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,” a two-day cultural celebration taking place on August 7–8, 2026, in Intramuros, 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, this two-day celebration highlights the shared artistic ties and enduring friendship of both nations through the captivating art of puppetry.
Day 1: Opening the Strings That Bind
A meaningful cultural celebration begins with the exchange of knowledge. Opening the festivities yesterday, August 7, was an interactive puppetry workshop held at Centro de Turismo Intramuros, where 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 while discovering how the art form has preserved stories, traditions, and cultural identity across generations, reflecting the enduring cultural ties and shared heritage of the Philippines and Viet Nam.
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 Artistic 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 and emphasizing their shared role in preserving cultural heritage, fostering creativity, and strengthening regional understanding through the performing arts. 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, creating a vibrant exchange that celebrated the diversity and unity of both cultures.
Present during the cultural showcase were 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 today, 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.
The public is invited to witness this ancient art form as puppets bring mythical legends, folk tales, and stories of everyday life to life on water. 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.
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