HCMC has a lot to offer, especially on weekends. Those still undecided over where to go this weekend should take a look at the following destinations.

Children read books at a bookstore on Nguyen Van Binh book street in downtown HCMC. HCMC-based Nha Nam Media and Publishing House is organizing a book fair on the book street to mark Vietnam Teachers’ Day (November 20) 

Nguyen Van Binh book street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

HCMC-based Nha Nam Media and Publishing House is joining hands with the HCMC Book Street Management Board to hold a book fair on Nguyen Van Binh book street in downtown HCMC to celebrate Vietnam Teachers’ Day (November 20).

At the fair, book worms can browse for thousands of books in various fields like literature, education, children, foreign languages and references. Additionally, talk shows and workshops will be held during the fair.

The event lasting until November 20 is expected to give visitors an opportunity to purchase books on discount, promote reading culture among youths, and honor teachers on the occasion of Vietnam Teachers’ Day, Nha Nam told the Daily.

All books on display will be discounted 30% to 50%.

Tan Trao Street, Phu My Hung Urban Zone, District 7

Those interested in social and charitable activities could consider taking part in a charity run called “Turkey Dash 5” at 3.30 p.m. this Sunday, November 19 at Tan Trao Street in Phu My Hung in District 7.

First launched in 2013, the annual event is slated to lure around 5,000 participants including Vietnamese singers and actors such as Hua Vi Van, Duc Tuan, Hong Nhung, Thao Trang and MC Anh Quan. 

The 4-kilometer fun run is calling for the participation of sport enthusiasts and young people to raise funds to help unfortunate kids.

According to the organizing committee, all the proceeds from the event will be donated to Operation Smile Vietnam (OSV) to conduct free surgeries for children with cleft lip and palate deformities. 

Operation Smile Vietnam is a non-government organization dedicated to patients with lip and palate defects. Since 1989 OSV has assisted more than 12,000 Vietnamese children and young adults suffering from cleft lip and palate deformities.

The participating fee is VND200,000 (US$8.8) per person and VND100,000 for students.  Further information can be found at www.turkeydash.com.

CGV Aeon Tan Phu, 30 Bo Bao Tan Thang Street, Tan Phu District

On the occasion of weekend holidays, film-lovers should head to CGV Aeon Tan Phu on the third floor of Aeon Mall Tan Phu shopping center in the outlying district of Tan Phu to watch Vietnamese movie Co Ba Sai Gon, or The Tailor in English, at 3:20 p.m., 5:25 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. this Saturday, November 18.

The 100-minute movie, set in an old Saigon, tells a story about a young girl called Nhu Y in her journey to protect the image of ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress). In addition, the film contributes to honoring the beauty of the traditional long dress and the Vietnamese women in the traditional costume.  

The movie was screened at the 22nd Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) from October 12 to 21 in the South Korean city Busan.

The movie which hit the local cinema on November 10 and gained positive responses from local audiences will be shown in Vietnamese with English subtitles. Further information can be found at https://www.cgv.vn/en/co-ba-sai-gon-en.html.

Institute of Cultural Exchanges with France (Idecaf), 28 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1

Idecaf has been known as a venue in HCMC for those keen on French culture, lifestyle, language and cinematography. At this weekend, interested people can drop by the place to watch French comedy movie “Nos Futurs” at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

The movie, directed by French writer and director Rémi Bezancon, tells a touching story about the close friendship between Yann and his high-school classmate Thomas.   

Movie tickets are on sale at Idecaf at the price of VND50,000. Students of Idecaf pay only VND40,000.

Those interested can visit www.institutfrancais-vietnam.com/vi/ho-chi-minh/chuong-trinh-ho-chi-minh/dien-anh-chuong-trinh-ho-chi-minh/tuong-lai-phia-truoc-3/.

SGT