Hanoi: First-class hotel La Festa Phu Quoc under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, located in the heart of Sunset town (Phu Quoc) with the most perfect beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, will officially open on December 21.

Bearing the symbol of an inspirational Italian lifestyle, La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton is the latest masterpiece of the Sun Group. The hotel is located in the centre of Sunset town, in the south of the Pearl Island, with a breathtaking view of the iconic new Cau Hon bridge, capturing the romantic sunset and the deep blue ocean within sight.

La Festa Phu Quoc has become the first high-end hotel in Vietnam to be part of Curio Collection by Hilton. As the world’s most valuable hotel brand for 2023, Hilton’s presence in Vietnam promises to offer unique experiences that evoke emotion and aestheticism for discerning guests, with the distinct beauty of the Amalfi coastal town. This opens up an enticing journey for those who dream of the Mediterranean.

Curio Collection by Hil
ton was launched in 2014 as Hilton’s first ‘collection’ brand, featuring hundreds of luxurious hotels around the world. Each hotel in the collection has its own unique story and architecture, and is known for its local experiences and world-class services.

In Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton has partnered with the Sun Group to create a La Festa Phu Quoc that is both stunning and enchanting, with a story that revolves around a dreamy love affair on the shores of the Mediterranean. This is the romantic love story of an artist couple who cherish unforgettable moments and memories in the coastal town of Amalfi, Italy. Thus, the hotel is not only a masterpiece of art and luxurious architecture, but also embodies the free-spirited and romantic essence of the Mediterranean. La Festa Phu Quoc promises a dreamy getaway for those who seek to experience the beauty and magic of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean breath is the impressive highlight of the entire design of the hotel. As soon as visitors step into the sp
ace of La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, they can feel the freedom and openness created by the clever integration of nature into every detail of the design and interior. The characteristic colors and materials of the towns along the Amalfi coast, such as vibrant white terracotta arches and mosaic tiles, are used to make a strong impression from the lobby. With the spirit of honoring the local culture of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, the designers have skillfully integrated elements of the Vietnamese culture, such as ceramic cups and woven bags made by Vietnamese artisans, to highlight the unique colors of the region in the overall design and hotel rooms.

La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers a stunning collection of 197 rooms, each showcasing the vibrant charm of the towns along the enchanting Amalfi Coast of Italy. Ranging from 30m2 to 143m2, every room captures the essence of the coastal region, bringing forth a blend of culture and artistry through carefully curated in
teriors and a color palette of blue, white and brown, purposefully arranged to create a visually striking impression. Among the room categories, the Balcone Room stands out as a favourite, boasting a ‘million-dollar view’ from its balcony. Guests can gaze upon a picturesque seascape, featuring the iconic Lover’s Bridge and the unique stage set of the world-renowned multimedia show ‘Kiss Of The Sea’ right from their window, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

Curio Collection by Hilton offers a truly exceptional experience with its fully equipped, luxurious amenities in every room. The attention to detail and care for guests is evident in the thoughtful provisions, such as handcrafted Vietnamese conical hats and bags, allowing guests to accessorise for their beach getaways. Additionally, the inclusion of the premium 19-69 Capri bath line, inspired by Villa Malaparte in Italy and the iconic film Le Mépris (1963), adds a touch of sophistication to the experience. Moreover, the Capri Terrace and Capri Ter
race Suite rooms feature outdoor hot tubs, providing guests with an opportunity to unwind in the water while enjoying a refreshing cocktail and breathtaking ocean views. This level of sophistication and attention to guest comfort truly sets Curio Collection by Hilton apart.

La Festa Phu Quoc, with its Italian-inspired culinary style, offers a taste of the Mediterranean through not only its design but also its four restaurants – The Merchant, Mare, La Capri Beach Club, and Il Salone. The resort prioritises preserving the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine while also showcasing the diversity of international cuisine, providing a wide range of options for guests. The exquisite attention to detail in the culinary experience at La Festa Phu Quoc is evident even in the smallest of things, such as the renowned Italian lemon sorbet, capturing the sweet and fragrant essence crystalised from the sun and sea breeze, or the wood-fired pizza with added olives for the most authentic Italian flavor.

