VN pupil conquers South Pole

Poles apart: During his expedition to the South Pole, Quang will make a short documentary about the life of Antarctic inhabitants, including whales and penguins. — File Photos Intrepid: Quang poses with Dr Olav Orheim, a scientist working at the South Pole.

HA NOI — Ten-year-old Pham Vu Thieu Quang did not celebrate the Lunar New Year in the traditional way with sticky rice cake, but instead with icy mountains, whales, sea lions and penguins at the South Pole.

Quang became the youngest Asian person to conquer the South Pole when he and other members of his expedition reached the southernmost point of the Earth on February 2.

Accompanied by his father, businessman Pham Quang Vinh, the 4th-grade student left Ha Noi on January 29 bound for Ushuia in Argentina, where they boarded English cruise liner the MS Fram, heading to the South Pole.

During the 10-day expedition, Quang and his companions visited the Rothera Research Station, a British Antarctic Survey logistics centre on Adelaide Island. They also visited several well known regional spots, including Deception Island, Half Moon Island, Yankee Harbour, Port Lockroy Post Office and Wilhelmina Bay.

To prepare for the journey, Quang took up cycling and biked up to 20km every Sunday.

Although it is summer time at present at the South Pole, the temperature was between -14oC to -5oC, challenging conditions for little Quang who is more familiar with a tropical climate.

"I had to ask some friends that live abroad to purchase specific clothing and other equipment such as anti-UV sun-glasses, gaiters and waterproof boots," Quang's father said.

According to Vinh, the expedition was not simply a journey of discovery, but also an experience his son would never forget.

"By taking him with me to the South Pole, I wanted him to know that I, like all parents, will always support his dreams."

Documentary

Quang was extremely excited when he found out about the expedition and started to research the area he was going to explore on the internet.

Quang revealed that he planned to make a short documentary about the life of Antarctic inhabitants, including whales and penguins.

To complete the documentary, Quang will conduct interviews with explorers, crew members and expedition members.

"I will present the documentary to my classmates and other people, hoping they will be able to learn more about the area and raising their environmental awareness," Quang said. — VNS

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City honours participants in HCM City's Tet festival

HCM CITY — The Saigontourist Holding Company yesterday organised a closing ceremony for Nguyen Hue Flower Street which opened during the Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival.

The city People's Committee commended the active participation of 48 organisations and 78 individuals in the 2011 Tet Festival.

An estimated of 1 million people visited Nguyen Hue Flower Street during Tet.

The main sponsor for this section, Kinh Do Company, contributed VND500 million (US$25,000) to the Sponsoring Association for Poor Patients.

The organiser also collected VND68 million ($3,400) of coins from the Wishing Pond that were sent to the association.

Hue kicks off eight-day New Year festival

HCM CITY — Thua Thien-Hue Province authorities on Thursday kicked off an eight-day annual festival celebrating the New Year at Huyen Tran Temple in Hue City.

The temple worships both Princess Huyen Tran, who is considered the founder of Thua Thien-Hue, Quang Tri and Quang Nam provinces, and her father, King Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308).

The first event of the festival was a prayer and ritual ceremony conducted by Buddhist monks to pray for peace and prosperity in the new year. Leaders and residents of Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Tri lit incense sticks during the ceremony.

The festivities include lanterns, traditional prayers for good luck, folklore performances, handicraft exhibitions and a vegetarian food festival.

The festival ends on February 17.

Hoi An students to learn Japanese in pilot plan

QUANG NAM — The central province of Quang Nam on Thursday started a pilot programme to teach Japanese language at the primary and junior-high school levels.

The lessons are being taught in one third-grade class at Luong The Vinh primary school and two sixth-grade classes at Kim Dong junior high school in Hoi An.

The programme's organisers are Hoi An City People's Committee and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Human Resources Institute (HRI) Viet Nam.

Japanese teachers from HRI Viet Nam are in charge of helping the students get acquainted with Japanese language and culture through interactive activities.

Nakamura Kouji, a teacher at Kim Dong School, said: "I started to discover a big world outside Japan when I first made contact with foreigners."

"I hope that Vietnamese students like the subject and realise it is a way for them to know more about the country, people and culture of Japan," Nakamura added.

