Radiant Roots, Enduring Ties: PAMANA V Celebrates 80 Years of Filipino-Austrian Friendship in Vienna

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Vienna’s historic inner city and Sigmund Freud Park transformed into a vibrant archipelago of sights, sounds, and solidarity as the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) successfully staged the PAMANA V: Philippine Festivals Parade and Cultural Extravaganza.

Marking its fifth milestone staging under the leadership of ENFiD-Austria Chairperson Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas, this year’s grand gathering carried profound historical resonance, coinciding with the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Austria. The celebration drew an expansive pan-European diaspora network, uniting 40 Filipino community organizations, international partners, and cultural delegations from countries including the Czech Republic, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.

A Grand Opening and Festive Procession

The day’s events commenced with a lively opening salvo and a “Unity Dance” flash mob at Stephansplatz. Led by Head Marshal Biboy Blanco, a colorful parade swept through Vienna’s iconic thoroughfares—including Graben, Bognergasse, Am Hof, Heidenschuß, Freyung, and Schottengasse—before culminating at Sigmund Freud Park. The festive procession was grandly supported by the renowned brass band Musikverein Leopoldau, who have proudly lent their musical backing to the event for the past two years, delivering a magnificent and stirring rendition of the Philippine national anthem.

Institutional and Guest Speeches

As PAMANA V unfolded across Vienna, key institutional leaders and invited guest organizations delivered inspiring messages emphasizing the enduring bonds of heritage, community resilience, and inclusive solidarity:

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas highlighted in her written message the vital bridge-building role of overseas Filipinos, commending the diaspora for keeping national identity alive and vibrant on the global stage.
Included in the pritend souvenir programm is a message of Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairperson Dante “Klink” Ang II. He underscored the government’s unwavering support for European-based Filipino networks, recognizing their collective contributions to strengthening cultural diplomacy and unity.
In the same souvenir programm, NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo emphasized the deep historical significance of preserving traditional arts and heritage, praising community-led initiatives like PAMANA for safeguarding Filipino identity across generations.
The LGBTQ Filipino Community delivered an empowering message championing diversity, acceptance, and the indispensable contributions of queer Filipinos within the broader European diaspora network.
Rambak Austria shared an inspiring address celebrating regional Filipino heritage, solidarity, and the joyful expression of indigenous traditions far from home.

More pictures here: (1) Facebook, (Cesar Amada) (1) Facebook Emigdio Nava) and (1) Facebook (Mansy Salonga)

Cultural Extravaganza, Intermissions, and Competition

The afternoon program at Sigmund Freud Park featured dynamic performances, vibrant musical intermission numbers, and a fiercely contested festival dance competition evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, including Third Secretary and Vice Consul Chryzl Sicat and multicultural artist Cindy Kurleto.

The celebration was enriched by captivating intermission numbers, featuring traditional Filipino folk dances and acoustic vocal performances that highlighted the artistic talents of the youth and visiting delegations. In the main festival dance competition, competing groups delivered breathtaking interpretations of legendary Philippine festivals:

Kadal Tahu: Presented by Filipino Cultural Heritage, capturing the graceful, mimetic movements of the tahaw birds of Lake Sebu.
Isang Dugo, Isang Lahi, Isang Musika: Performed by the Pilipino Catholic Chaplaincy of Wiener Neustadt, blending modern street dance and patriotic unity.
Dinagyang Festival: Brought by the Filipino Performing Arts of the Czech Republic, honoring the Señor Santo Niño with energetic devotion.
Karatong Festival: Presented by the Philippine Austrian Association in Linz (PAAL) and Ugnay Oberösterreich, celebrating a bountiful mango harvest with bamboo percussion.
Dance of Tara (Balangay): Showcased by the Association of Mindanaoan Friends in Austria, honoring Butuan’s pre-colonial gold and maritime history.
Sinulog-Dinagyang Medley: Presented by Kulturang Pinoy sa Belgium, uniting two of the Philippines’ greatest religious celebrations.
Singkil: Executed by the SIDLAK Dance Group of the Czech Republic, which mesmerized the audience and judges with the intricate, royal bamboo-pole dance of the Maranao people, ultimately capturing the First Place Grand Winner title of the dance competition.

Art, Legacy, and Community Partnerships

Adding a unique creative dimension to the festival, the Filipino Visual Artists in Austria (FVAA), led by President Gerry de Guzman, collaborated on a live “4 Directions, 4 Artists, 4 Styles, 1 Painting” art project symbolizing peace and unity.

As PAMANA V drew to a close with a community tombola draw and open-air musical performances, the festival firmly cemented its legacy. More than a cultural showcase, the event stood as a powerful testament to a thriving diaspora keeping its roots alive while strengthening eight decades of bilateral friendship between the Philippines and Austria.