The two 10-metre-long Russian-built warships are equipped with stealth technology to display a minimum presence on enemy rader screens. They have anti-ship missile and anti-submarine warfare helicopter.
Concern is growing about an escalation in disputes in the South China Sea even as claiminates work to establish a binding code of conduct to resolve them. China on Monday hitback at "irresponsible remarks" from the US, which has called on Beijing to stop a land reclamation protect on a reef.
"The first port call is a positive and good sign of the improving and deepening relations between th Philippine Navy and Vietnam People's Navy," said Philippine Lt-Commander Marineth Domingo.
In march, the two navies held staff-to staff talks to step up exchanges in intelligence and information, naval technology and training. Tree months later, Vietnamese and Philippine troops got together on a disputed island to play soccer and volleyball.
China dismissed the meetings as a "clumsy farce.