Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria – 22 May 2025 – Two powerful sessions of “Critical Conversations with Ronald Llamas” were held in Vienna on 20 and 21 May 2025, bringing together members of the Filipino community, representing various civic, religious, interest, and regional groups in a timely discussion about the political landscape in the Philippines and the road ahead towards the 2028 presidential elections. Organised by Tres, Lolit Kaszuba, Ning Lobrigo, and Marizel Rojas —a civic-minded trio of Filipino women leaders in Austria known for promoting dialogue, solidarity, and empowerment—the back-to-back conversations took…

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Art has always been a powerful medium for expressing complex emotions and life experiences. In an era where society often prioritizes success and perfection, the emotional journey of trying to conceive is frequently overlooked. A visionary artist, Lisa Ante brings this personal narrative to the forefront through her compelling collection, “FlowerEmbryoArt.” From June 2nd to 28th, Ante’s thought-provoking works will be showcased at the City Gallery in Vienna, located at Mahlerstrasse 11, 1010 Vienna. This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the strength found in vulnerability and the profound essence…

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Vienna, Austria – May 25, 2025 — The Parish of the Heart of Jesus in Vienna warmly welcomed Filipino devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag and the “Through Mary to Jesus” religious group during the culminating celebration of the Novena to Mary in May. The event began with a solemn procession from the parish garden to the church, as attendees prayed the Holy Rosary. Marian hymns in English filled the air between each station, led by guitarist Mr. Efren Alican, adding a heartfelt musical backdrop to the devotion. This year’s…

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Vienna, Austria – A new recruiting agency, AC Human Resources, has launched operations in Vienna with a trusted partner in the Philippines. Founded by Adel Calanog, the agency aims to connect Filipino health workers with job opportunities in Austria. To kick off recruitment efforts, AC Human Resources invites interested applicants and clients to a job fair on May 27 at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, Manila. The focus will be on hiring Filipino nurses, as the agency has already secured a job order and initiated contact with hospitals and nursing homes in…

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Vienna, Austria, 20 May 2025  – A spirit-filled Jubilee Pilgrimage took place from 16–19 May 2025 in Italy, organized by a dynamic trio of friends known simply as Tres—Marizel, Lolit, and Ning. United by deep faith and friendship, they brought together 26 pilgrims from Austria, Sweden, and the United States to participate in the Jubilee of Hope, a global Catholic celebration declared by Pope Francis. This memorable journey was made possible through the vital support of Fr. Edmer Eronga and Giorgio Marcelli, who ensured both the logistical arrangements and spiritual…

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The 24-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor captivated Europe with his genre-blending ballad “Wasted Love.” JJ’s win marks Austria’s third Eurovision triumph, following Udo Jürgens in 1966 and Conchita Wurst in 2014. Born in Vienna to an Austrian father and a Filipina mother, JJ spent much of his childhood in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. Fluent in German, English, French, and Tagalog, he embodies a multicultural identity that resonates deeply with Austria’s Filipino diaspora. Many were moved to tears by his soaring vocals and the emotional depth of his song. Social…

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Austria’s Eurovision champion, JJ—Johannes Pietsch—returned to Vienna on Sunday, sparking a media frenzy and back-to-back coverage on ORF. The 24-year-old countertenor, fresh off his victory in Basel with the operatic-techno anthem “Wasted Love,” was greeted at Vienna International Airport by hundreds of fans waving flags, playing his song, and showering him with hugs and roses. JJ, who also performs at the Vienna State Opera, held his Eurovision trophy and thanked them for their warm welcome. His emotional homecoming quickly transitioned into a press conference at the ORF headquarters, where he…

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Johannes “JJ” Pietsch, an Austro-Filipino who just won the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Filipinos worldwide who supported him throughout his journey. During a press conference held after the show, Pietsch was asked by a Filipino audience member about how it felt to represent the Philippines once again on the world stage. Responding in Tagalog, JJ conveyed his appreciation to his fellow Filipinos, acknowledging their unwavering support and encouragement. “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Ang pangarap ko ay natupad dahil sa inyo,” he said,…

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Vienna, Austria – The Ateneo Chamber Singers (ACS), a distinguished choral group from the Philippines, will grace the stage at Canisius Kirche on Monday, June 2, 2025, for an evening of choral and sacred music. Organized in collaboration with the Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), the event promises an inspiring repertoire performed by a globally acclaimed ensemble. The concert will run from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Canisius Kirche, located at Lustkandlgasse 36, 1090 Vienna. Admission is free, but with limited slots available, attendees are encouraged to register…

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