Category: People and Places

If 2025 taught us anything, it is that the Filipino spirit—wherever it finds itself—knows how to gather, create, and uplift. Across Austria, from Vienna’s historic districts to community halls filled with laughter and song, Filipinos spent the year weaving a tapestry of culture, solidarity, and shared purpose. What follows is not just a list of events, but the story of a community that continues to grow in confidence and unity. A Year That Opened With Purpose As the year unfolded, Filipino organizations across Austria stepped forward with renewed energy. The…

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Filipino faith communities across Austria filled their churches with music, devotion, and cultural pride as they celebrated this year’s Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena leading to Christmas. From Vienna to Salzburg, the celebrations were marked by an extraordinary display of musical talent, with numerous choirs taking turns leading the liturgy in song. In Vienna, the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy once again showcased the depth of its musical ministry. The Filiino Catholic Chaplaincy Choir Vienna, Our Lady of Manaoag Choir, Couples for Christ Choir, Chancel Choir, and the Our Lady of…

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Vienna, 30 December 2025 – Today marks the 129th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine national hero whose life, writings, and sacrifice ignited the Filipino struggle for freedom. Across the globe, Filipinos gather to honor his legacy—and the Philippine Embassy in Vienna joins the nation in this solemn and meaningful commemoration. In a statement, the Embassy highlighted Rizal’s enduring influence on Philippine identity, democratic ideals, and the global Filipino community. “Rizal’s courage and intellect continue to inspire generations of Filipinos, including those who call Austria their…

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Vienna, Austria – December 28, 2025 — MAISUG Austria successfully held its post-Christmas celebration and induction of officers on December 28, 2025, at the Pfarrsaal of the Salvatorianer Church in Vienna’s 10th District. The event brought together officers, members, supporters, and friends of the organization in a spirit of unity, reflection, and renewed commitment. The gathering was led by MAISUG Austria President Ray Arreza, who welcomed attendees and expressed his gratitude for the continued support and active participation of the organization’s officers and members. In his message, Arreza thanked everyone…

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Vatican City, December 25, 2025 — Under a crisp winter sky and before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing, offering a message of hope, reconciliation, and global solidarity as the world enters 2026. Stepping onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon, the 88‑year‑old pontiff greeted the faithful in Rome and millions watching via broadcast and livestream around the world. The traditional proclamation, “To the city and to the world,” carried renewed significance as the…

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When December settles over Austria—bringing early sunsets, crisp air, and the glow of Advent markets—Filipinos across the country begin preparing for a celebration that is both deeply traditional and beautifully adaptive. Christmas, the most cherished season in the Philippines, becomes a bridge between homeland and diaspora, weaving together memories of tropical nights with the snowy charm of Central Europe. For the roughly 35,000 Filipinos living in Austria, Christmas is more than a holiday. It is a lifeline to identity, a reaffirmation of faith, and a joyful reunion of a community…

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Since December 15, 2025, mostly at 19 Hours, Filipino Catholics across Vienna have been gathering in large numbers at various churches to celebrate Simbang Gabi, the beloved nine‑day novena Mass deeply rooted in Philippine tradition. Despite the winter chill and the busy holiday season, the devotion remains strong, echoing the same spirit found in parishes throughout the Philippines. Simbang Gabi, traditionally held before dawn in the Philippines, has been adapted to evening schedules in Vienna to accommodate work and school commitments. Yet the essence of the celebration remains unchanged. Many…

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Vienna, Austria — More than 120 homeless and hungry brothers and sisters found warmth, food, and community at the Saint Mutter Teresa von Calcutta Center in Vienna, continuing a heartfelt Christmas tradition that began 24 years ago with one Filipino’s simple act of compassion. The initiative started when Mr. Wilson “Bebot” Tan Ho, a Filipino living in Vienna, decided to cook and personally serve meals to people experiencing homelessness. What began as a small gesture has grown into an annual Christmas mission of generosity, now known as “Regalo ni Wilson…

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Ambassador and Permanent Representative Evangelina A. Bernas was joined by Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives from various diplomatic missions, Filipino international civil servants, and members of the international community at the opening ceremony of the “Hope & Endeavor: A Tribute to the United Nations at 80” event on 12 December 2025. 12 December 2025,  Vienna – The Philippines marked the end of a defining year in its multilateral engagement by paying tribute to the United Nations 80th Anniversary and to the Filipinos who have contributed to its work across generations.  The…

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