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Vienna, Austria — On Friday, 24 January 2025, Room M)E79 at the United Nations in Vienna buzzed with energy as participants gathered to explore the cultural significance of Filipino tattoos at a workshop titled “From Pintados to the World: Lessons in Cultural Connection Through Filipino Tattoos.” Organized through the collaboration of three dynamic organizations — SIGE!, VIC Club Filipino, and the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Austria — this groundbreaking event highlighted the unifying role of tattoos in bridging communities and celebrating heritage.
The event opened with warm welcome remarks by Jerusa Gatpandan, who set the tone for a stimulating and thought-provoking session. Renowned visual artist and President of SIGE! Charmaine Taus delivered the workshop with a compelling lecture and interactive activities that traced the rich history of Filipino tattoos, their cultural relevance, and their role in contemporary society. Attendees were captivated by Taus’ insights, which connected the pre-colonial traditions of the Philippines to the global resurgence of tribal tattoos amidst modern identity politics.
The workshop invited active participation from the audience, leading to a highly engaging Q&A session. Participants delved into topics such as the symbolism of tattoo designs, the historical roles of tattooing in Filipino communities, and the ways in which tattoos can foster cross-cultural dialogue. The room resonated with curiosity and appreciation for the art form, sparking discussions that bridged personal stories and global perspectives.
Following the workshop, attendees were treated to a reception hosted by the VIC Club Filipino, providing an opportunity for further networking and cultural exchange. The reception underscored the workshop’s aim of creating connections among diverse communities through shared heritage and appreciation of Filipino art.
About the Organizers
SIGE!, founded in 2024 by Harold Khan, Gerard Rabara, and Charmaine Taus, gives Filipino creatives a cool space to swap ideas, team up on projects, and have a blast growing together and making all kinds of art happen. From food, photography, film, dance, and music to all kinds of visual arts, SIGE! wants to highlight the Filipino talents at home and in the diaspora.
SIGE! is all about boosting, connecting, and growing a fun space for creatives. They are here to chat about art, connect with like-minded folks, and fuel that creative fire. They’re all about showing bold young Filipino talents who aren’t afraid to push boundaries and show off what the new generation can do. More information is available on their website: sige!
VIC Club Filipino, established in 1997, is an organization whose members have Filipino lineage and are working or are retirees at international organizations such as the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Office in Vienna (UNOV), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It represents the vibrant Filipino community within the United Nations in Vienna, offering a range of cultural, social, and educational programs to promote Filipino heritage among the international community.
European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD) Austria, established on 15 October 2017, is a nonprofit organization that connects Filipinos across Europe, fostering cultural awareness, advocacy, and collaboration within the Filipino diaspora. ENFiD Austria is committed to strengthening ties between Filipinos and their host communities.
ENFiD-Austria is one of the most dynamic organizations within the Filipino community in Austria and a highly active member of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora (ENFiD). Guided by its four core pillars—Education and Learning, Embracing the Environment, Elevating Arts, Culture, and Traditions, and Empowering Euro-Pinoy Youth—this passionate group of fewer than a dozen active members continues to create a significant impact through vibrant initiatives.
Despite its size, ENFiD-Austria punches above its weight, organizing parades, cultural shows, fundraisers, and more to celebrate and preserve Filipino heritage while fostering community ties. The Tattoo Workshop by Charmaine Taus directly aligns with three of ENFiD-Austria’s pillars: education and learning through the sharing of traditional tattoo artistry; elevating arts, culture, and traditions by reviving ancient practices and celebrating Filipino identity; and empowering Euro-Pinoy youth by inspiring the younger generation to connect with their roots and express their creativity.
Through this workshop, ENFiD-Austria reaffirms its commitment to being a vital force in promoting Filipino culture in Austria and beyond.
Charmaine Taus’s tattoo workshop was more than an exploration of Filipino tattoos; it was a celebration of heritage, art, and global connection. The organizers look forward to hosting similar events in the future and continuing to build bridges through culture and dialogue.
Photos: ctto
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a current Board Member of ENFiD, President of the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), Founding Member 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), Auditor for the Vienna International Centre Gastronomy Club (VIC GC), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).
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