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 commemorated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations through “Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila,” a two-day cultural celebration held on August 7–8, 2026, in the historic district of Intramuros, Manila.
Organized under the framework of the Executive Program (2024–2029) between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event highlighted the enduring friendship and artistic connections between both nations through the captivating art of puppetry and performing arts.
Day 1: Strings That Bind Across Borders
The cultural celebration opened on August 7 with a focus on cross-cultural knowledge sharing. Master artists from the Philippines’ Teatrong Mulat and the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre joined forces at the Centro de Turismo Intramuros for an interactive puppetry workshop. The session offered attendees an insider’s look into the craftsmanship, mechanical techniques, and intricate skills behind traditional puppetry, demonstrating how the art form preserves cultural heritage and storytelling across generations.
Capping off the morning session was the NCCA ASEAN Lecture Series, held in celebration of ASEAN Month. Dr. Amihan Bonifacio-Ramolete—daughter of National Artist for Theater Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio and Artistic Director of Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas—delivered a presentation titled “Puppetry Traditions of ASEAN.” Her lecture traced the history and evolution of Filipino puppetry while placing it within the broader Southeast Asian context, underscoring the role of puppet theater in safeguarding heritage and fostering regional unity. The morning concluded with a live performance by Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas.
The afternoon brought movement and color to the stage as the Viet Nam National Puppetry Theatre performed alongside the Philippines’ official national folk dance company, the Bayanihan Dance Troupe. The collaborative showcase blended traditional Vietnamese puppetry with Philippine folk dance, celebrating the shared ties and distinct identities of both nations.
Key Attendees
The showcase was attended by prominent cultural leaders and diplomats, including:
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Eric B. Zerrudo, NCCA Chairman and Executive Director
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Hoang Dao Cuong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam
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Atty. Joan Padilla, Intramuros Administration Administrator
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Jeremy Barns, National Museum of the Philippines Director-General
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Bernan Joseph Corpuz, NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations
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Foreign ambassadors, Vietnamese delegates, and distinguished cultural workers.
Day 2: Stories Come to Life on Water
The two-day celebration culminated on August 8 with a public showcase of Vietnam’s world-renowned traditional water puppetry at Plaza Moriones in Fort Santiago.
Set against the historic centuries-old walls of Manila, the outdoor performance saw wooden puppets glide across water to tell mythical legends, popular folk tales, and scenes of rural daily life. The event drew public audiences and culture enthusiasts who witnessed firsthand the ancient technique passed down through centuries.
Through shared performances, workshops, and lectures, “Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila” successfully demonstrated how artistic traditions continue to serve as a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and nations across Southeast Asia.
