On the evening of April 28, the rehearsal performance of 10,500 drones at Bach Dang Wharf, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City attracted special attention from the public.

This is a preparation step for the official event taking place on the evening of May 1 - a large-scale technology performance within the framework of the "Colors of Uncle Ho's City" series of activities, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

The program was introduced under the name "VNPay Drone Show", combining modern technology with historical and cultural elements. According to many viewers, the iconic images, especially the image of President Ho Chi Minh appearing in the night sky, created an emotional and memorable moment.

However, that feeling was quickly interrupted by the frequent appearance of logos and images related to the sponsor - Vietnam Payment Solutions Joint Stock Company (VNPay). This has sparked a lot of controversy in public opinion about the commercialization of a program of historical significance.

In response to mixed feedback, VNPay has officially shared on its Facebook page, expressing appreciation for comments from the audience, while admitting that there are still some limitations.

According to this business, due to the lack of conditions to actually test all the settings and motifs before the rehearsal, some content including the duration of the brand image presentation has not been adjusted appropriately, especially when viewed from different angles.

VNPay affirmed that its participation in the program stems from the spirit of patriotism and the desire to honor Vietnamese historical and cultural values ​​through technology. However, the unit also committed to acknowledge and learn from the experience after the rehearsal.

The event organizers said that the rehearsal on the night of April 28 was an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the space, test techniques with a record number of drones, and also an opportunity to pay media benefits to the accompanying unit.

Responding to VTC News, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hoi - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City affirmed: "The official performance of 10,500 drones on the evening of May 1 will not have any advertising because the accompanying unit has paid benefits in the rehearsal performance on the evening of April 28."

After the rehearsal, the relevant units organized to draw lessons and adjust the content to prepare for the official performance to take place in accordance with the public's expectations, a visual feast imbued with historical and cultural identity, not mixed with commercial elements.

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/show-trinh-dien-10-500-drone-trong-dem-dien-chinh-thuc-1-5-se-the-nao-ar940657.html