Photo Exhibition: Vietnam through the eyes of a Philippine diplomat
WVR - On the morning of December 9, at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam organized the exhibition “Where Eyes Meet: A Visual Narrative Through Poetic Journeys”, showcasing works by Ambassador Maynardo Elvin Montalegre during his tenure in the S-shaped country.
Latest
 |
| Delegates take photos at the exhibition. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
The event was attended by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, former President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations; Ambassador Nguyen Thac Dinh, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Philippines Friendship Association; Ms. Tran Thi Kim Que, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum; Ms. Le Thi Phung, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Ho Chi Minh City; Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr. Do Hong Quan, Chairman of the Vietnam Literature and Arts Association; along with representatives from embassies and international organizations.
 |
| Ambassador Maynardo Elvin Montalegre hopes the exhibition will help build a strong bridge of cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
In his opening speech, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Maynardo Elvin Montalegre described himself as a “storyteller through images”, with frames captured in various regions during his tenure in Vietnam.
For him, photography is not just a technique but also “an observation from the heart”. Therefore, the Ambassador hopes viewers will also feel these emotions when enjoying his works.
Explaining the exhibition's title, Ambassador Montalegre used a metaphor from diplomacy. Initially, invisible barriers may exist between countries due to cultural and historical differences. However, with perseverance and goodwill, parties can find common ground to achieve deep mutual understanding.
Through this exhibition, the Ambassador also hopes to contribute to building a strong bridge of cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines.
 |
| The event attracted many local and international guests. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
Particularly, as the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of establishing the Strategic Partnership (October 17, 2015 - October 17, 2025) and look towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (July 12, 1976 - July 12, 2026), Ambassador Montalegre emphasized that the exhibition is a significant cultural activity marking the shared commemorative journey of the two nations.
On this important occasion, the Ambassador announced that his tenure in Vietnam will conclude in mid-January 2026, coinciding with the celebration of this historic milestone.
The exhibition took place in a warm atmosphere. Here, attendees were led into a visually emotional journey, where the landscapes and people of Vietnam and many other places around the world appeared authentically and poetically through the refined perspective of a diplomat.
These works are not only personal memories but also the affection of Ambassador Montalegre for this S-shaped land. Thus, the exhibition also serves as a cultural bridge, helping the people of the two countries better understand each other's beauty, culture, and soul.
 |
| Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai highly appreciates the exhibition. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
In an interview with The World & Vietnam Report, Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai praised the authenticity and depth of the exhibition, viewing it as a vivid overall picture of Mr. Montalegre's tenure in Vietnam.
Notably, Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai expressed a strong impression of the everyday moments captured by his colleague, especially the images of carefree and innocent rural children.
These photos not only depict the simple, everyday beauty of life but also show the closeness and natural interaction between local people and international friends.
 |
| Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Flórez at the exhibition. (Photo: Tien Pham) |
For her part, Colombian Ambassador to Vietnam Camila María Polo Flórez emphasized that the exhibition showcased the artistic talent and the qualities of a diplomat within Ambassador Montalegre.
Through the camera lens, each photo is a moment for Ambassador Montalegre to reflect and share his perspective on life. Ambassador Flórez affirmed that the value of a photographer lies not only in composition or colour but in the ability to touch the viewer's emotions.
From there, photographic art breaks down all barriers, turning personal experiences into shared assets, opening up a space for the public to feel and converse about simple yet deeply humanistic beauties.
Some images from the exhibition
 |
| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki enjoys the artworks. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
 |
| Chargé d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre has a special passion for photography. In March 2006, he launched his first solo exhibition titled “Images and Impressions” at the Philippine Centre Gallery in New York (USA). He has since participated in many international art exhibitions in countries such as Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and notably in Vietnam, including the “Cultural Colours” exhibition marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (2021 - 2025) and the Hanoi Lotus Festival in 2024. One of the Ambassador's photos taken in Ha Giang was voted “Most Favorite Photo” at the “Happy Vietnam 2024” photo and video contest organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications. In 2022, his art photo book “Mute Storyteller” was also published by the Diplomatic Academy under the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. |
