PH and Viet Nam Celebrate 50 Years of Relations

NCCA Chair and Executive Director Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong, Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla, members of the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, and the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre pose for a photo following the cultural performance at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, on August 7, 2026. Photo by NCCA International Cultural Affairs Office.

  Half a century of diplomatic relations. Fifty years of cultural exchange. Five decades of strengthening trust, friendship, and shared aspirations for the future. The Republic of the Philippines and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations through "Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila."   

Organized under the framework of the Executive Program between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for 2024-2029, the two-day celebration on August 7–8, 2026, in Intramuros, Manila, highlighted the shared artistic ties and enduring friendship of both nations through the captivating art of puppetry. 

Day 1: Opening the Strings That Bind

         Opening the festivities on August 7, was an interactive puppetry workshop held at Centro de Turismo Intramuros. Master artists from the Philippines' Teatrong Mulat and the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre came together in a rare collaborative effort to offer the public an insider's look into the intricate craftsmanship, techniques, and mechanics of traditional puppetry. The workshop provided participants with a unique opportunity to learn directly from renowned practitioners. 

Much like the delicate strings that guide a puppet’s every movement, the Philippines and Viet Nam are bound by shared histories, cultural exchanges, and a friendship strengthened over five decades. Through the art of puppetry, the two nations continue to create meaningful connections-- where traditions are shared, stories are carried forward, and cultural understanding takes center stage. 

         Capping off the morning session of Day 1 was the NCCA ASEAN Lecture Series featuring the talk "Puppetry Traditions of ASEAN," held in celebration of ASEAN Month. Delivered by Dr.

Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete —daughter of National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio and Art koistic Director of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas—the lecture traced the history and evolution of puppetry in the Philippines while recognizing the artists, cultural workers, and institutions whose dedication has sustained and advanced the tradition through the years. Expanding the discussion beyond the Philippines, Dr. Bonifacio-Ramolete also situated Filipino puppetry within the broader context of Southeast Asia, highlighting the rich and diverse puppetry traditions across ASEAN. The morning session ended with a performance from Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas. 

 Adding color and movement to the celebration, the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre and the Philippines’ official national folk dance company, the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, presented a series of performances that showcased the rich cultural expressions of both nations. Through the graceful movements of dance and the imaginative storytelling of puppetry, the performers brought to life the traditions, histories, and artistic identities of Viet Nam and the Philippines. 

The cultural showcase was graced by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong, Intramuros Administration Administrator Atty. Joan Padilla, National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz, ambassadors, Viet Nam delegates, and distinguished guests. 

Day 2: Stories Come to Life on Water

The celebration continues on August 8, as Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila culminates with a public performance of Viet Nam’s world-renowned traditional water puppetry at 4:30 PM at Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago.

  Set against the historic heritage walls of Manila, the showcase highlights the intricate craftsmanship and storytelling traditions that have been preserved and passed down through generations.

Through strings, stories, and shared traditions, Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila continues to showcase how the arts serve as a bridge between cultures and generations.

For details and other information contact paio@ncca.gov.ph or 0945 788 5698. Visit www.ncca.gov.ph and the Facebook page @NCCAOfficial.