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The Purr-fect Non La Model: Netizens in Awe of Cat’s Viral Vietnamese Style

A heartwarming video of a cat donning a miniature 'non la' hat, a traditional Vietnamese headwear, has captured the hearts of over 128,000 people on social media. The clip, featuring the feline fashionista from the Philippines, showcases the unique hat purchased during its owner's travels in Vietnam. Viewers were quick to shower praise on the iconic Vietnamese accessory and express their desire to get their paws on one of these tiny treasures.

Administrator

5 July, 2024

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Marian Dacalos, a 25-year-old Filipina, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that she was indeed the person in the video who placed the mini ‘non la’ on her cat’s head. The ‘non la’ is a traditional Vietnamese conical hat, and Dacalos purchased it during her first trip abroad to Vietnam with her boyfriend and his family in early April.

While exploring the famous Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, Dacalos stumbled upon the miniature hats and was captivated by the idea of how adorable they would look on her two pet cats, Ysabelle and Vanta. She shared the video of her journey, from buying the hat in Vietnam to bringing it back home and dressing up her cat, on social media.

The response to the video was overwhelmingly positive, with her friends and followers adoring the Vietnamese hat. Some even inquired about its purchase location. Dacalos recalled a comment from a Vietnamese individual who found it ironic that they lived in Vietnam yet were asking tourists for hat-buying advice.

International viewers expressed their desire to revisit Vietnam to purchase their own mini ‘non la’ hats. Many also commented on the cuteness of Ysabelle, nicknaming her ‘Cat Nguyen’ or ‘Vietmeow.’

Marian Dacalos and her boyfriend during their visit to Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, in April 2024. Photo: Supplied

Dacalos reminisced about her wonderful five-day trip to Vietnam, which included exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter and a day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. She likened Vietnam to a Ghibli Studios film, praising the country’s lush greenery.

The Filipina content creator, a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, particularly enjoyed the Old Quarter for its abundance of cafes with relaxing atmospheres and terraces offering city views. She also sampled local delicacies like pho and egg coffee, declaring the pho from ‘Phở 10’ as one of the best meals she had ever tasted.

Additionally, Dacalos was impressed by the neck-cracking techniques at a local massage parlor, an experience she intends to repeat on her next visit to Vietnam. She also noted a culture shock regarding some unsafe driving habits she observed in the country.

Despite this, Dacalos and her friends are already planning their next trip to Vietnam, with Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa on their itinerary. Vietnam holds a special place in her heart as the first country she visited with her boyfriend and his family.