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(People gathering at the FIL-AT Pamana II Event held in front of the Votive Church at Sigmund-Freud Park)
Text & Photos by: Anton Miguel D. De Vera
Edited by: Alfonso Joaquin D. De Vera
VIENNA, AUSTRIA—On a clear and sunny day of October 30th, 2021, people who roamed the heart of the city of Vienna were able to witness the commemorative celebration between Filipinos and Austrians alike for 75 Years of harmonious Bilateral Relations between Austria and the Philippines.
Organized by the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and joined by various organizations from the Filipino community, Austrian friends, Musikverein Leopoldau, as well as Members of the Embassy and the Permanent Mission of the Philippines in Vienna, an extravagant parade of Filipino culture was showcased to celebrate the special day with traditional dances from different regions of the Philippines, the accompanied music of the Musikverein Leopoldau and of course, the signatory Filipino smiles. The parade took place from Stephansplatz to Sigmund-Freud Park and continued its program in front of the Votive Church.
To be able to witness this event was truly special and especially prideful for the younger generation of the Filipino community. Many of those children, whose parents established themselves in Austria, commented proudly as they were able to participate in the Pamana parade celebrating both identities of being a Filipino and an Austrian. When asked how they felt about the parade, KC Padua, a 2nd Generation Filipina, felt “very happy and appreciated” seeing the Filipino flag waving and being surrounded by many fellow Filipinos in Vienna.
Visiting observers of the event also found the parade an exciting event to see. “The atmosphere was incredibly inviting and joyous,” remarked Constantin von Lingen, a university student from the Central European University in Vienna, Austria. “I’m thankful I could witness the festivities and I hope this national friendship will continue to be”.
As mentioned, the Pamana Parade and its program showcased performances from different regions and societies of the Philippines, these groups includes the Sinulog Festival of Cebu, T’boli Lemlunay Festival of South Cotabato, the Higaonon Kaamulan Festival of Bukidnon, Lapu Lapu warriors, the Maranao Malong Malong Festival, Ati-Atihan of Panay Island, Dinagyang, Igorot dances, and many more.
For Meagan Onoten, a young Filipino-Austrian and member of the Igorot-Austrian Organization, being able to perform and participate in the colourful parade was “very exciting” and she was happy to present and share her culture and heritage which she is very proud of. Most especially, she felt that through her performance it made her “feel closer to her roots” and reminded her of her hometown in the Philippines.
When asked about what kind of future she envisions for the Filipino-Austrian community as one of the members of the younger generation, Meagan answered “I hope in the future the younger generation would continue the traditions of our heritage and enjoy. It is a way to stay connected with each other as a community”.
The city of Vienna and its people of all ages were incredibly excited and entertained by the spectacular performances and the illustrious demonstration of the solidary bilateral relations between the Filipino and Austrian nations. As part of their heritage, the younger generation within the Filipino-Austrian community in Vienna looks forward to continuing celebrating the culture, traditions, and the history of the Philippines in association with Austria as remarked by the event of the Filipino-Austria Pamana II Parade. Mabuhay!
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