THUA THIEN-HUE — A VND1-billion (US$50,000) renovation project on the Xien Vo Temple in the ancient capital of Hue has been launched by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.
The project, which deals with the temple's main compartment and two wings, is expected to be completed by October.
The building, also called Vo Ban Temple, was used as a martial arts teaching facility for children of high-ranking mandarins under King Minh Mang (1820-40).
Recognised as a provincial historical and architectural vestige in 2006, the temple presents features of a ruong house – a typical wooden house that once dominated the city.
One-day photo contest to be held in capital
HA NOI — Photography enthusiasts over 18-years of age are invited to join a one-day photo contest in Ha Noi on Sunday.
Organised by the site www.xomnhiepanh.com – a website for people interested in photography – the contest will focus on the unique features of the city, such as sidewalk tea shops, street food stalls, local open-air markets and cyclos.
Contestants will have from 7am till 4pm to capture images before submitting their five best photographs to the judges.
The top three photos will be auctioned for charity. The first-prize winner will receive a digital camera.
Renovation of old community house complete
THANH HOA — A VND3 billion (US$150,000) renovation project on the Dong Mon Communal House in the central northern province of Thanh Hoa has been completed.
Built under the reign of King Le Trung Hung (1570-1623) in Vinh Long District, the temple is the province's oldest communal house and still has nearly all of its original features.
It is a five-compartment complex with sophisticated carving patterns on its pillars, demonstrating the typical architectural style of Vietnamese communal houses.
Charity gala event to help aid children in need
HA NOI — Leading artists will gather to perform at a charity gala on Thursday to raise money for children living at Ha Noi's Phuc Lam Preschool and Nursery.
The show, which is to take place at the capital's historic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel, is entitled Cay Lieu Khoc Cho Em (Willow Weeps for Me).
As a curtain raiser, Spanish fashion designer Chula will present her latest collection, which features the diamond jewellery of the Ha Noi-based London Diamond Gallery.
Vietnamese diva My Linh and virtuoso pianist Pho An My will share the stage with the hotel's resident French jazz diva Trebeka on the night. Award-winning actress Le Khanh will MC.
The event is organised by the the non-profit charity organisation, Willow Weeps for Me, founded by Trebeka.
High schools win top prizes for ‘Sweet Dream' performance
HA NOI — Phan Dinh Phung and Kim Lien High Schools won the first prizes in the final round of the Ha Noi High School English Festival 2010 on Sunday for their outstanding performance titled Sweet Dream.
Organised by the Ha Noi Department of Education and Training and Apollo English, the festival awarded three second prizes to Viet Duc High School for their performance of the English song Stand up for Love, Hoai Duc A High School for their eloquence, and Nguyen Sieu High School for their hip-hop play titled Apologise.
Prizes were also given to other schools joining the festival held at the Youth Theatre in Ngo Thi Nham Street. — VNS
