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Heroes without capes: The unsung heroes of the pandemic

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When the fourth wave of COVID-19 erupted in Vietnam, hundreds of companies, restaurants, hotels, and factories went belly-up, and millions of people lost their jobs. Now, with the pandemic under control, Ho Chi Minh City is gradually pulling itself up from the ashes.

While thousands of businesses across Vietnam were forced to shutter amidst the havoc of COVID-19, some owners chose to face the pandemic head on and pivot their operations towards a community-centered approach.

Joining forces to save the city

Dong Nguyen restaurant in District 7 was open for just a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Vietnam. 

According to Hua Tan Vinh, Dong Nguyen’s owner, the restaurant features a kitchen that is on par with international restaurant standards, odor and wastewater treatment systems, and highly trained management and staff.

When strict COVID-19 social distancing regulations were mandated in the city, Dong Nguyen was forced to close its doors.

At first, Vinh thought the closures would go on for just two weeks, but two weeks turned into four weeks, and four weeks turned into four months, and the end of the pandemic seemed to be nowhere in sight.

Unable to sit idly and watch as the severity of the pandemic continued to increase in the city, Vinh made a difficult decision: he would use the few staff members who had stuck around to reopen the kitchen and begin making high-quality meals for Ho Chi Minh City’s frontline doctors and nurses.

Despite earning no profit for several months, Dong Nguyen operated at full capacity, serving 700 to 800 meals per day to healthcare workers.

Though money was tight, Vinh did the best he could to smile and say he was doing the best he could. 

Despite losing a massive amount of money over the course of the pandemic, Vinh was optimistic once Dong Nguyen was permitted to reopen.

Dr. Cao Xuan Minh, the CEO of Ngoc Minh Medical Clinic, is another unsung hero of the pandemic.

Always on the go, Dr. Minh spent the pandemic finding whatever ways he could to contribute his expertise to the fight against COVID-19.

When the city rolled out its vaccination campaign, he signed his chain of clinics up as vaccination sites in District 6, District 11, and Binh Tan District.

More than 40 medical technicians from among his staff volunteered to provide training, prepare the clinics for vaccinations, transport vaccines, and perform medical checkups before and after vaccinations.

Minh’s outlook on the pandemic is both optimistic and pragmatic.

The volunteer team from Ngoc Minh Medical Clinic’s volunteer team was committed to aiding the city’s vaccination campaign and, when strict social distancing measures were lifted in the city, they returned to work as usual.

“The city suffered significant economic and human losses. I had to give it my all,” Minh shared.

“If there are still people standing, there is hope for everything.”

Rebuilding

COVID-19 forced Khong Gian Dep Construction Company to suspend operations in early July, putting the brakes on hundreds of ongoing construction projects and forcing hundreds of workers to sleep and eat on site.  

Dam Ha Phu, the owner of Khong Gian Dep, used the time to send supplies and vaccination information to his staff so that they could quickly get back to work.  

In the meantime, he launched Lac Xoong Market – a volunteer group that spent the closures distributing supplies and food to thousands of needy people in restricted locations.

Each day, Phu’s car was transformed into a cargo truck and loaded with soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetables for the needy.

Though he had no idea how long the epidemic would persist or how terrible the devastation would be, he knew he had to help his city survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Now, though things have returned to normal, his construction company has yet to receive many new contracts, and the operating costs for his old contracts have increased.

To keep the company up and running, he has had to reassess the scope of work on each ongoing project in order to reduce expenses.

When asked about the difficulties of recovering from the pandemic, Le Tan Hung, CEO of a packaging company, chuckled and said that as long as his staff are breathing, they will continue to be optimistic.

Vinh, Dr. Minh, Phu, Hung, Thuan, and many more businessmen have risen up and pushed themselves forward because there are still tens of thousands of workers behind them.

And now that the city is back to bustling, though the virus still lurks in the shadows, the city will, once again, thrive.

