Category: General Interest

In 2025, most public holidays fall on a weekday. Here’s an overview with a calendar: Which ones are there, and which days you should ideally take off?There will be a total of 13 public holidays in 2025. A list of these days with the day of the week: Wednesday, January 1: New Year’s DayMonday, January 6: Three Wise MenMonday, April 21: Easter MondayThursday, May 1: National holidayThursday, May 29: Ascension DayMonday, June 9: Pentecost MondayThursday, June 19: Corpus ChristiFriday, August 15: Assumption DaySunday, October 26: National holidaySaturday, November 1: All…

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Selfish behavior is usually not well received. Sometimes, we may not even realize that we are acting selfishly in a situation, and sometimes, we may do it deliberately. Ask yourself, “Hmm, what’s it like for me? Am I really selfish?” You can review our checklist and determine whether or how many selfish traits you have—and possibly work on them. What is selfish behavior?Egoism comes from the Latin “ego,” which means “I.” Egoism can, therefore, be translated as selfishness or self-centeredness. The Duden dictionary describes egoism as the “striving to gain…

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As we close the chapter of this year and welcome another, let us take a moment to reflect on the challenges we’ve overcome and the triumphs we’ve achieved as individuals, as a community, and as proud Filipinos. Whether you’re in the heart of Austria, surrounded by its rich culture and cold winter landscapes, or in another part of the world, your resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit are truly inspiring. For Filipinos in Austria, you are the embodiment of our culture—one that values hard work, strong family ties, and the Bayanihan…

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Spanish researchers have made an alarming discovery. Microplastic particles in tea bags, released in contact with hot water, will likely have serious consequences for the human body. A new study shows that plastic is released into the body and absorbed through the digestive tract, which can lead to cancer and fertility problems, among other things.According to the Daily Mail, the University Autònoma de Barcelona research team found that polypropylene tea bags, in particular, release large amounts of nanoparticles—up to 1.2 billion particles per milliliter of water. Specifically, the microplastic particles…

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Every New Year’s Eve, the sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays, symbolizing celebration and hope for the coming year. While these spectacular shows captivate millions worldwide, their impact on the environment and animals is often overlooked. Understanding these effects is crucial as we strive to balance traditions with sustainability and compassion for our planet and its inhabitants. Environmental Impact of Fireworks 1. Air Pollution Fireworks release a cocktail of harmful chemicals and particulate matter into the atmosphere. When fireworks explode, they emit delicate particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals like…

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With a moving Christmas message and the traditional Christmas blessing “Urbi et Orbi,” Pope Francis called for global peace on Christmas Day. He expressed concern about numerous trouble spots, including Ukraine and the Middle East wars. 38,000 faithful at Christmas massAfter the Pope opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday evening, ushering in the Holy Year 2025, Francis read his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the head of around 1.4 billion Catholics blessed Urbi et Orbi (to the city of…

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Pope Francis will read out his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday (12:00 noon) after the Christmas Mass. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the head of around 1.4 billion Catholics will give the blessing “Urbi et Orbi,” i.e. to the city and the world. In his address, the pontiff is expected to condemn the wars and conflicts in the world and recall the suffering of humanity.This year, Christmas will be marked by the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. Tens of thousands of believers are expected to gather…

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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.…

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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…

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