Harmful to the body? Nevertheless, many people drink sugar-free lemonade every day

Sugar-free lemonade has long had a reputation as the “healthy” alternative to sugary varieties. Today, there are a variety of brands available – from Coke Zero to Pepsi Max to sugar-free Solo Super. But new research is now questioning how much healthier they are, if at all. A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows that people who regularly drink artificially sweetened soft drinks have up to a 43 percent higher risk of stroke, blood clots, and other cardiovascular diseases. Not exactly the bonus you were hoping…

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Salad, rice, and more: These foods are much less healthy than you think

Most of us know that pizza, fries, and the like are not part of a healthy diet. But when it comes to other foods, such as rice or salad, we are quick to be misled because not everything that appears healthy at first glance is. Some foods that are advertised as “better” or “lighter” choices can harbor hidden health risks. Light productsLight products promise less fat, less sugar, or fewer calories and are therefore often considered “healthier” alternatives. But caution is advised here, as many manufacturers resort to artificial sweeteners,…

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Floral Offering Ceremony at the Vienna City Hall Garden on June 11, 2025

On June 11, 2025, at 16 Hours, the Philippine Austrian Cultural Society (PACES), under the leadership of President Dr. Jane Abaya, will host a floral offering ceremony at the Vienna City Hall Garden in Austria. The event marks a significant occasion to celebrate the strong and enduring ties between the Philippines and Austria. Now in its seventh year, the ceremony is held in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in Vienna, honoring the two Catalpa (Trompetenbaum) trees planted in June 1998 during the centennial of Philippine independence. These trees, located on…

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After a rainy Pentecost weekend: Weather increasingly better from Monday

As the meteorologists at Geosphere Austria forecast on Sunday, temperatures are set to soar, especially in the west. Temperatures of up to 33 degrees are expected. Mostly sunny on MondayThe weather on Whit Monday will be mainly sunny. From Innsbruck to Graz, there will be scattered dense clouds at the beginning, and in the southeast, it will still rain in places. As the day progresses, more cumulus clouds will form, which may temporarily shade the sunshine. Nevertheless, it will remain mainly dry until the evening. The wind will blow weakly…

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The Rigodon Dancers Light Up Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Vienna 2025

One of the highlights of the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Vienna this year was the performance of the Rigodon de Honor. This graceful, time-honored dance has become a staple of the Filipino community’s annual ball in Austria. Spearheaded by organizers Carmen Pacaigue and Dorcy Aigner, the formation of this year’s Rigodon troupe was anything but simple. According to Pacaigue and Aigner, while many expressed interest in joining, time constraints posed a major challenge. Weekly practices began in March 2025, held mostly on weekends. To support the group, I was…

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Marvyn Acenas: The Austro-Filipino Athlete Shining in American Football

Seventeen-year-old Marvyn Acenas, the son of Filipino parents Jun and Marielle Acenas, is making headlines in Austria—not for sinking jump shots, but for breaking tackles and reading defenses like a chess grandmaster. Marvyn originally dreamed of a basketball career. “I used to play in the park with my brothers,” he says. But at 1.72 meters tall, the odds weren’t in his favor under the rim. Everything changed when two classmates introduced him to American football. One tryout was all it took: “I fell in love with this sport straight away.”…

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First Pentecost message of the new Pope: “Opening paths of reconciliation”

Pope Leo XIV made an urgent appeal for peace in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Pentecost Sunday. “May the spirit of the risen Christ open paths of reconciliation wherever there is war; may it enlighten those in power and give them the courage to make gestures of détente and dialogue,” said the Pope. “The Holy Spirit breaks down barriers and tears down the walls of indifference and hatred. Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for the safety distances that separate us from our neighbor, for…

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Filipino Community in Austria Marks 127th Philippine Independence Day with Culture, Unity, and Gratitude

The Filipino community in Austria came together on June 7, 2025, to celebrate the 127th Philippine Independence Day, a momentous occasion marked by a rich tapestry of culture, unity, and gratitude. Hosted at the prestigious Marriott Hotel in Vienna’s first district, the celebration attracted a blend of Filipino and foreign guests, all eager to honor the Philippines’ historic milestone. This gathering, orchestrated by the Council of Filipino Associations Austria (CFAA), underscored the importance of community, tradition, and philanthropy, reflecting the spirit of Filipinos both at home and abroad. A Grand…

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Celebrating Pentecost in the Catholic Church

Pentecost is one of the most important feast days in the Catholic Church. It marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, as described in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1-4). Celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church” because it marks the beginning of the apostles’ public ministry and the spread of Christianity. The word “Pentecost” comes from the Greek Pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth.” It was originally a Jewish harvest festival, but for Christians, it took on a deeper spiritual…

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