness and peace for their souls.
The event is held from the 30th day of the eighth lunar month until the second day of the ninth lunar month each year, falling on October 8-10 this year.
During the event, the Khmer people pay tribute to their ancestors and take part in activities with traditional songs and dances after a year of hard work.
Vietnamese culture popularised in Mexican university
At the event
The National School of Languages, Linguistics and Translation under the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico held a Day of Vietnamese Language and Cuisine and screened films to introduce Vietnamese culture to lecturers and students on October 5.
At a Vietnamese-language class, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico Lam Quoc Thanh presented an overview of the origin, formation and development of the Vietnamese language.
Nearly 50 students learned Vietnam’s alphabet characters, pronunciation and basic greetings. They expressed wish that more Vietnamese classes will be opened.
Head of the Russian, Asian and contemporary Greek language faculty Ricardo Cornejo said the school will consider adding Vietnamese language into its curricula in the near future to meet students’ demand.
International and Mexican students were also introduced to Vietnam’s rice paper – a specialty of the wet rice civilization. They learnt how to make fresh spring rolls using rice papers.
On the occasion, they gained an insight into the unique culture of H’Mong people, one of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups via the film “Story of Pao” by director Ngo Quang Hai.
The day was part of the Vietnam Week held by UNAM with a series of activities such as seminars and photo exhibitions.
Exhibition shows smiles
Nghĩa Cử Cao Đẹp (Good Work) by Trần Tuấn Anh.
Smiling photos are on display at an exhibition that opened today in Hà Nội.
Hà Nội Smiles is the result of a photo contest launched in January by Người Hà Nội newspaper and the Hà Nội Photographic Artists Association for Vietnamese and foreign photographers living in Việt Nam.
The organisers received more than 1,500 entries from 147 photographers.
The photos reflect smiling Vietnamese and foreign people while they are working, travelling or participating in cultural events.
Đào Xuân Hưng, editor-in-chief of the newspaper, said it was the first time they had hosted a photo contest.
“We wanted to create a playground for people who love photography and love Hà Nội. Each photo will help promote the culture and elegance of the city.”
The show will run until October 7 at the Exhibition House, 3 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, Hà Nội.
Exhibition recalls Hà Nội in 1954 victory
Memories of fierce battles to defend Hà Nội during the war of resistance against the French are reflected at an exhibition held yesterday at the Thăng Long Royal Citadel vestige.
To celebrate the 64th anniversary of Hà Nội’s Liberation Day, the Thăng Long-Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre opened the exhibition Hà Nội – Unforgettable moments in October 1954 to review the proud tradition of the capital army and residents.
The exhibition introduced to the public a large number of photos that depict unforgettable moments of Hà Nội.
Visitors will encounter stories of the hard conditions of the war time, the cruel battles, French colonialists withdrawing from the capital while Vietnamese troops arrived in Hà Nội through the city gates, the happiness of Hà Nội people and solemn salutes to the National Flag at the Flag Tower Stadium.
On October 10, 1954, people in Hà Nội witnessed no gunfire and fighting but the silent retreat of the French forces. Hanoians, with flags and flowers in hand, flooded the streets of the city to welcome triumphant Vietnamese soldiers.
That was the result of a nine-year resistance war against the French colonialists.
Looking at the pictures of the victorious army returning to the capital after their success at the battle of Điện Biên Phủ, historian Dương Trung Quốc felt moved.
“One of the remarkable events on October 10, 1954 was people saluting the National Flag when the army took over the capital,” said Quốc.
“The flag was considered a symbol of victory that reflected the determination of the army to firmly defend the achievement of August 1945 Revolution.”
Phùng Đệ, 84, was moved to attend the exhibition. In 1951, he was assigned to work for an art troupe serving at the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign.
When Đệ and his comrades returned to Hà Nội, he was emotional to see that people had already set up welcome gates and banners along streets. Hanoians stood cheerfully along streets waving hands and flags.
Lê Ngọc Canh, 86, member of the Capital Regiment, shared the same feeling with Đệ when he came back home in 1954.
“When I was engaged in combat, people in my family supposed that I was killed,” said Canh.
“So when I arrived Hà Đông Market where my mother sold fruits, she was surprised. Then we embraced each other and cried.”
Canh appreciated the exhibition as it recalls the glorious victory of the nation and helps people, especially younger citizens, understand more about the history.
“The exhibition is just sufficient to send visitors information and messages,” he said.
The exhibition will run until the end of this month at Đoan Môn (South Gate) of Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, 9 Hoàng Diệu Street, Hà Nội.
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