A Decade of Faith in Song: The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Choir Celebrates 10 Years in Vienna

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From a small gathering of Bicolanos united by their love of music and devotion to “Ina Peñafrancia,” the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Choir has grown into a vibrant musical ministry serving the Filipino Catholic community in Vienna. As the choir celebrates its 10th Anniversary, Choir Director and Conductor Ophelia Magistrado-Cortez looks back on a decade marked by faith, service, unity and devotion. Ten years ago, the journey began very simply. A small group of Bicolanos in Vienna came together, sharing two things close to their hearts: a love for music…

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Digital Tipping Prompts Spark Criticism from Austria’s Chamber of Labour

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In restaurants, cafés and bars across Vienna, paying by card has become routine — but the moment between tapping a card and finalizing the bill is increasingly turning into a small moral dilemma. Many payment terminals now display preset tipping options of 10, 15 or even 20 percent, sometimes with even higher suggestions. What is meant to streamline service is drawing sharp criticism from the Arbeiterkammer (AK). AK warns of subtle pressure on guests Gabriele Zgubic, consumer protection expert at the AK, told the Ö1 programme Help that these preset…

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Thanksgiving Mass Celebrates PAMANA V and 80 Years of Filipino-Austrian Friendship

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VIENNA, September 14, 2026 — With hearts filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of community, members of the Filipino-Austrian community gathered on September 14 for a Thanksgiving Mass for PAMANA V – Heritage at the Church of the Parish of Leopoldau in Vienna’s 21st District. The Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Ivica Stankovic, parish priest of Leopoldau, was offered in thanksgiving for the successful staging of PAMANA V (Heritage) and for the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Austria, which this year marks its 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations.…

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Triumph in Varna: How Kammerchor Manila Conquered Europe and Secured Its Grand Prix Glory

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The global stage of choral music recently bore witness to a resounding Filipino triumph. At the prestigious 44th International Choir Competition “Prof. Georgi Dimitrov” in Varna, Bulgaria, Kammerchor Manila delivered a masterclass in vocal artistry, soaring above international competitors to capture the ultimate prize: the Grand Prix. This milestone victory does more than add another prestigious trophy to the choir’s illustrious collection. By winning the Grand Prix, Kammerchor Manila has officially earned qualification for the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (EGP) 2027—often regarded as the Champions League of the…

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Smartphone settings: The hidden mistake many users overlook

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Smartphones quietly exchange data even when we sleep — and while much of it is essential for smooth performance, security experts warn that some background connections reveal far more about our behaviour than most users realise. The biggest mistake is assuming that default settings are automatically safe. Security specialists from NordVPN say many phones send and receive far more background data than necessary — and some of it can be used to build detailed behavioural profiles. Why your phone talks to servers at night Even in standby mode, a smartphone…

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What the mysterious “N” symbol on your phone really means — and why it matters

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Many Android users in Austria and across Europe have noticed a small N‑symbol appearing at the top of their smartphone screen. It looks cryptic, almost like a hidden system alert. In reality, it points to one of the most useful — and often underestimated — features built into modern phones: NFC, short for Near Field Communication. A tiny icon with powerful capabilities NFC is a short‑range wireless technology that allows devices to exchange data when they are just a few centimetres apart. It has been standard in Android phones for…

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DEAN-LEON CANTOR: THE FILIPINO PUSO BEHIND A RISING AUSTRIAN BASKETBALL CAREER

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From Vienna to the B2L—and with dreams of playing in Asia—22-year-old Filipino-Austrian guard carries his heritage, ambition and “puso” onto the court VIENNA — For Dean-Leon Cantor, basketball is more than a game. It is a family legacy, a personal ambition and a powerful connection to his Filipino roots. At just 22, the Vienna-born guard has already travelled a remarkable basketball journey. From learning the fundamentals of the game from his father to competing at a high level in Austria, Cantor has steadily worked his way through the ranks and…

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What Cola Zero Really Does Inside Your Body

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The market for sugar‑free soft drinks is booming. Zero‑products promise fewer calories and a healthier lifestyle, but that impression is misleading. A closer look at the ingredients of Cola Zero reveals that it differs only marginally from regular cola: water, carbon dioxide, colorant E150d, phosphoric acid (E338), sodium citrate, natural flavors, caffeine and a mix of artificial sweeteners. Phosphoric acid: A direct attack on tooth enamel Cola’s characteristic acidity comes from phosphoric acid, added partly to enhance the stimulating effect of caffeine. Analyses show that one liter of cola contains…

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Bridging Cultures, Histories, and Communities: Sentrong Kulturang Filipino Concludes Successful “Common Diversities” Event

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VIENNA — The Sentro ng Kulturang Filipino at Austria successfully wrapped up its vibrant multi-day “Common Diversities” event, drawing community members, artists, scholars, and advocates together for a deep exploration of diaspora experiences, shared heritage, and cross-cultural solidarity. Building on an opening day featuring project presentations, community talks, and cultural performances, the gathering reached its intellectual and creative peak during an action-packed second day on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event is being organized by Sentro’s Christian Namiss and Arlene Castañeda. The comprehensive program offered a dynamic mix of hands-on…

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