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Benefit concert in Vienna to bring together Philippine-Austrian musicians and Dance Theatre Manille in support of education scholarships for underprivileged Filipino students
VIENNA, Austria — The Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES) will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special evening of music, dance and philanthropy titled A Symphony of Hope and Grace on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the House of Strauss, Döblinger Hauptstraße 76, 1190 Vienna.
The anniversary benefit concert is being organised under the leadership of Dr. Jane Abaya and her husband, Dr. Efren Abaya, who are spearheading the event to bring together the Filipino and Austrian communities in support of education, culture and service.
The evening will feature distinguished Philippine-Austrian musicians and the internationally acclaimed Dance Theatre Manille, celebrating the power of artistic expression while raising awareness and support for PACES’ scholarship programme.
Under the theme of celebrating ten years of PACES through culture, education and service, the event highlights the organisation’s continuing efforts to help talented but underprivileged young Filipinos access quality education and build brighter futures.
For the past decade, PACES has supported students through scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Its scholarship programme seeks to empower young Filipinos to become future engineers, healthcare professionals, scientists, educators, skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can contribute to the development of the Philippines.
PACES believes that education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting opportunities for individuals, families and communities.
Music and dance in the service of education
The programme will showcase the talents of several Philippine-Austrian performers, including soprano Maria Isabel Zavala, pianist and guitarist Joffrey Mark John Tullao, pianist Mark Christopher Tullao, violinist Philipp Goldnagl, and Dance Theatre Manille.
Through their performances, the artists will help transform an evening of artistic celebration into an opportunity to support young people whose educational aspirations might otherwise be limited by financial circumstances.
The concert will be followed by a reception, offering guests an opportunity to meet fellow supporters and celebrate PACES’ decade of service.
Three ways to support the scholarship programme
PACES is inviting the public, members of the diplomatic community, cultural organisations, businesses and supporters of Philippine-Austrian friendship to take part in the anniversary celebration and contribute to its educational mission.
1. Attend the benefit concert
Admission to A Symphony of Hope and Grace costs €40 per person. The ticket proceeds will help cover the expenses of staging the special event, while attendees can enjoy an evening of music, dance and fellowship.
2. Make a donation
PACES welcomes contributions to its scholarship programme. According to the organisation, supporting one university scholar in the Philippines costs approximately €1,500 per year, covering tuition, academic expenses, books and living allowances.
A donation of €35 or more can make a meaningful contribution towards helping students continue their education. Donations to the programme are tax-deductible under applicable Austrian laws, subject to the relevant requirements.
3. Join the fundraising tombola
Guests can also participate in the PACES fundraising tombola, with tickets priced at €10 each. Prizes include a premium economy round-trip ticket from Vienna to Asia provided by EVA Air, as well as 20 pairs of tickets to the “Classics of Austria” concert at the House of Strauss.
The tombola offers another opportunity for supporters to contribute to the scholarship programme while taking part in the anniversary festivities.
A decade of passion, action and service
As PACES marks ten years of work, A Symphony of Hope and Grace represents more than a cultural event. It is a celebration of the power of collective action and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.
With Dr. Jane Abaya and Dr. Efren Abaya leading the organisation of this special anniversary event, PACES hopes to inspire continued generosity and strengthen the bonds between the Philippines and Austria through music, culture and education.
The organisers warmly invite everyone to attend the concert and help make a lasting difference in the lives of young Filipinos. Every ticket purchased and every donation made can contribute to opening doors to education and a better future.
For concert information, scholarship details and opportunities to support the programme, visit www.paces-stem.org.
Event details
- Event: A Symphony of Hope and Grace
- Occasion: Celebrating 10 Years of PACES through Culture, Education and Service
- Date: Saturday, 7 November 2026
- Time: 4:30 p.m.
- Venue: House of Strauss, Döblinger Hauptstraße 76, 1190 Vienna
- Concert admission: €40
- Fundraising tombola: €10 per ticket
- Website: www.paces-stem.org
- Hector Pascua/picture: PACES
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