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Vienna, Austria, 30 November 2024 – The Philippine Nurses Association-Austria (PNA-A) celebrated the Nurses Day Gala Dinner grandly, honouring the invaluable contributions of Filipino nurses and fostering unity within the Filipino-Austrian community. The event at the Vienna Marriott Hotel featured inspiring speeches from distinguished guests and beautiful performances.
High-ranking dignitaries graced the occasion, delivering inspiring messages.
Mr. Peter Hacker is a prominent Austrian politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ). He has held the position of Executive City Councilor for Social Affairs, Public Health, and Sports in Vienna since 2018. In this capacity, he oversees public health policies, social services, and related matters in the Austrian capital. His leadership reflects a commitment to inclusive policies that benefit all residents of Vienna, including immigrant communities.
Prof. DDr. Günther Wiesinger is prominent in Austria’s healthcare and business sectors. He is chairman of the Austrian Association for Private Healthcare Facilities and heads the healthcare business sector at the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO).
Mr. Zoilo Velasco, Consul General, represented the Philippine Embassy, accompanied by Consul Chryzl Sicat. Their presence underscored the importance of the nursing profession and the strong bonds between Austria and the Philippines.
Hilda Koschier, who guided the program in Tagalog, and Mag. Bernhard Bouzek, who engaged the audience in German, hosted the evening. The cultural richness of the event was enhanced by lively intermission numbers, including traditional and modern dances by the PNA-A Performers. Musical highlights included captivating performances by Francis K. Scheidl and Ronnie Badilla and a surprise number from Daniel Garces, which delighted the attendees.
One of the evening’s highlights was a tombola draw, with proceeds directed toward PNA-A’s charitable initiatives. The event was a resounding success with generous support from sponsors such as BECT Commerce Tours, StreetLook, Prosi, Calior Jewellery, and Wie Daham.
The Gala Dinner celebrated the hard work and dedication of the PNA-A Officers (2022-2025), led by President Virginia Radl, Vice President Imelda Pfleger, Secretary Marilyn Ilagan, Assistant Secretary Irene Gonzales, Treasurer Zenaida Lapiz, and Assistant Treasurer Merle Buhisan. Their efforts were supported by the Board of Auditors: May Washuettl, Imelda Gonzales, and Mary Ann Bouchez; the Board of Advisers: Margie Nessl, Dorcas Aigner, and Hilda Koshier.
As the evening concluded, attendees were reminded of the importance of collaboration and community through the words of Henry Ford:
“Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.”
Photos ctto: Mandy Salonga
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” ROJAS is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Alternate Bazaar Chairperson 2024 of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and 1st Vice President-Elect for the UNWG Board 2025. She is also the Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria), Board Member of ENFiD, President of Bikol Society Austria (BSA), Founder and former president of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and Former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Councillor and Liaison for the Philippines of the European Police Association (EPA) and Auditor of the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC). She is a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and received the Most Influential Filipina Women in the WorldTM (Global FWN100™) “Behind the Scenes” award in 2019.
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