Category: People and Places

Today, our journey through Nevşehir’s scenic wonders and rich cultural tapestry began with a cozy breakfast, fueling us for a day filled with discovery. The promise of Cappadocia’s hidden gems beckoned us, and soon after our meal, we set off to explore Avanos, a small yet vibrant town known for its pottery and handwoven carpets. Morning in Avanos: A Town of Timeless Craftsmanship Nestled along the Kızılırmak River, Avanos is a charming town celebrated for its long-standing traditions in pottery and carpet-making. As we strolled along its winding streets, we…

At the break of dawn, precisely around 6:00 a.m., our day began with the excitement of an early taxi ride to the hot air balloon station in Cappadocia. The soft glow of morning light and the crisp, cool air set the perfect backdrop for what would soon be an unforgettable adventure. We watched in awe as the balloon operators expertly prepared their vibrant, multicolored balloons. The process was a dance of precision and expertise—envelopes inflating slowly, flickering flames from the burners illuminating the scene, and the anticipation palpable among the…

Vienna, Austria – On November 2, 2024, the Marriott Hotel transformed into a dazzling scene reminiscent of New Orleans as Babaylan Austria, a prominent Philippine women’s group, hosted its annual Masquerade Ball. Themed “Mardi Gras,” the event was a brilliant showcase of Filipino culture, solidarity, and advocacy, attended by community members, supporters, and distinguished guests. Carmen Pacaigue, one of the prominent figures of Babaylan Austria, greeted attendees with warmth and enthusiasm as they arrived in a stunning array of masks and costumes. The vibrant atmosphere was charged with excitement as…

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lisa Pangan, a remarkable artist and dedicated healthcare professional based in Vienna. Lisa brings a unique blend of creativity and compassion to both her roles—as a contemporary painter and as the lead nurse at an IVF institute where she’s worked for over 15 years. Her artwork is distinctive for its use of gouache, a medium known for its rich opacity and versatility, as well as an intriguing experimental element: coffee. She uses these unconventional materials to bring texture and depth…

Thirty-five years ago, in March 1989, a small gathering took place in front of a restaurant in Vienna, Austria, that would begin a transformative journey for the Filipino Visayan community abroad. Excited by the prospect of connecting with others from their homeland, a handful of Visayans joined together and envisioned a formal organization. “Bay, kadaghan god diay nga Bisaya sa Vienna. Unsa kaha no, magtukod ta og Kapunongan,” one of them suggested, noting the growing number of fellow Visayans in the city. With these words, the idea for the Kapunungan…

The recent Typhoon Kristine has left a trail of devastation across the Philippines, particularly in Polangui, Albay, where families are displaced and facing severe hardship. In response, the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), in collaboration with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy (FCC) and the Philippine Gottesdienst-Gemeinde, is contacting our community here in Austria and beyond to gather urgent relief for those affected. Together, we can provide much-needed support to our kababayans during this challenging time. How Your Donation Can Make a Difference Your generosity, whether big or small, will have a meaningful…

In a united call to action, the Global Save Life Foundation and the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria are launching Action Tulong to support typhoon victims in Nabua, Camarines Sur. This initiative aims to mobilize Filipinos residing in Austria to offer meaningful aid to their kababayans in the Bicol region, who have suffered devastating losses due to recent typhoons. The Action Tulong campaign underscores the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—the practice of communal unity and cooperation in times of need. The Global Save Life Foundation and the Council of Filipino…

In cooperation with the Breast Cancer Awareness Organization, Healthy Cooking Innovation (HCI) hosted a breast cancer awareness event on October 18, 2024, that brought the community together for a day of learning, unity, and fun. The CEO, Dimple Sanchez, a nutritionist who graduated from the Food Save Me Institute in the USA, regularly offers free nutritional classes to help combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and, of course, cancer. The event kicked off with a powerful presentation about breast cancer, focusing on prevention and early…