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Babaylan Austria Marks 30 Years of Filipino Women’s Empowerment with James Bond-Themed Masquerade Ball in Vienna

VIENNA, Austria – An evening of elegance, glamour, entertainment and sisterhood marked a significant milestone in the history of Babaylan Austria as the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary with a spectacular James Bond-themed Masquerade Ball on November 14, 2026, at the Vienna Marriott Hotel.

Held under the theme “Night of the Spies – James Bond 007,” the celebration brought together members of the Filipino community, Austrian friends, representatives of Filipino organizations, supporters and distinguished guests for an evening that combined entertainment with a tribute to three decades of women’s empowerment, friendship, solidarity and community service.

The anniversary celebration was more than a glamorous social gathering. It was an occasion to look back on the organization’s achievements, recognize the women who had contributed to its development, and reaffirm its commitment to serving Filipino women and the wider community in Austria.

Three Decades of Courage, Friendship and Sisterhood

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation entitled “All About Babaylan,” delivered by Mag. Hector Pascua, an associate of Babaylan Austria, who traced the organization’s important milestones and significant phases throughout its 30-year history.

In his address, Pascua emphasized that the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate not only the organization’s longevity but also the values and aspirations that had sustained it through the years.

“To celebrate 30 years of courage, friendship, service, sisterhood, and empowerment,” he said, describing the vision that inspired the founding of the organization three decades ago.

“Thirty years ago, a group of visionary Filipino women came together with a dream: to create an organization that would give Filipino women in Austria a voice, a place of support, and an opportunity to make a difference.”

He also highlighted the importance of preserving the original ideals of Babaylan Austria, particularly its commitment to women’s empowerment, mutual support, education, cultural preservation and cooperation with other communities.

Founded and registered under its first president, Maria Lourdes “Malou” Reininger, Babaylan Austria became the first Philippine women’s organization in Austria. Over the years, it has worked to promote the welfare of Filipino women, assist women facing difficult circumstances, organize educational activities, preserve Filipino traditions and establish friendships with women of different nationalities.

Consul Andrei Bauzon Congratulates Babaylan Austria

Among the distinguished guests who addressed the gathering was Consul Andrei Bauzon, who congratulated Babaylan Austria on reaching its 30th anniversary and commended the organization for staging such a memorable celebration.

His presence and message added significance to the occasion, recognizing the contributions of Filipino women and their organizations in strengthening the Filipino community in Austria.

Another inspirational message came from Malou Reininger, the organization’s founding president, who took the audience on a nostalgic journey through Babaylan’s early years.

Reininger recalled the organization’s beginnings and some of the activities and initiatives undertaken during her leadership. Reflecting on its continued existence, she stressed the importance of having a Filipino women’s organization in Austria that provides women with a sense of belonging, support, friendship and opportunities to participate actively in society.

Her message served as a reminder that the organization’s achievements today were made possible by the dedication and commitment of the women who established it and those who continued its mission through successive generations.

An Evening of Entertainment and James Bond Glamour

The programme opened with the arrival of guests, followed by a dinner buffet accompanied by musical performances. Mag. Hector Pascua entertained the guests on the saxophone, while Robin Gabriel Roda provided piano music, creating an elegant atmosphere for the evening.

The formal programme began with an invocation led by Babaylan Secretary Dorcy Aigner, followed by the presentation of the organization’s officers and members and a welcome address by President Carmen Pacaigue.

A special surprise number and a welcome song, “This Masquerade” by the Carpenters, performed by Mr. Vincent Bueno, added to the entertainment.

The James Bond theme came to life through the impressive dance presentations prepared by Babaylan members. The first group performance featured the famous “James Bond Theme,” choreographed by Dorcy Aigner.

Another special dance presentation by Joyce Behrendt, Imelda Papai, Eden Solaria and Mila Amboy was performed to “Another Way to Die,” the James Bond theme song by Alicia Keys and Jack White. The choreography was prepared by Imelda Perez Papai.

The evening also featured another lively group dance to Doris Day’s “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps,” choreographed by Thess Waitzbauer.

These performances demonstrated the members’ enthusiasm, creativity and willingness to contribute their talents to make the anniversary celebration memorable.

Recognizing the Best Spies

True to the evening’s James Bond concept, the celebration included a public dance and the presentation of awards for the best-dressed participants in the categories of Lady Bond 007 and Mr. James Bond 007.

The winners received cash prizes of €200 each, generously sponsored by Juliette Kattinger and Evangeline Aschenbrenner.

The public dance continued throughout the evening, accompanied by the much-anticipated tombola draw, which offered guests opportunities to win attractive prizes.

Among the special prizes was a smartphone sponsored by Nomik Schutz KG Pinoy Relax, through Dr. Glocie Stergerich. Another special prize was a €100 lunch or dinner voucher donated by Earl Sherwin Valencia, owner of Lolo & Lola Filipino Fusion Cuisine in Vienna.

