By Ivy Jane D. Ortega

On March 15, 2025, Tra Vinh University hosted a Gala Dinner for Filipino pre-service teachers, featuring vibrant performances, meaningful connections, and a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Tra Vinh University (TVU) Vietnam hosted a Gala Dinner for Filipino pre-service teachers, including two exchange students from the CPU College of Education with the theme, Taste of Friendship. The event aimed at promoting friendship and collaboration among students and distinguished academic personnel. TVU Rector, Dr. Nguyễn Minh Hoà, TVU Vice President, Dr. Thanh Tùng, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Education, Dr. Nguyễn Huy Thông, and Project Promotion Manager, Dr. Châu Thi Hoàng Hoa, led the ceremony.

One of the evening’s most memorable highlights was the spectacular culinary adventure, which featured an outstanding selection of traditional Vietnamese delicacies. Vietnam’s dynamic and diverse food culture awed the guests with a variety of dishes, including gỏi cuốn, tôm chiên bột, trứng vịt muối, and cánh gà chiên nước mắm. Each meal was precisely prepared to highlight unique Vietnamese flavors and textures. Beyond gratifying the palate, the meal functioned as a cultural ambassador, giving attendees a better understanding of Vietnamese culinary skills and traditions.

In addition to the delectable food, the evening featured a series of cultural acts. Both pre-service teachers and professors performed their respective traditional songs and dances. Ms. Melisa Derramas and Ivy Jane Ortega from the BSEd-English Program performed Tiklos, a traditional Philippine dance from Leyte.

The evening of March 15, 2025, was a lively and culturally enriching moment that brought together a diverse group of professors and pre-service teachers from TVU, Central Philippine University, Northern Samar, and Leyte Philippines. The Gala Dinner was more than just a social gathering; it was a celebration of friendship, cultural diversity, and collaboration.

Cảm ơn, TVU!