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/20220131/heroes-without-capes-the-unsung-heroes-of-the-pandemic/65510.html

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Sea festival kicks off in Nha Trang

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The Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2023 opened on Saturday evening in Nha Trang, a famous beach city in south-central Vietnam, with the theme of ‘Nha Trang – Aspiration for Development,’ attracting tens of thousands of local and foreign visitors. 

The opening ceremony of the four-day event, which covers more than 70 cultural and sports activities, took place at April 2 Square in Nha Trang, the city capital of Khanh Hoa Province, given the organization of the provincial People’s Committee.

This biennial festival, which was first launched in 2003, reflects traditional and contemporary cultural values toward preserving and promoting the cultural quintessence of the nation in general and Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa in particular, Dinh Van Thieu, deputy chairman of the Khanh Hoa administration, said at the ceremony.

This is also one of the important events to celebrate the 370th anniversary of the construction and development of Khanh Hoa (1653 – 2023), the organizing board said, adding that the festival was suspended in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s festival commenced with the shows of motorized paragliding, LED kites and ten hot-air balloons lighting up the sky with 3D effects, bringing excitement and pleasure to thousands of viewers. 

The main highlight of the ceremony was the brilliant light show by more than 1,600 drones that were arranged to form different words and spectacle structures including aircraft in the sky, attracting a lot of audiences.

Following the drone light show was a five-minute artistic fireworks display, combined with multi-layered sound and light effects.

A unique art and music program followed the opening ceremony, comprising two parts: ‘Love words of the sea’ and ‘Sea – development potential.’

The program began with a song that features the beauty of the country’s sea areas stretching from north to south, and of the two archipelagos of Hoang Sa – Truong Sa in the East Vietnam Sea.

During the festival that will last until Tuesday, there will be a lot of attractive sports and cultural items, including a fish-worshiping festival, a hip-hop club party, a fishing contest, a marathon race themed ‘Run to Future,’ art and music performances, and a fashion show, among others.

It is expected that Khanh Hoa will welcome about 100,000 visitors during the festival, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

This year, the province is set to receive four million visitors, including 1.5 million foreigners, and earn some VND21 trillion (US$894.4 million) in travel revenue, the news agency cited the province’s Department of Tourism as saying.

These targets are far higher than the total of 2.57 million travelers and the revenue of nearly VND14 trillion ($596.2 million) recorded in 2022.

This photo features numerous visitors gathering at the April 2 Square in Nha Trang City to attend the tenth sea festival in the beach city of Nha Trang. Photo: Cong Dinh / Tuoi Tre

This photo features numerous visitors gathering at the April 2 Square in Nha Trang City to attend the tenth sea festival in the beach city of Nha Trang. Photo: Cong Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A drone light show features the theme of this year's sea festival: ‘Khanh Hoa - Aspiration for Development.’ Photo: Cong Dinh / Tuoi Tre

A drone light show features the theme of this year’s sea festival: ‘Khanh Hoa – Aspiration for Development.’ Photo: Cong Dinh / Tuoi Tre

This image shows visitors using their smartphones to photograph one of the drone light performances at the opening ceremony of the tenth sea festival in Khanh Hoa Province’s Nha Trang City on June 3, 2023. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

This image shows visitors using their smartphones to photograph one of the drone light performances at the opening ceremony of the tenth sea festival in Khanh Hoa Province’s Nha Trang City on June 3, 2023. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre

An art and music performance at the opening ceremony of the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2023. Photo: Hoai Bao / Tuoi Tre

An art and music performance at the opening ceremony of the Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2023. Photo: Hoai Bao / Tuoi Tre

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230604/sea-festival-kicks-off-in-nha-trang/73577.html

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District in Ho Chi Minh City welcomes visitors for countryside experiences

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The People’s Committee of Cu Chi District, located some 37 kilometers from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, has started offering visitors a captivating opportunity to indulge in a rustic countryside experience that showcases the district’s rich cultural heritage, traditional lifestyle, and scenic beauty.

This initiative, taking place in Trung An Commune from Saturday to June 10, marks the district’s second year of hosting such an interesting countryside experience.

Nguyen Canh Toan (R) and his family harvest rambutans during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Nguyen Canh Toan (R) and his family harvest rambutans during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities including shopping for products and culinary delights crafted from fruits at a space that replicates the ambiance of a countryside market. 

