Pho of Love ignites its flame in the heart of the flood-stricken Hoa Thinh area.

Amidst the warm atmosphere of the "Pho of Love" festival in Hoa Thinh commune, Dak Lak (formerly Phu Yen), the ritual of lighting the fire to cook pho was performed, not only marking the beginning of pots of pho filled with compassion but also igniting faith and sharing for the people in the flood-affected areas.

Journalist Tran Xuan Toan, artist Truong Giang - ambassador of "Pho of Love," local leaders, and artisans perform the ritual of lighting the fire to cook pho - Photo: QUANG DINH

On the evening of January 7th, thousands of people attended the opening ceremony of the "Pho of Love" program at the Hoa Thinh Commune Cultural Center.

Attending the program were Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City; journalist Tran Xuan Toan - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, Head of the Organizing Committee of the Pho Day program; Mr. Nguyen Thao Giang - Deputy Secretary of the Dak Lak Provincial Youth Union; Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Thai - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dak Lak province, President of the Dak Lak Provincial Women's Union; Ms. Nguyen Thuy Phuong Hieu - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak province; Mr. Phuong Van Lanh, Secretary of the Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of Hoa Thinh commune…

The event began with a ceremony of offering incense at the Dong Khoi Hoa Thinh historical site, expressing gratitude to the ancestors and the local community's aspiration to rise again after the natural disaster.

Bowls of loving pho are ready.

In his opening remarks, journalist Tran Xuan Toan stated that the "Pho of Love" program was meticulously prepared with the support of Dak Lak province, Hoa Thinh commune, and the joint efforts and dedication of artisans and businesses across the country.

"More than a month ago, Hoa Thinh was severely affected by natural disasters, so we decided to choose this place to host this year's 'Pho of Love' event," he said.

Journalist Tran Xuan Toan delivers the opening speech at the "Pho of Love" event - Photo: QUANG DINH

According to Mr. Toan, for the past 9 years, the Pho Day program has always dedicated a special day called "Pho of Love" to honor Vietnamese culinary culture, contributing to promoting tourism, investment, and showcasing Vietnamese agricultural products to the world .

"This year, with the support of businesses, artisans, and local people, we wish to express our gratitude to the government and people of Hoa Thinh for their resilience in overcoming the storms and floods, and at the same time spread the spirit of sharing and working together to alleviate the losses after the natural disaster," Mr. Toan shared.

At the event, Mr. Phuong Van Lanh - Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Hoa Thinh commune - expressed his gratitude to the organizers, chefs, volunteers, and sponsors for organizing the "Pho of Love" program in the commune.

"This locality suffered significant damage in the recent historic floods. It's truly touching that the 'Pho of Love' program didn't hesitate to travel long distances to bring hot bowls of pho and practical gifts to the people in the flood-stricken area of ​​Hoa Thinh."

"Today, people will enjoy cultural performances and meet artist Truong Giang, and tomorrow they will enjoy bowls of pho filled with love, just as the program's name suggests," Mr. Lanh said.

Mr. Phuong Van Lanh speaks at the program - Photo: QUANG DINH

Truong Giang took the people of Hoa Thinh commune from a state of quiet reflection to one of excitement.

Opening the program, artist Truong Giang said he was very happy and honored to become an ambassador for "Pho of Love." This is an opportunity for him to meet and share with the people of Hoa Thinh commune.

"I myself am from Central Vietnam. Few people know that my mother passed away 40 years ago, also in Phu Yen. Therefore, this land always evokes many emotions in me; every time I return, I feel nostalgic," he shared.

Artist Truong Giang interacts with the local people - Photo: TRAN HOAI

Truong Giang joins the kitchen with 'Pho of Love' to serve the people of Hoa Thinh.

In addition, he also "revealed" that the 2-day, 1-night program will have a return filming session near Hoa Thinh on January 10th, and didn't forget to "invite" everyone: "The day after tomorrow, please come over to visit, watch us film, and socialize for fun. It's like we're getting to know each other better."

Afterward, Truong Giang enthusiastically interacted with everyone and invited a female audience member onto the stage to "perform" with him, role-playing from the show "Thank God You're Here".