Other prizes included a Burberry umbrella and designer dresses worth approximately €600, courtesy of Peter Pinoy; a €100 shopping voucher from Marialen R. Dimailig, owner of Street Look Boutique; and several consolation prizes.

The main tombola prizes consisted of cash awards sponsored by Babaylan Austria: €500 for the first prize, €300 for the second prize and €200 for the third prize.

The celebration continued with dancing and social interaction until 1:00 a.m., bringing together people from different generations and backgrounds in an atmosphere of friendship and community spirit.

A New Generation of Leadership

The anniversary celebration also provided an opportunity to introduce the officers and members who will guide Babaylan Austria during the 2026–2028 term.

The new leadership is composed of:

President: Carmen Pacaigue
Vice President: Carol Pewal
Secretary: Dorcy Aigner
Assistant Secretary: Josette Berger
Treasurer: Thess Waitzbauer
Assistant Treasurer: Rose Neumann
Auditor: All Officers
Adviser: Imelda Papai

The members, presented in alphabetical order, are Mila Amboy, Joyce Behrendt, Brenda Corpuz, Veronica Fernandez, Dolores de Jesus, Marife Juni, Edeline Heimel, Juliette Kattinger, Mila Leuthner, Yolanda Leitner, Aida Molina, Tonette-Nene Prosl, Mylene Salvatierra, Siony Schaitl and Eden Solaria.

The organization’s associates include Marizel Rojas, Mila Hosek, Rodella Nicolas, Sarah May Stangl-Feliciano, Hector Pascua and Romy Molina.

The presentation of the new officers and members reflected the continuity of the organization and the collective commitment of its members to carry forward the mission established by its founders.

A Celebration Made Possible Through Collective Effort

Behind the successful celebration was the collective effort of the officers, members, associates, volunteers and supporters.

Overall chairperson Carmen Pacaigue, who also serves as Babaylan Austria president, led the organization of the anniversary event.

The programme and dance committee was composed of Dorcy Aigner, Thess Waitzbauer and adviser Imelda Papai. The preparation of the invitations, entrance tickets, tombola stubs, messages, solicitation letters, speeches and programme brochures was coordinated by Mag. Hector Pascua, together with Carmen Pacaigue and Sarah May Stangl-Feliciano.

The event was hosted by Bong Segura and Joem Segura, while the decorations were prepared by Imelda Papai, Jun Jun and Dette Membrot, together with other Babaylan members. Edgar Albances was responsible for the sound and music.

Special appreciation was also extended to members and officers who provided substantial financial assistance and support, particularly Thess Waitzbauer, Dolores de Jesus, Juliette Kattinger and Evangelina Aschenbrenner.

The organizers likewise acknowledged the support of the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, headed by Ambassador Evangeline Lourdes “Luli” Arroyo Bernas, and the Department of Migrant Workers in Vienna, represented by Labor Attaché Atty. Delmer Cruz.

Special thanks were also given to the event’s partners and contributors, including Malou Reininger, Imelda Papai, Jun Jun and Dette Membrot, Robin Gabriel and Annabel Roda, Jocelin Karigl, Danee Manuel, Norman Baca, Marialen Dimailig and Zandrine Kozian.

The organizers also expressed their appreciation to Bong and Joem Segura for hosting the evening, Joy Roda for her assistance, and Isabella Panek, Event Manager of the Vienna Marriott Hotel, together with the entire hotel banquet team, for their professional support.

Representatives and friends from various Filipino associations and community groups also joined the celebration, including TIA, KBA, FVAA, PNAA, ICA, Walkers and Friends, Mindanaon and Friends, Polynesian and Cultural Dance Synergy, the Burgenland Group headed by Luz Kosegg, Waraynon Organization, KBA NÖ and FCH, represented by Georgie Savic-Rico, among others.

Looking Back with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope

As Babaylan Austria celebrated its 30th anniversary, the evening served as a tribute to the generations of women who had contributed their time, talents, resources and dedication to keeping the organization alive and active.

From a small group of visionary women who sought to establish a voice and support network for Filipinas in Austria, Babaylan has grown into an organization that represents friendship, solidarity, cultural identity and women’s empowerment.

The Masquerade Ball was therefore not simply a celebration of the past three decades. It was also a renewed commitment to the organization’s founding ideals and an invitation to the younger generation to continue the work of those who came before them.

Behind the masks, elegant gowns and James Bond-inspired glamour was a deeper message: the true strength of Babaylan Austria lies not in the splendour of a single evening but in the enduring spirit of sisterhood, service and empowerment that has united Filipino women in Austria for 30 years.

Thirty years of courage. Thirty years of friendship. Thirty years of sisterhood. And a continuing commitment to empower Filipino women for generations to come.