Eleven outstanding works to be honored at the “Hello, Love – Having a Father in Life” gala

Building on the success of previous seasons, the 4th season of the “Hello, Love” contest, themed “Father” and organized by Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, continues to receive strong support, warm appreciation, and active participation from authors nationwide.

After more than nine months since its launch on December 27, 2024, across four types of press and digital platforms, the contest themed “Father” has come to a close. Eleven excellent works will be awarded at the “Hello, Love – Having a Father in Life” gala, scheduled for the morning of October 6.

The organizers launch the 4th season of the “Hello, Love” contest. Photo: Quoc Viet

The contest attracted nearly 500 entries, with close to 160 selected for publication or broadcast. Presented in various forms, including journalistic articles, personal reflections, poetry, essays, video clips, and songs, each work served as a priceless spiritual gift, touching the hearts of children toward their beloved fathers. Together, they vividly depict a father's love, silent sacrifices, and the sacred bond he shares with his young children.

Author Phan Thao, former Deputy Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the former Binh Phuoc Radio, Television and Newspaper. Photo: Quoc Viet

Former Deputy Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the former Binh Phuoc Radio, Television and Newspaper, Phan Van Thao, shared: “I participated in previous seasons as well. I joined out of personal interest and passion. In today’s fast-paced, modern life, I believe this contest offers a quiet space to nurture the soul. There are moments when we need to pause and reflect, to share the simple, everyday stories of life. From the very beginning, when the program was first launched, the Editorial Board, including myself, has strongly supported this initiative.”

Authors from diverse ages and professions have presented works with varying perspectives on the sacred and noble values of fatherhood.

“I’ve known about the ‘Hello, Love’ contest since its earliest seasons. I wrote the piece Debt to Father, a Guiding Hand as a way to confront my own pain, to give clarity to the emotions I’ve carried within, to grow as a person, and as a response to my father, a response I could no longer give him in person. The guiding hand I owed my father was the hand of a father leading his daughter safely to the sidewalk. It was a wish he always held close to his heart while he was alive. But his sudden passing turned that wish into a debt that continues to haunt me to this day,” shared author Nguyen Tran Thanh Truc from Ho Chi Minh City.

For 12-year-old child singer Le Bao Nhi from Ho Chi Minh City, the youngest contestant, participation in the contest came at her mother’s encouragement after she learned about it through Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television.

Bao Nhi shared: “I was very happy to take part in the contest with my song ‘Father and Daughter.’ This was my first time joining a contest on this theme and dedicating a song to my father. He was deeply moved and pleasantly surprised. Through the contest, I feel I’ve grown and become more loving and caring toward my parents. I hope Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television will continue organizing this contest so I can take part again by writing poems or reflections.”

Out of nearly 500 entries, 30 were selected for the final round. The contest organizers awarded 11 winning works, including 1 special prize and 10 outstanding prizes.

The award ceremony will take place during the “Hello, Love – Having a Father in Life” gala, along with a meet-and-greet with contributors, on October 6, 2025, at the Theater of Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television.

By Tuong Lam, Quoc Viet – Translated by Dang Huyen, Minho