Category: People and Places

August 30, 2025 – Lower Austria – Lower Austria came alive on August 30, 2025, as communities gathered for the annual Fest der Begegnung, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and food that showcased the strength of unity in diversity. The festival transformed the region into a meeting place of traditions from across the globe. Guests enjoyed culinary delights from different continents while being treated to a rich program of music and dance. The event underlined one message: togetherness thrives when cultures meet, share, and celebrate side by side. The…

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Vienna, Austria – August 30, 2025 – The Retired Nurses Association in Austria (RFNAA) marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its first anniversary at the Marriott Hotel, Vienna. The event gathered retired Filipino nurses, community leaders, diplomats, and friends in a night filled with gratitude, recognition, and cultural pride. A highlight of the evening was the tribute to the pioneering Filipino nurses who first arrived in Austria five decades ago. These women and men dedicated countless years of service, caring for the sick, comforting the weary, and bringing dignity…

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Saturday, August 23, 2025 – We woke up with an unusual mix of excitement and melancholy, knowing this was the last leg of our tour. Breakfast at Hotel Schischek set the tone: hearty, fresh, and enough to carry us through the morning. With our bags packed and bikes ready, we rolled out of Unterpurkla filled with energy, eager to savor every remaining kilometer. The route south was gentle and familiar in its rhythm. We passed through small Styrian villages, each with its red-tiled roofs, farmyards, and the comforting smell of…

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Friday, August 22, 2025 – Our night at Hotel Pendl in Kalsdorf bei Graz was restful. The evening before, we had ventured out in search of something special for dinner. A quick walk brought us to Restaurant Auszeit, about a kilometer from our hotel, famous for its ribs and wings. The garden terrace was fully packed, and we ended up at a table inside. To our disappointment, we learned that the specialty ribs were no longer available that evening. We settled on another dish, filling enough but not quite the…

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Velden am Wörthersee, Austria — August 16, 2025 — The Philippines-Austrian Community in Carinthia (PACC) proudly celebrated its first-ever “Pista sa Nayon” (Barrio Fiesta) in Velden am Wörthersee, marking a milestone of cultural pride, unity, and joyful togetherness. The event was a resounding success, bringing together Filipinos, Austrians, and friends from across communities to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Filipino traditions. The celebration featured colorful cultural highlights, delicious Filipino food, music, and games that delighted both young and old. One of the major attractions was the Nipa Hut photo…

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August 21, 2025 – Thursday – We had officially reached the halfway mark of our bike tour: more than 280 kilometers pedaled since leaving Muhr. Today’s stage would take us from Bruck an der Mur to Kalsdorf bei Graz, just 10 kilometers shy of the Styrian capital itself. The morning began with a touch of doubt. The forecast had warned of rain, and over breakfast we debated whether the skies would cooperate. In the end, we decided not to let the weather dictate our plans. We packed our bags carefully,…

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August 20, 2025 – Our night in Judenburg was restful, and after a filling breakfast at Hotel Schwerterbräu, right in the heart of town, we set off once again. Before rejoining the Murradweg, we made a short stop at St. Magdalena Church. Built in 1350, its Gothic walls hold centuries of history, and we paused for a quiet moment of personal prayer before continuing our journey. Today’s route would lead us nearly 80 kilometers south to Bruck an der Mur. Just like the day before, the terrain offered steady slopes…

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Vienna, Austria — August 2025 – RAMBAK proudly took part in this year’s Paaralan sa Pasuguan 2025, hosted by the Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna. For the first time, we held a workshop exclusively for children, bringing together participants aged 7 to 17 years old for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and cultural exchange. In their three-hour session, the kids played an interactive quiz show, shared stories about their favorite Filipino dishes, and designed their hand-painted shopping bags to take home. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and…

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Mariazell, Austria – August 15, 2025 – The Through Mary to Jesus Foundation marked the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with its traditional one-day pilgrimage to Mariazell. The annual event, held on August 15, brought together members, supporters, and friends of the Foundation in a spirit of prayer, unity, and devotion. This pilgrimage has become a cherished tradition for the Foundation, reflecting its mission to deepen the faith of the Church and encourage acts of charity and service. Participants gathered to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary,…

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