The joy was multiplied many times over as the gifts were presented during a festival where everyone came together to wrap traditional rice cakes and see off those who are far from home, creating a complete and warm Tet filled with human affection.
The “Pepsi Brings Tet Home” festival – uniting to create 3,000 special rice cakes
The power of a collective always achieves what seems impossible, as evidenced by the “Bringing Tet Home” campaign – the first trips bringing 3,000 struggling students and workers back to their hometowns for Tet have been realized. Not stopping there, for the first time, a “Bringing Tet Home” festival kicked off with a rice cake wrapping day that saw the participation of thousands of local residents.
The square-shaped rice cakes wrapped on each meal tray are always a signal to welcome spring, but perhaps never before have these cakes felt so special, as they were wrapped by thousands of people of all ages and statuses, carrying with them words of gratitude to those who dream of returning home after a year of hard work.
Each cake was wrapped with love from the volunteer students, guests, and the program’s leadership. Many passersby spontaneously participated in wrapping because they were excited and wanted to contribute, including foreigners wrapping rice cakes. 26-year-old Thuy shared her spontaneous yet meaningful experience of wrapping rice cakes: “I am very happy that the first rice cake I’ve ever wrapped brings joy to a whole family. I wish everyone can reunite with their family this Tet.” 65-year-old Uncle Thin excitedly showed young people how to wrap rice cakes while sharing: “Nowadays, if you want rice cakes, you can just buy them at the market; self-wrapped rice cakes are special, and sharing them with those less fortunate is even more special by a thousand times.”
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Toan, Deputy General Director of Marketing for the Pepsi brand shared: “Although it’s not new since we wrap rice cakes every year, this is the first time the experience of wrapping rice cakes has made me feel so emotional. Pepsi is very proud to wrap these special rice cakes ‘bringing Tet home’ for the students and workers who have worked hard this past year. I hope everyone has a warm Tet and can return home.”
The farewell ceremony for those far from home is filled with the emotions of ‘first times’
Following the rice cake wrapping festival, the farewell ceremony for students and workers will take place on February 1st. It was thought to be another Tet away from home, but all those far from home are now gathered at the farewell ceremony, sharing the joy of reunion. Setting aside the burdens of making a living, everyone is looking forward to the day they can meet their loved ones after one year, five years, or perhaps for the first time after many years apart.
21-year-old Trinh Thi Ngan thought she wouldn’t be able to get a ticket home for Tet, holding a gift bag and a rice cake wrapped from the recent festival, shared: “I thought I couldn’t go home this year, I didn’t dare to dream of anything. Now I can only think of the moment I get to be with my family, I miss home-cooked meals so much.”.
The farewell ceremony will take place at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports, and various pick-up points in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The program will feature the special participation of two ambassadors of the campaign: Wowy and Karik, who will present gifts and share joy with everyone. The event will also feature emotional performances by singer Duc Phuc and rapper Lang LD, completing the farewell with a promise of vibrant yet heartfelt Tet melodies.
For the first time, those far from home truly feel Tet has returned
After a year full of challenges, 2021 has turned a new page with valuable ‘first times.’ For the first time in many years of struggling, those far from home can return home, temporarily setting aside their worries to be with family. For the first time, the community sees the collective efforts of organizations and businesses creating extraordinary things. And it is also the first time after a year of many upheavals that people can still feel the warmth of humanity and solidarity.
It is hoped that the “Bringing Tet Home” campaign by Pepsi will continue to open more opportunities for reunions for the Vietnamese people every Tet season.
For program details, visit: http://MangTetvenha.DoanThanhnien.vn.
Please lend a helping hand and share information so that reunion tickets reach those deserving along with the “Bringing Tet Home” program at: https://www.facebook.com/Pepsivietnam/photos/a.113436125455399/2188951464570511/