Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines promotes culture and tourism to international friends

On April 21, within the framework of the activities of the Spouses of Heads of Mission (SHOM) in the Philippines, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, spouse of Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, presided over the regular SHOM meeting combined with the introduction and promotion of Vietnamese tourism and cuisine.
Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines promotes culture and tourism to international friends
Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines promotes culture and tourism to international friends: Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy poses with the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines)

At the beginning of the event, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy invited the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines to enjoy lotus tea, green bean cakes, and traditional Hanoi preserved fruits.

Introducing the meticulous craftsmanship of artisans in each lotus tea bud and the wonderful benefits of lotus leaves, flowers, seeds, and hearts, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy shared: the lotus – a flower that blooms from the mud – has long been likened in Vietnamese poetry to the qualities and spirit of the Vietnamese people, rising from hardship. This is also why the lotus is chosen as the national flower.

During the tea party, SHOM held its regular meeting to discuss upcoming charitable activities.

At the event, the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines were introduced via video to Vietnam's notable natural and cultural tourist destinations, spanning from the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta. They also visited the "Colors of Vietnam" photo exhibition by the Ho Chi Minh City Photographers Association.

Besides familiar destinations to international tourists like Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang, and Hoi An, the videos and photo collection also directed viewers to the pristine and unique beauty of Dong Van Karst Plateau (Ha Giang) and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Tri), aiming to promote and attract international tourism to these regions.

Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines promotes culture and tourism to international friends
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy with the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines enjoying the tea party. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines)

On this occasion, the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines were invited to savor Vietnamese cuisine through famous traditional dishes such as banh mi, fried spring rolls, fresh spring rolls, and beef pho. The guests expressed particular admiration for the distinctive and sophisticated flavors of Vietnamese dishes.

Concluding the event, on behalf of SHOM, Mrs. Indri P. Akyol, spouse of the Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol, stated that the spouses of the Diplomatic Corps in the Philippines were impressed by the scenery, culture, and people of Vietnam. She also expressed gratitude to the Embassy, especially Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, for the warm hospitality and the rich Vietnamese culinary experiences.

On behalf of the Embassy, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy thanked the spouses of the Heads of Foreign Missions in the Philippines for their presence, affirming that today's event was not only an opportunity to introduce a colorful and flavorful Vietnam to international friends but also a testament to the close and united bonds among the Diplomatic Corps in the Philippines.

(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Philippines)