They can also explore and buy fruits instantly at the gardens, as well as participate in several traditional folk games.

Visitors try riding bicycles during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Visitors try riding bicycles during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Besides its reputation of being a historical destination, Cu Chi is famous for fruit-laden orchards, livestock farms, green vegetable gardens, and colorful flower routes.

Currently, the district is ablaze with rich colors from an assortment of local delicacies such as mangosteens, rambutans, and green Burmese grapes that are at their prime of beauty and juiciness.

Farmer Nguyen Thanh Long harvests rambutans during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Farmer Nguyen Thanh Long harvests rambutans during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

“In this year’s fruit season, Trung An Commune warmly welcomes visitors to explore 35 open gardens,” Nguyen Thi Hang, deputy chairwoman of Cu Chi District, said at the initiative’s opening ceremony on Saturday morning. 

“With its refreshing and temperate climate, coupled with fertile soil, the commune showcases an abundance of fruit-filled gardens that will definitely offer a delightful sensory experience with their delectable flavors and enticing aromas. 

Visitors harvest rambutans at a garden in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Visitors harvest rambutans at a garden in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

“I hope that the gardeners treat tourists as esteemed guests, reflecting the hospitable nature of our community, so that our visitors find utmost satisfaction in the products and services we provide, experiencing the genuine warmth and friendliness of the rural people of Cu Chi.”

Mangosteens are displayed during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Mangosteens are displayed during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The program aims to showcase the essence of Cu Chi’s land, its people, and culinary delights to visitors, while also highlighting the district’s distinctive agricultural products and fruits.

Visitors play a folk game during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Visitors play a folk game during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Hang stated that the organizers’ ultimate goal is to establish Cu Chi as a renowned destination for eco-tourism, fostering connections between farmers, businesses, and tourists, thereby making a significant contribution to the effective implementation of the district’s tourism development program.

Children try catching ducks during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Children try catching ducks during a program offering visitors countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Bottles of a vegetable pickle product are displayed during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Bottles of a vegetable pickle product are displayed during a program offering countryside experiences in Trung An Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, June 3, 2023. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230604/district-in-ho-chi-minh-city-welcomes-visitors-for-countryside-experiences/73558.html

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Sparkling fireworks displays delight audiences in Da Nang

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The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023 kicked off in Vietnam’s central coastal city of Danang on Friday evening, featuring a large fireworks and music party that lit up the night sky over the Han River.

The festival started with the performances by the Vietnamese and Finnish teams.

Le Trung Chinh, chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, said the success of the DIFF over the years has proved its attraction for local residents and international visitors.

This year’s festival, themed “The World Without Distance”, is expected to serve as a bridge bringing people closer together and removing all barriers, especially after a three-year hiatus induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinh said.

The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 lasts over 20 minutes. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 lasted over 20 minutes. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

The 20-minute performance by the host Vietnam highlighted the theme “Da Nang – The Sound of Peace”, telling stories, including a story about the recovery of Da Nang post pandemic, through the combination of light and sound and spreading a message of peace, stability, and happiness.

Tran Van Hung, in charge of the technical group of the Vietnamese team, said the performance by the host used close to 4,500 fireworks of various types and more than 128 different color effects, in addition to music.

The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

The Finnish team, Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks, took the stage under the theme “Ignite the Heart”, dazzling the audiences with its perfect combination of music and fireworks.

Johan Hollander, the Finnish team leader, said his team wanted to bring to the DIFF 2023 a dynamic and emotional performance, which wrapped up with a call for unity and love for life.

The DIFF 2023, scheduled to last from June 2 to July 8 along the Han River, gathers eight teams including Danang-Vietnam, the UK, Italy, Poland, France, Australia, Canada, and Finland.

The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Vietnamese team at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre
The performance of the Finnish team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks at the DIFF 2023 in Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Tan Luc / Tuoi Tre

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Source: https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/ttnewsstyle/20230603/sparkling-fireworks-displays-delight-audiences-in-da-nang/73552.html

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