A Season Awakened: Simbang Gabi Begins in the Philippines and Around the World

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As the cool December air settles over the Philippine archipelago, a familiar sound breaks the dawn: church bells ringing before sunrise, calling the faithful to gather. It is the beginning of Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena of early morning Masses that ushers Filipino Catholics into the heart of the Christmas season. For generations, this tradition has been more than a liturgical practice—it is a cultural homecoming, a communal act of hope, and a spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. A Tradition Rooted in Faith and Community Simbang Gabi…

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“Arbeitsnehmerveranlagung” (Employee tax assessment 2025): New rules and important deadlines

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Anyone who wants to secure money from the tax office in good time at the turn of the year should keep an eye on deadlines and new rules for employee tax assessment. This is pointed out by the tax consulting company BDO. For the 2025 assessment year, extended benefits for teleworking apply, and the five-year period for the 2020 assessment expires on December 31, 2025. Home office becomes location-independent teleworking A new development is that the previous home office is being expanded to include location-independent teleworking. This means that working…

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Why coffee can help you stay mobile longer

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A morning coffee is not only good for you—it could also help you stay physically and mentally fit in old age. New research suggests that regular coffee consumption can significantly reduce the risk of frailty. Seven years of observation As reported in the European Journal of Nutrition, scientists followed 1,161 adults over the age of 55 for seven years. The results were clear: people who drank two to four cups of coffee a day showed fewer signs of age-related frailty than those who did not consume coffee. The researchers observed…

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Third Sunday of Advent: Gaudete Sunday and the Hope of Filipinos Abroad

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The Third Sunday of Advent—Gaudete Sunday—stands as a gentle interruption in the quiet, penitential waiting of the season. Its very name, Gaudete, meaning “Rejoice,” invites the Church to lift its eyes toward the nearness of Christ. The rose candle, the softened vestments, and the joyful tone of the liturgy all proclaim a simple but profound truth: God’s promise is close. Joy is not a distant dream but a grace already breaking into our lives. From a Catholic perspective, this Sunday reminds us that Christian joy is not mere emotion. It…

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Austria to Raise Public Transport Ticket Prices Starting January 2026

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Vienna, Austria — Public transport users across Austria will face higher ticket prices beginning 1 January 2026, as regional transport associations and Vienna’s municipal operator introduce new fare structures to secure long‑term service quality and respond to rising operational costs. Vienna: First Major Fare Adjustment in Over a Decade Wiener Linien, Vienna’s public transport operator, confirmed that its new fare structure will take effect on 1 January 2026, marking the first significant price adjustment to the city’s ticket system in more than 13 years. The network has expanded substantially in…

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Dangerous Influenza Outbreak: What’s Behind the So‑Called “Super Flu”

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A European Union country has reported the first confirmed case of a mutated H3N2 influenza strain, informally referred to by the media as the “super flu.” Health experts across the continent are expressing growing concern. Mutated H3N2 Raises Alarm According to Romania’s National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the altered virus strain was recently detected in the country. Authorities warn that it may lead to more severe illness, particularly among vulnerable populations. The INSP highlights increased risks for older adults, pregnant individuals, people with chronic health conditions, and those with…

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A Fog-Filled Pre‑Christmas Weekend in Vienna

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Vienna is heading into yet another pre‑holiday weekend wrapped in thick fog. According to the latest forecast, the city won’t be shaking off its grey blanket anytime soon. Expect single‑digit temperatures and, with a bit of luck, perhaps a warm cup of punch at a Christmas market to brighten the mood. It’s a dreary December in the capital. And no, the grey isn’t coming from artificial snow on Christmas trees — it’s the weather right outside the door. Fog has become a constant companion for people making their way through…

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City of Vienna to Raise Additional Fees Starting in 2026

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Vienna will not only see higher public transport fares and parking costs next year — several other municipal fees will also increase beginning January 2026. MeinBezirk provides an overview of what residents can expect. Budget Background A few weeks ago, the City of Vienna presented an initial outline of its 2026 budget. The projected deficit stands at 2.65 billion euros, with planned expenditures of 22.16 billion euros. The full draft budget was published on November 14. Some fee increases had already been announced earlier. As of January 1, the annual…

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“Six Seven”: The Youth Are Saying It — and No One Really Knows What It Means

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On a chilly December afternoon in Vienna, a group of teenagers spill out of a tram at Schwedenplatz. Their jackets are oversized, their headphones even larger, and their slang — as always — is a universe of its own. One boy bumps into another, laughs, and shouts, “Bro, that was so six seven!” His friends nod knowingly. A nearby adult raises an eyebrow. Six what? Seven who? Welcome to the latest linguistic mystery sweeping through youth culture: “Six Seven.” A phrase that seems to mean everything, nothing, and whatever the…

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