Initially kept a secret, Huynh Phuc Dien’s condition has prompted him to make public plans he has made for his own funeral, but he also desires to make more contributions to Vietnamese music.

Still mourning the unexpected loss of renowned composer Bao Phuc who passed away two weeks ago with ongoing music projects unfinished, the news comes that 39-year-old Huynh Phuc Dien, one of the most popular Vietnamese stage directors, was admitted to Cho Ray Hospital late May in the terminal stages of liver cancer that he was diagnosed with a year ago.

With the diagnosis, Dien knew he had to face the toughest battle of his life, and he seemed to be doing well after a successful surgery in Singapore. He became stronger and healthier and it made everybody happy for him.

Dien was then kept busy, receiving many invitations to direct prominent music shows, including the long-running, prestigious charity event, Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vietnam).

Then he lived in the southeast province of Binh Duong where he could enjoy a simple life close to nature, but there was something else he was doing there, quietly, without telling anyone.

He was making the plans for his own funeral.

He did not intend to reveal his intentions this soon, but late last month, recognizing his condition was serious, he decided to let the public know.

Dien said he wishes to have a final warm and simple music show of his own life. It would be the most important event of his life before he would rest forever.

Dinh Anh Dung will direct the show and Le Quang will be its music director, Dien said.

“I would like to leave with music, the world I have devoted my life to,” he said.

“It is music that has defined the distinctive style of Huynh Phuc Dien.”

Life of action

Dien is without doubt a multitalented legend in the local entertainment industry.

He has proved himself repeatedly as a director, designer and scriptwriter for nearly two decades.

Many of Vietnam’s hottest young stars today owe their success to Dien’s keen eye for talent.

Directing the Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vietnam) gala was a milestone in Dien’s career, turning the man into the country’s most famous show and stage host in 1998.

Having visited over 20 countries and territories to study entertainment production, Dien said, ” I believe the most efficient way to understand state-of-the-art techniques is to study from those who are already applying it.”

“For instance, I travel as much as possible to developed countries like the US to see directly what others are doing.

“To become a great director, one must have a comprehensive knowledge of all sectors of entertainment. To become a distinguished director, creativity and courage to implement new things are a must.”

Sympathy and empathy

Since the day he was diagnosed with liver cancer, Dien’s world and his heart opened to the plight of patients who don’t have enough money to carry out medical diagnostic tests.

He intends to organize a charity concert and give the proceeds to poor patients with liver cancer being treated at the Cho Ray Hospital.

“I hope I can ease a small part of their pain, their difficulties,” he said.

Despite the torment he has endured, Dien still feels optimistic: “We should never say die and should believe in the wonder of life, though it’s ambiguous.”

“Life is about one’s belief and strength of mind. Even patients who suffer from fatal conditions like HIV/AIDS can still live a long and full life,” he asserts.

Reported by Hong Quan