Aiming to provide co
mprehensive experiences for a memorable holiday, the resort offers a full range of relaxation activities at Eforea spa, Eforea Health Club, an infinity pool with a stunning view of the iconic Cau Hon (Kiss Bridge), and a Kids’ Club.

La Festa Phu Quoc is not just a hotel for people to come and relax, it also embodies the spirit of freedom, allowing guests to explore through various exciting activities in Sunset town. During their stay, visitors cannot miss out on the multimedia show ‘Kiss Of The Sea’ – a breathtaking experience that combines technology and art to showcase the beauty of the ocean. They can also enjoy themselves at the Vuifest Bazaar – a creative night market with regional cuisine, fashion products, handicrafts, and nightly music and theater performances. Those seeking adventure can take a cable car ride and try out the thrilling slides and challenges at Sun World Hon Thom. Lastly, they can capture unforgettable sunset moments at the Cau Hon (Kiss Bridge).

As the grand opening is nearing, Luck
y Ou, General Manager of La Festa Phu Quoc hotel, eagerly said: ‘Our goal is to provide customers with a complete experiential destination, from unique architecture, carefully selected cuisine to relaxing scents. All will be combined to create a memorable and fulfilling vacation.’

For those travelers choosing Phu Quoc as their destination for the end of the year as well as the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday in Vietnam, La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton is a resort option well worth trying./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

TACLOBAN CITY: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Eastern Visayas has prepositioned PHP132.05 million worth of relief items in preparation for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Kabayan in the region.

The available resources include PHP131.83 million worth of food and non-food items and PHP211,873 standby fund, said DSWD regional information officer Jonalyndie Chua in a phone interview Monday.

The relief goods include 129,197 family food packs (FFPs) and 36,911 non-food items (NFIs).

‘In response to the possible effects of a tropical cyclone, the DSWD field office held a quick response team meeting to discuss the preparedness measures of the agency to respond to the needs of the local government units, which are reported to be potentially affected,’ Chua said.

The stock of food supplies in strategic areas of the region will ensure faster delivery of relief goods in case of severe flooding and other disasters, according to Chua.

These goods are prepositioned in Northern Samar; Eastern
Samar; DSWD regional resource operations center in Palo, Leyte; Sogod, Southern Leyte; and Biliran province.

Each FFP contains six kilos of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna flakes, two cans of sardines, five sachets of coffee, and five sachets of cereal drinks.

The NFIs include sleeping kits, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, laminated sacks, plastic mats, modular tents, and kitchen utensils.

Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the local governments are the first responders, and the DSWD must augment the response efforts after disasters.

Several areas in the region have been experiencing strong winds and heavy rains due to the weather disturbance.

As of Monday afternoon, the entire Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces were placed under tropical cyclone wind signal number 1. Also included in the category are the southern part of Samar and the eastern Samar provinces.

The center of the weather disturbance was estimated based on all available data in the vicin
ity of Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
Source: Philippines News Agency

Hanoi: The first Arabic-Vietnamese dictionary made its debut at an event to mark World Arabic Language Day (December 18) held by the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Vietnam in Hanoi on December 17.

Representing the embassy at the event, Counselor Hamoud Naif S. Almutairi said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to preserving and developing the Arabic language, and the country has made significant contributions to enhancing the status of the language, including efforts to have Arabic recognised as one of the six official languages of the UN, and one of the languages used officially in meetings of the UNESCO Executive Board.

As part of the above-mentioned efforts, the embassy has paid attention to popularising the language through collaboration with the embassies of other Arab countries and Vietnamese educational institutions that are currently teaching Arabic, he said.

It has supported the compilation of the dictionary to create the best possible conditions for the relevant teaching and learning activities, thu
s benefiting not only students and teachers but also Vietnamese people living and working in Arabian countries, the diplomat stressed.

According to the Chairman of the Council of the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Do Tuan Minh, as the first higher education institution in Vietnam to open bachelor’s degree programmes in Arabic, ULIS has made significant contributions to the training of human resources in this major over the past 27 years.

The university has made great efforts in the compilation project, aiming to serve Arabic language teaching activities within the institution and provide support for individuals who are interested in learning this language, he said.

