Author: admin

What makes a Filipino Christmas unique?

admin

A Filipino Christmas is unique due to its deep-rooted traditions, vibrant festivities, and a strong sense of community and family. Here are some key aspects that make it distinct: 1. Longest Christmas Season in the World The Filipino Christmas season begins as early as September, known as the “Ber months,” and lasts until January’s Feast of the Santo Niño. Decorations, carols, and festive activities have occurred for nearly four months. 2. Simbang Gabi (Night Masses) A central tradition, Simbang Gabi consists of nine consecutive dawn masses leading up to Christmas.…

Read More

Paskong Pinoy in an Austrian setting

admin

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you! As we celebrate this joyous season, even though we are far from our beloved homeland, the spirit of Christmas remains alive in our hearts—love, generosity, and faith. Here in Austria, our Filipino traditions continue to shine brightly: the Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and the close-knit bond of our community. The warmth of our smiles and togetherness becomes a beacon of light in the cold European winter, bringing comfort and joy to us. Our resilience, cheerfulness, and compassion inspire our…

Read More

Pope opens Holy Year at Christmas Mass

admin

Pope Francis will open the Holy Year of the Catholic Church on Tuesday evening (7 p.m.) in St. Peter’s Basilica. In a solemn ceremony on Christmas Eve, the 88-year-old pontiff will open and pass through the Holy Door, which is otherwise walled up from the inside. A girl from Wels is one of ten children accompanying the Pope. The Catholic Church typically celebrates a Holy Year, also known as a Jubile Year, every 25 years. According to Catholic understanding, believers can obtain an indulgence for their sins during a Holy…

Read More

World Giving Index 2024: Austria ranks 32nd out of 142 countries

admin

Which countries are top donors, particularly helpful, or heavily involved in voluntary work? The “World Giving Index,” one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on charity and donation behavior, provides the answers. Published by the British Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the index evaluates 142 countries in three categories: willingness to help strangers, willingness to donate, and volunteering. The data comes from surveys conducted by the US market and opinion research institute Gallup.Indonesia is the most generous country in the worldFor the seventh time in a row, Indonesia tops the index…

Read More

Sport improves memory performance

admin

Physical activity is considered the best medicine in many areas, including staying mentally fit for as long as possible. A new study now shows which aspects of intellectual abilities can be influenced by exercise. First, on the treadmill, and then on the questionnaire, 650 people between the ages of 65 and 80 had to prove their physical fitness, after which they were given various tests. The speed with which the participants processed information, short-term memory, visual-spatial perception, and the ability to plan and organize were examined. The study, which has…

Read More

Short-term parking zones in Vienna apply on December 24: parking tickets required

admin

Since 24 December 2024 is a Tuesday and working day, parking tickets are generally required in Vienna at Christmas, remind the ÖAMTC traffic experts. As 24 December is not a public holiday, parking tickets are required in Vienna’s nationwide short-term parking zones between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. or a parking sticker in the zones with parking space management. All regulations concerning shopping streets, train stations, hospitals, and parking lots for residents are also in force in Vienna at Christmas. Beware of short-stay parking and residents’ parking lots in Vienna…

Read More

Today is the 4th Sunday of Advent: A Reflection for Filipino Migrants in Austria

admin

As the Advent season draws to a close, the 4th Sunday of Advent holds a unique and profound significance, particularly for Filipino migrants living in Austria. This final Sunday before Christmas emphasizes the themes of love, hope, and preparation, resonating deeply with the experiences of those far from home but bound by faith and tradition. The Meaning of the 4th Sunday of Advent Advent, a Latin term meaning “coming,” is a four-week period of spiritual preparation to celebrate Christ’s birth. Each Sunday carries a distinct theme represented by the Advent…

Read More

iPhone 17 Air: Apple’s new model clears an important hurdle

admin

Apple is taking the next step by sending the thinnest iPhone of all time to the product launch phase at Foxconn, a contract manufacturer. Thus, the iPhone 17 Air is taking the next hurdle to actual mass production. Update from 16.12.2024: According to supply chain sources, the rumored iPhone 17 Air has reached Foxconn’s so-called NPI (New Product Introduction) phase, which involves transitioning from concept to mass production. In this phase, prototypes are tested, manufacturing processes are developed, and logistics are coordinated with suppliers to prepare for mass production (source:…

Read More

Moon a little older than previously thought

admin

According to new analyses, the moon is between 80 and 180 million years older than previously assumed. Researchers report that the tidal effect of the Earth heated the Earth’s satellite once again 4.35 billion years ago, and magma from the interior reached the surface. The age of most of the rock samples reflects the magma’s cooling and not the moon’s formation. Shortly after the primordial Earth formed around 4.5 billion years ago, there was another huge collision in the solar system: the Mars-sized celestial body Theia collided with the primordial…

Read More