VIENNA, Austria – The Filipino Christmas spirit will shine even brighter this year as Paskong Pinoy returns for its third edition on November 21, 2026, bringing together Filipino culture, creativity, sustainability and community celebrations in Vienna. Presented by Marikit Markt, Paskong Pinoy 3 promises a bigger and merrier gathering for Filipinos, Austrians and international friends, with activities celebrating Filipino Christmas traditions and encouraging participation across generations. Among the exciting additions to this year’s programme are two creative competitions: the previously announced Parol Making Contest and the newly introduced Belen Making Contest, offering participants more opportunities to…
Read MoreHow Much Sleep Do You Really Need? Science Has a Clear Answer
The alarm goes off, your head feels wrapped in cotton, and getting out of bed seems almost impossible. Still, that final episode you watched late last night somehow felt worth it at the time. For millions of people, sleep deprivation has become a normal part of daily life. Whether it is work pressures, family responsibilities, stress, or late-night screen time, many adults routinely sacrifice sleep without giving it much thought. Yet a growing body of research suggests that consistently cutting sleep short may come at a significant cost. Recent studies…
Read MoreNovember Skywatchers Treated to Supermoon and Meteor Showers
VIENNA, Nov. 2, 2026 — Stargazers can look forward to a month packed with celestial highlights in November, from a striking planetary alignment and meteor showers to a dazzling supermoon at the end of the month. For those who enjoy observing the night sky, November offers several opportunities to spot planets, meteors and the Moon without the need for sophisticated equipment. A Month for Casual Skywatchers November is particularly appealing for people who prefer not to stay up late or wake before dawn. Saturn remains visible throughout the month shortly…
Read MoreHands Off: Foods You Should Stop Eating in November
As the days grow shorter and frosty mornings become the norm, our kitchens naturally shift toward hearty meals and comforting seasonal ingredients. November may mark the arrival of colder weather, but it also brings a rich variety of locally grown produce. Shopping seasonally not only means fresher flavors on your plate, it also supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of your food choices. Here’s a look at the fruits and vegetables that are at their best in November, and the foods you may want to leave off your…
Read MoreFilipino Marian Devotees Join Rosary Month Culmination in Vienna
A group of Filipino Marian devotees joined the parish community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Herz Jesu) in Vienna’s 21st District for a special prayer gathering marking the culmination of the month of October, traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary. The gathering brought together Filipino devotees and members of the local parish in a moment of faith, prayer, and unity in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prayers and Marian hymns were offered in both English and German, reflecting the international character of the parish community and the shared…
Read MoreThe World’s Most Spoken Languages: Which Languages Connect Billions of People?
From English and Mandarin Chinese to Hindi, Spanish and French, the world’s most widely spoken languages reveal fascinating stories about culture, history, migration and global connections. Discover which languages dominate the global conversation – and some surprising facts behind the numbers. Languages are much more than simply words used to communicate. They are windows into different cultures, traditions, histories and ways of life. They connect families across continents, bring communities together and play an essential role in shaping international relationships. But have you ever wondered which language is spoken by…
Read MoreVieVox Brings “The Sound of Pop” to Vienna’s Voicemania Festival
Filipino-Austrian singer Michael Florendo joins former Vienna Boys’ Choir members for a special pop music performance on November 25. Vienna is set to experience an exciting evening of vocal music as VieVox, an ensemble of former members of the renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir, takes the stage at the international a cappella festival VOICE MANIA with its programme entitled “The Sound of Pop.” The performance will take place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Theater am Spittelberg, Spittelberggasse 10, in Vienna’s 7th district. Among the members of VieVox…
Read MoreNew EU Fee Takes Effect: Parcels From China Become More Expensive
BRUSSELS, Nov. 1 – Millions of products ordered online and imported into the European Union from non-EU countries will now be subject to a new €2 processing fee as part of the bloc’s efforts to tackle the growing influx of low-cost imports. The new charge, which comes into force on November 1, applies to parcels arriving from third countries such as China and the United States. According to EU member states, online marketplaces rather than consumers will be responsible for paying the fee, which will be collected by national authorities.…
Read MoreMillions Affected as €26.85 Deduction Returns to Payslips and Pensions in Austria
VIENNA – Millions of people in Austria will notice an additional deduction on their November payslip or pension statement as the annual e-card service fee becomes due once again. The charge will increase to €26.85 in 2026, affecting not only employees but, for the first time, a large number of pensioners. The fee becomes payable on 15 November 2026 and is generally deducted automatically from November salaries or pensions. No separate application or bank transfer is required. Around 5.2 Million People Expected to Pay According to estimates by Austria’s umbrella…
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