As part of events commemorating the World Arabic Language Day, the Saudi Arabia Embassy held an Arabic poetry recitation contest for Vietnamese students studying at ULIS and University of Social Sciences and Humanities (HCMUSSH) – HCMC National University./.
Source: Vietnam News Age
ncy

Hanoi: The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on December 16, as part of his trip to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and have bilateral activities in the East Asian country.

This was the sixth talks between the two government leaders in the past two years and the second in 2023.Read full text

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on ASEAN and Japan to strengthen cooperation amidst the global headwinds with various unprecedented challenges so as to develop their comprehensive strategic partnership into a symbol of international solidarity and cooperation.

He made the call at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo on December 17.Read full text

-Leaders of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on December 17 agr
eed to deepen their relations in economy and security at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo.

In a “joint vision statement” issued after the summit, the leaders pledged to intensify collaboration in maritime security, strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable energy practices and expand people-to-people exchanges in various sectors.

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Lao and Cambodian counterparts Sonexay Siphandone and Hun Manet on December 17 agreed to continue enhancing the three countries’ solidarity in ensuring national security and in the cause of national building and development at their working breakfast on the occasion of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo.Read full text

-The PM also had bilateral meetings with leaders of Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia on December 17 in the framework of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN – Japan Friendship
and Cooperation.Read full text

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a Vietnam-Japan labour cooperation forum in Tokyo on December 16, as part of his working trip to take part in the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities.

The forum was co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.Read full text

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 16 attended a Vietnam-Japan economic forum in Tokyo as part of his ongoing trip to the East Asian country for attendance at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities.

At the event, whose theme highlighted the two countries’ economic relations in the new era and comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, leaders of Japanese ministries, organisations, and businesses praised Vietnam
‘s high growth rate, appropriate policies, large market, and excellent human resources.Read full text

-Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities on December 16 attended a dialogue with major Japanese economic corporations on green transition and social infrastructure, as part of his working trip to the East Asian country for attendance at the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN- Japan Friendship and Cooperation and bilateral activities.

The two sides discussed practical and feasible solutions to boost bilateral trade and investment cooperation, especially in emerging areas.Read full text

– Vietnam’s CMC Corporation and the Kyoto Computer Gakuin (KCG) exchanged an agreement on cooperation in education and training, within the framework of the Vietnam-Japan Business Forum in Tokyo on December 16.

The event took place in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese Government’s high-ranking delegation, who are on a working vi
sit to Japan.Read full text

-A hybrid Vietnam-Senegal business-networking event was held in Dakar on December 14, gathering representatives of the Senegalese Ministry of Commerce and about 50 firms from both countries.

Mbaye Chimère Ndiaye, Secretary General of the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, described the event as an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese and Senegalese businesses to enhance economic and trade cooperation.Read full text/.
Source: Vietnam News Agency

Brussels: The General Association of Vietnamese in Belgium (GAVB) held a congress for the 2023-2026 tenure in Brussels on December 17.

The event took place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Belgium diplomatic ties and marked ten years since the GAVB was set up.

GAVB Chairman Huynh Cong My reviewed the outstanding activities of the association over the past ten years, saying it has maintained close contact with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and updated information on policies towards overseas Vietnamese to disseminate to its members.

Its executive board has expanded relationships with Vietnamese associations in other European countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, France, and the Netherlands, thereby organising exchange activities and enhancing understanding as well as contributing to the activities of the Union of Vietnamese People Associations in Europe, he continued.

De
termining that foreign affairs and strengthening cooperation with the host country’s organisations are also extremely important, the GAVB has held meetings with the authorities of Ixelles district – where the Vietnamese Embassy is headquartered – and received support in implementing community activities.

Every year, it organises traditional cultural activities towards the homeland such as Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. These events attract the participation of Vietnamese-Belgian families and Vietnamese people living in Belgium, he said, adding that these are opportunities to help children born and raised in the European country better understand Vietnamese culture.

The GAVB now has 250 members of various ages and backgrounds, My said, describing it as an advantage for the association to develop future activities.

A new executive board with 15 members was elected at the congress with Huynh Cong My re-elected as the chairman for the 2023-2026 tenure.

On this occasion, Vu Thu Thuy, De
puty Ambassador of Vietnam to Belgium, highly appreciated the efforts and achievements of the GAVB over the past years. She affirmed that the embassy always accompanies and supports the association to build a united and prosperous community./.
Source: Vietnam News Agency