Since the 17th century, Hoi An has a longstanding history of commercial exchanges with Japan. Many relics of Japan can be found in Hoi An. — VNS

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Festival for farmer king

Kickin' it: During the festival a number of games were played to celebrate the martial spirit. — VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa: During the festival a number of games were played to celebrate the martial spirit. — VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa

HA NOI — Thousands of visitors flocked to Dong Da Hill in Ha Noi yesterday to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da Victory.

The Dong Da festival takes place annually on the 5th day of the lunar first month. It is a festival organised in memory of King Quang Trung's great military victory.

Many new activities were included in this year's festivities. "The traditions of placing offerings, dragon dance and palanquin procession have been brushed up and given a new face," said Nguyen Thi Kim Anh, director of Dong Da Culture Park.

Performers from the Ha Noi traditional opera recreated the heroic story of King Quang Trung and his troops defeating invaders on the hill in 1789.

Quang Trung, a Tay Son farmer who later became a national hero, defeated more than 200,000 soldiers of the invading Qing army. Dong Da Hill became known as one of the nation's most glorious historical sites.

In the early morning of the festival, a procession for the historical event's celebration commenced at Khuong Thuong and ended at Dong Da Hill. The procession included flags, a processional parasol, palanquins in a variety of colours, and the sounds of gongs and drums.

During the festival a number of games were played to represent the martial spirit. Among them, the procession of Thang Long dragon was considered by many as the most original.

"The festival has become an essential part of the capital's culture. It's a way for people to remind themselves of the historical event and open the eyes of young people," said Tran Duc Hoc, chairman of Dong Da District People's Committee.

Authorities in the central province of Binh Dinh's Tay Son District – King Quang Trung's (Nguyen Hue) homeland – also attended the ceremony and gave speeches recalling the historic battle. — VNS

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Singers reflect on roles

Singers Day: Hoang Hai performs at a conference on the music industry held in northern Quang Ninh Province. — VNS Photo

QUANG NINH — The respect of singers for the public and for composer's copyrights were central topics at a recent conference held within the framework of the fifth annual Singers Day this week in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

Musician Le Quang, one of the initiators of the day six years ago, said that today's singers were better at communicating with the public and, although sometimes rivals in competing for the music market, with each other. Singers were showing greater respect for the audience through their enhanced performing styles and musical productions targeted at specific audiences, Quang said.

Recent conflicts over copyright between singers and songwriters reflected a lack of professionalism in the country's music industry, said singer Hoang Hai, noting that he had avoided such conflicts by generally working with established composers and signing proper contracts with them, even those who were his close friends.

"Some singers are asking to be paid more for their labours, which is fine," Hai said, acknowledging that the topic of payments was rather too "sensitive" to be discussed in greater detail.

"But they shouldn't ask too much," he added. "I think a singer should contribute to society within a possible scope that they can manage."

Hai elaborated by saying a singer could not be expected to join in all charity shows and needed to be able to be selective in where he or she could appear.

Overseas Vietnamese singer Ngoc Anh recounted her experiences dealing with the media, which fiercely criticised her performance in a see-through top in the 1990s. She kept silent at the criticism and drew a lesson to dress more properly when performing.

"I think that's a kind of professional and cultural standard," she said.

Singers Day 2011 gathered over 200 local and overseas Vietnamese singers to events which ended yesterday, including performances and a charity gala to raise a funds for the poor in Quang Ninh. — VNS

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VN treasure displayed in S Korea

SEOUL — The South Korean National Palace Museum is hosting a special exhibition entitled the Treasures of the Vietnamese Nguyen Dynasty to offer insight into the history and culture of Viet Nam through a pan-Asian perspective and the shared culture of the two countries.

The exhibition features 165 relics and artefacts dating from the 19th century and photographs and videos of historical places in Hue, the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).

The National Palace Museum's director, Chang Jong-soo, stressed the cultural similarities between the two countries. He said the event would offer South Korean people a rare chance to understand more about the last imperial rulers of Viet Nam.

The exhibition lasts until February 16 and will move to Gyeongju city, Gyeongsangbuk Province for another display from February 28 to May 15.

Coastal town targets tourism growth

QUANG NINH — A workshop on Tuesday discussed the promotion of tourist sites in Quang Yen Town, Yen Hung District, the northern province of Quang Ninh.

Quang Yen Town is a historic urban area, which acted as a military, political and economic centre over several centuries.

Flowers, drinks fest planned for Tet

HA NOI — A festival of Spring Flowers and Drinks will be organised next Tuesday to celebrate Tet (the Lunar New Year).

