Philippines and Vietnam Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Cultural Exchange

• The Philippines and Vietnam are commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations with a two-day event, "Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila," held August 7–8, 2026, in Intramuros, Manila.
• The celebration, part of a 2024–2029 cultural cooperation framework, utilizes the art of puppetry to highlight shared heritage and strengthened bilateral ties.

Event Highlights

• Day 1 (August 7): Master artists from the Philippines’ Teatrong Mulat and the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre held a collaborative workshop to share traditional puppetry craftsmanship and techniques.
• The NCCA ASEAN Lecture Series featured Dr. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete, who discussed the history and evolution of puppetry across the Philippines and the broader ASEAN region.
• A cultural showcase included performances by the Bayanihan Dance Troupe and the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre, displaying the cultural identities of both nations.
• Day 2 (August 8): The event concludes with a public performance of traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at Plaza Moriones, Fort Santiago.

Notable Attendees

• Eric B. Zerrudo, Chairman and Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
• Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.
• Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of the Intramuros Administration.
• Jeremy Barns, Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines.