Vietnam and Philippines celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties

Vietnam and the Philippines are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1976–2026) through a cultural event titled “Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila.” Held at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, on August 7–8, 2026, the celebration is part of a 2024–2029 cultural cooperation program between Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Philippines' National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The event features traditional puppetry performances and interactive workshops involving the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre and the Philippines' Teatrong Mulat. These workshops aim to provide insight into the craftsmanship and mechanics of puppetry. Additionally, the NCCA ASEAN Lecture Series included a presentation on “Puppetry Traditions of ASEAN” to mark ASEAN Month.

The celebration follows recent diplomatic advancements, including a state visit by Vietnamese leadership to the Philippines, aimed at deepening the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the two nations through cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.