It will introduce traditional customs and feature arts performances and games for visitors such as the traditional dress show, calligraphy exhibition and a photo exhibition of lotus flowers, the top candidate for the title "Viet Nam National Flower."

The exhibition will also show wines and spirits made by modern and traditional methods, with rewards for the most popular.

The annual event will feature a market-day of the mountainous province of Ha Giang with local specialities, cuisine and festivities of the area's ethnic people such as a pan-pipe, dance and folk duet.

This year's festivities will run at the Ha Noi's Viet Nam Culture and Arts Exhibition Centre, located at 2 Hoa Lu Street, until the end of January.

Best of Ha Noi show goes south

HCM CITY — A collection of works chosen from last month's National Fine Arts Exhibition in Ha Noi is on show in HCM City.

On display are 286 paintings, graphics, sculptures, and installation works created between 2006 and 2010 that reflect contemporary life, history, and traditional culture.

The exhibition, which opened yesterday at the HCM City Fine Arts Museum, Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, will run until February 12.

Later it will move to Da Nang.

World-class sommelier to hold class

HA NOI — Evan Goldstein, the eighth and youngest American to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier Examination, will hold a class and a wine-pairing dinner at the Hilton Ha Noi Opera Hotel on tonight.

He will talk on American vineyards, vintage and wines during the events.

Goldstein is president and chief education officer of Full Circle Wine Solutions, a global beverage education firm. He is also one of the most prolific food and wine authors who has contributed to several specialised magazines in various nations.

Entrance to the class and dinner is VND570,000 (US$28) or VND1,750,000 ($87).

Tuan Ngoc to belt out pop classics

HA NOI — Vietnamese-American singer Tuan Ngoc's performance at Ha Noi's 2B Pham Ngoc Thach Nightclub tonight will feature contemporary and pop music, ballads, and romantic songs.

He will sing popular romantic numbers like Ao Lua Ha Dong (Ha Dong Silk Dress), Cay Dan Bo Quen (The Guitar That I Left), Thuong Ve Mien Trung (Love for the Central Region), and Ve Day Nghe Em (Returning) composed by Ngo Thuy Mien, Tran Quang Loc, and Minh Ky.

There will also be Trinh Cong Son favourites like Ha Trang (White Summer).

Ngoc will be supported by a professional band led by Nguyen Quang.

The singer, popular in both Viet Nam and the US, has performed in several countries with large ethnic Vietnamese populations like Canada and France. — VNS

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Bosch, STF grant scholarships to students

Vo Quang Hue (L) managing director of Robert Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd., hands scholarships to students at the HCMC University of Technology - Photo: Tuong Vi

The Saigon Times Foundation ( STF) in association with Robert Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd. granted 10 scholarships on Thursday to poor studious students at the HCMC University of Technology. These students will receive VND17.5 million during three and a half academic years.

In the last six years, STF has awarded short-term scholarships worth a total of VND4 billion for students in cities and provinces of the Mekong Delta, HCMC, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Danang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Quang Tri, Thua Thien- Hue, Kontum, Phu Yen, Binh Dinh and Ninh Thuan.

STF has also cooperated with local enterprises and individuals to donate long-term scholarships to 226 students in HCMC, Binh Duong, An Giang, Can Tho, Lam Dong, Danang, and Quang Ngai worth over VND2 billion in total.

At the award ceremony, students met with leaders from local technical companies to learn about recruitment policies for interns.

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Folk cultural researchers honoured in Ha Noi

HA NOI — Valuable pieces of research on folk literature and art were granted prizes by the Viet Nam Folk Arts and Literature Association on Wednesday in Ha Noi at an annual association event.

Research on the spiritual customs of the Thai ethnic group who live in the northern mountainous region of Viet Nam by Luong Thi Dai and Lo Xuan Hinh and a book on the geography of Quang Xuong District in the central province of Thanh Hoa by Hoang Tuan Pho received the most prestigious awards on the occasion.

Pho's work provided a range of information on the coastal district of Quang Xuong including its history, geographical traits and potential development in tourism and traditional handicrafts.

Dai and Hinh researched the long-standing traditions of the Thai people, concentrating on their marriage ceremony, known as sen phan be.

The association awarded 66 prizes selected from 89 entries in the fields of philology, folk culture, performing arts, geography, traditional customs and folk knowledge, according to To Ngoc Thanh, the association's president.