In his role as department head, he consistently delivered charming and witty exchanges, revolving around humorous dialogues about the program... The series of spontaneous improvisations made the audience laugh uncontrollably.

An audience member is invited to participate in the "Thank God You're Here" program - Photo: QUANG DINH

People laughed heartily during the interaction with artist Truong Giang - Photo: QUANG DINH

Singer Minh Hoang livened up the atmosphere and interacted with the audience - Photo: QUANG DINH

At the ceremony, the organizers presented letters of appreciation to representatives of local organizations that had partnered with the program, acknowledging the community's collective efforts in sharing love. The local authorities also presented letters of appreciation to the program's organizers.

Journalist Tran Xuan Toan and local leaders presented a letter of thanks to artist Truong Giang.

In particular, the organizers presented thank-you letters to pho brands such as Pho Phat Tai, Pho Nha, Pho Thin Bo Ho, Pho Phu Gia, and wedding catering services like Vu Diep... - indispensable "pieces" that bring the full flavor of pho, as well as heartfelt love, to the people.

Journalist Tran Xuan Toan and local leaders present a letter of thanks to artist Truong Giang - Photo: QUANG DINH

Letters of appreciation were presented to the organizations that partnered with the "Pho of Love" program - Photo: QUANG DINH

The organizing committee presented letters of thanks to representatives of local organizations that partnered with the program - Photo: QUANG DINH

After the fire-lighting ritual, the pots of pho are cooked throughout the night.

Next, artist Truong Giang, along with the program organizers and leaders from various departments and localities, performed the ritual of lighting the fire to cook pho – a meaningful opening moment for the program.

When the fire on the stove was lit, the delegates began stirring the broth in the pots. From tonight, the broth will be simmered overnight to be ready for bowls of pho filled with love tomorrow morning (January 8).

The ritual of lighting the fire to cook pho is performed - Photo: TRAN HOAI

The fire is lit not only to cook steaming bowls of pho, but also to symbolize the beginning and spread of warmth, love, and the spirit of sharing.

Ms. Le Thi Lan, a resident of Hoa Thinh commune, shared: "It's very cold tonight, but also very enjoyable. Looking at the pots of pho simmering over the fire, emitting a fragrant aroma, my grandchildren and I are eagerly anticipating enjoying it tomorrow."

As part of Pho Day on December 12th, the "Pho of Love" program has been running continuously for six years since 2019. The program has brought pho to many children, disadvantaged people, people in remote areas, and localities severely affected by natural disasters.

On January 7th and 8th, at the Hoa Thinh Commune Cultural Center in Dak Lak, the "Pho of Love 2025" program will distribute over 5,000 bowls of pho, thousands of gifts, and 320 million VND to students and residents of Hoa Thinh commune following the historic floods at the end of November 2025.

The program was organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, in coordination with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dak Lak province and Hoa Thinh commune. These bowls of pho were cooked by top Vietnamese pho chefs such as Pho Ta (Binh Tay Food), Pho Thin Bo Ho, Pho Phu Gia, Pho Nha, Pho Phat Tai…

In addition, the program also provides guidance to the public on pho recipes and how to run a pho business, helping to preserve and develop the pho heritage, encouraging the preservation of traditional recipes and innovative business practices.

The public enjoyed a cultural program featuring performances by artists from Ho Chi Minh City and the Sao Bien Folk Music and Dance Theatre. Notably, the program also included the participation of artist Truong Giang as the Ambassador of Loving Pho.

Artist Truong Giang directly contributed 200 million VND in cash and 500 cartons of milk to the children in Hoa Thinh commune. He also personally participated in cooking and serving pho to the villagers, creating heartwarming, sincere, and sharing moments together.

We sincerely thank the generous hearts who have been and are continuing to spread the warmth of Vietnamese pho and the spirit of Vietnamese people alongside Tuoi Tre newspaper: Ho Chi Minh City Development Commercial Bank (HDBANK), Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company, Binh Tay Food Joint Stock Company, Kafi Securities Joint Stock Company, LC Foods Joint Stock Company, and Pho Phat Tai.

Back to the topic

LAN HUONG - MINH CHIEN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/pho-yeu-thuong-noi-lua-giua-vung-ron-lu-hoa-thinh-20260107173551166.htm