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.”…
Read MoreFirst 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…
Read MoreFilipino 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…
Read MoreCelebrating 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…
Read MorePentecost Sunday in Austria: Cold front brings rain and thunderstorms
On Pentecost Sunday, a cold front will bring rain and clouds to large parts of Austria. Only in the south will the sun shine briefly before rain and thunderstorms follow there as well. In the afternoon, it will clear up from the northwest. On Sunday, a cold front will move across Austria, causing cloudy weather, especially in the west, north, and east. “The sky will remain mostly cloudy and there will be widespread rain, with heavy precipitation in some areas. In the south, especially on the southern side of the…
Read MoreHere is the recommended amount of water you should drink every day
Drinking water is a bit like breathing: we know it’s vital, but we don’t always remember to do it. Nevertheless, hydration plays a key role in the functioning of our bodies, from our brains to our skin, muscles, and organs. One question remains: How many glasses of water do we really need to drink every day to stay healthy? While the rule of 8 glasses a day is often cited, the reality is a little more nuanced. Why is hydration important?Our bodies are about 60% water. Every cell, organ, and…
Read MoreSunset Cinema turns Vienna’s parks into open-air cinemas: 2025 program
From mid-June, Sunset Cinema will be bringing favorite classic films to cozy Viennese parks as an open-air cinema. We have the 2025 program at a glance. Films at “Kino am Dach”Sunset Cinema will take place on twelve dates at four different locations in Vienna this summer. Between June 18 and August 30, the Vienna summer cinema promises a colorful program featuring cult films from the 90s and 2000s, ranging from horror to romance to family films. Admission is free, and no reservation is required. Sunset Cinema is an open-air cinema…
Read MoreWhy these seats on the plane are the worst
Not all seats on the plane offer the same comfort or convenience. This is also the result of a new survey of British flight attendants conducted by the International Drivers Association. Window seats 11A and 11F are particularly uncomfortable. They may seem attractive at first glance, but they have several disadvantages. Travel expert Julianna Marshall explains why: The disadvantagesRestricted legroomThese seats are often located near the emergency exit rows, but do not always offer more legroom. In some aircraft, the space in these seats may even be restricted due to…
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