Academy to present quarterly concert for children

HA NOI — The Viet Nam National Academy of Music will offer a special concert for children every quarter at the academy's campus, according to piano instructor Ta Quang Dong, who initiated and organised the programme.

"We spare a regular concert for children as we hope to bring them a real appreciation for European classical music, " Dong told Viet Nam News. "Vietnamese audiences have little knowledge of this kind of music, which is partly a result of our improper music education.

"Children audiences like to see children perform," he said. "At the same time, young artists will get a chance to perform in front of a real audience rather than waiting for scarce opportunities to perform in major shows."

"Classical music is the root from which a music student begins before concentrating on other genres," Dong said. "Today, more wealthy families are facilitating their children's music education, not to earn a living but to enhance their aesthetic sense."

17th century stone steles found in northern province

VINH PHUC — Sixty-eight stone steles dating from the 17th century have been catalogued by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the northern province of Vinh Phuc.

Stone steles, often found in pagodas, temples and community halls, provide valuable information on history, tradition, geography and customs, said Tran Van Quang, the department's director. Contents carved on the steles recorded notable events, he said.

However, Quang warned that communities were often not aware of the significance of the carved stone and that regional authorities had no plans to preserve it.

Heavy rains bring brighter news as artefacts are unearthed

NGHE AN — People in Do Luong District and Cua Lo Town in the central province of Nghe An have collected 40 pottery pieces dating from the Ly and Tran dynasties (the 10th-18th centuries) in recent months.

Most of the artefacts, including dishes, bowls, pots and cups, were found by farmers after heavy rain washed the soil away.

Many of the pieces were decorated with lotus and daisies, enamelled in different colours. They are now being stored at the provincial museum. — VNS

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Polish films to entertain Ha Noi audience

HA NOI — Five newly produced films by Polish directors will be screened at the Ha Noi Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha Street, from this Sunday to next Thursday as a cultural exchange between the two countries.

The films include Fuka's Advice by director Dariuz Gajewski, God's Small Village by Jacek Bromski, Before the Sunset by Jacek Blawut and Time to Die by Dorota Kedzierzawska.

All the screenings will be at 7.30pm and 8pm. Tickets free at the cinema centre.

Up to 74 Quang Nam relic sites in ruins

QUANG NAM — As many as 74 historic sites in the central province of Quang Nam are in ruins, the provincial Relic Sites Department says.

Thirty-four others were in serious condition with no financial source for upgrading.

Japanese pianist Koyama to perform in Ha Noi

HA NOI — Japanese pianist Michie Koyama will give a solo concert entitled Beethoven Cycle at the Ha Noi Opera House on Friday and Sunday.

Koyama, who started to play piano at age 5, won the fourth prize at Frederic Chopin piano contest in Warsaw in 1985.

She has performed in Europe and America.

HTV show backs bright students with scholarships

HCM CITY — A reality show that identifies and supports talented students has begun on HCM City Television's channel 9 on Wednesdays.

The first episode of Vi Hat Giong Viet (For Vietnamese Talents) yesterday featured Luu Nguyen Hong Quang, winner of this year's National Chemistry Competition.

The 10-minute show, produced by Sai Gon Film Joint-Stock Company and HTV, will feature an outstanding student every week and provide them scholarships. — VNS

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Ha Long Bay vies for honors in world wonders

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Ha Long Bay in the northern Quang Ninh province, a UNESCO recognized world’s heritage site, has jumped in September to the second place among 28 finalists of the online voting for the world’s new seven wonders of nature.

The voting is launched by the New7Wonders Foundation at http://www.new7wonders.com/en/.

The Official New7Wonders of Nature campaign started in 2007 and has attracted by an estimated 1 billion votes. The Official Declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will be on November 11, 2011.

The Ha Long Bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes, and comprises a 120-kilometer-long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometers in size with 1969 islets.

The victorious outcome is attributed to Quang Ninh province in boosting information dissemination and promotion of the image of the site to foreign friends.

The province has also developed tourism linkages with other provinces nationwide, especially the country’s five biggest tourism centers.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has planned a promotion campaign and a tourism publication to further introduce Ha Long Bay.

Quang Ninh has received around 5.3 million visitors in the first eight months of the year with estimated revenue of VND2.3 trillion (US$118 million).

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