Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria – The newly elected officers of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA) were formally inducted into office in a ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General, Atty. Zoilo A. Velasco, officiated the induction and commended the strong partnership between the embassy and the Filipino community. Atty. Velasco highlighted the mutual achievements fostered by collaboration and expressed optimism for continued unity and cooperation under the new leadership. He emphasized that the embassy values its partnership with the CFAA, which…

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Vienna, Austria – The Marriott Hotel in Vienna will sparkle with love and glamour on Saturday, 1 February 2025, as it hosts the much-anticipated Pre-Valentine’s Dinner Party. This dazzling event promises to be a grand celebration of love, elegance, and charm, marking the arrival of February, the month of romance. Organizers Sheryl Kissa Tan, Georgie Savic-Rico, and Zandrine Kocjan invite everyone to partake in this enchanting evening. “Come dressed in your finest red attire and your most dazzling charm. Let’s dance and slay all night long!” the trio said, setting…

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The vibrant spirit of Filipino culture rang out in Vienna as the annual Paskong Pinoy celebration unfolded successfully on 29 December 2025 under the enthusiastic leadership of organizers Reden Atienza, Dra. Glo M. Guiñez, and Sonia Tantay Alcantara. This event reinforced the unity among the Filipino community in Vienna and highlighted the importance of collaboration and support in bringing joy and assistance to those in need back home. A Celebration of Community The Paskong Pinoy celebration is renowned for bringing Filipinos together and providing a space to celebrate Christmas traditions…

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you! As we celebrate this joyous season, even though we are far from our beloved homeland, the spirit of Christmas remains alive in our hearts—love, generosity, and faith. Here in Austria, our Filipino traditions continue to shine brightly: the Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and the close-knit bond of our community. The warmth of our smiles and togetherness becomes a beacon of light in the cold European winter, bringing comfort and joy to us. Our resilience, cheerfulness, and compassion inspire our…

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As the Advent season draws to a close, the 4th Sunday of Advent holds a unique and profound significance, particularly for Filipino migrants living in Austria. This final Sunday before Christmas emphasizes the themes of love, hope, and preparation, resonating deeply with the experiences of those far from home but bound by faith and tradition. The Meaning of the 4th Sunday of Advent Advent, a Latin term meaning “coming,” is a four-week period of spiritual preparation to celebrate Christ’s birth. Each Sunday carries a distinct theme represented by the Advent…

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Vienna, Austria,18 December 2024 – The United Nations community in Vienna, in partnership with the League of Arab States, marked Arabic Language Day with a vibrant celebration at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Rotunda. The event showcased the Arabic language’s rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage, recognized as a cornerstone of knowledge, civilization, and creative expression throughout history. The ceremony began with opening remarks from H.E. Ambassador Salah Boucha, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States in Vienna, followed by addresses from Ms. Ghada Waly, Director-General of UNOV…

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The Filipino Catholic community in Vienna gathered on the evening of 15 December 2024, to mark the start of Simbang Gabi. This cherished tradition signifies the beginning of the nine-day novena Masses leading up to Christmas. Unlike the Philippines, where Simbang Gabi is celebrated at dawn and known as Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), the faithful in Vienna adapt the schedule by holding the Holy Masses in the evening. This unique tradition has brought Filipino Catholics together in the Austrian capital for years, fostering faith and cultural identity. The celebration…

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Vienna, Austria – The Filipino community in Vienna embraced the spirit of Christmas with joy and creativity during a recently concluded Parol-making workshop led by the Rambak Austria group. The event, celebrated with an outpouring of enthusiasm, successfully brought together guests and friends in a warm celebration of Filipino culture and holiday traditions. The highlight of the gathering, the Parol workshop, proved to be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all attendees. Participants eagerly crafted their own Parols—traditional Filipino Christmas lanterns symbolizing hope and light—under the guidance of the Rambak…

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In a heartwarming act of solidarity, the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, supported by the Through Mary to Jesus (TMTJ) devotional group and Foundation, responded to a call for aid by the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Töllergasse, 1210 Vienna—the initiative aimed to provide winter clothes for those affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This collaborative effort resulted in collecting numerous sacks of winter clothing, which will soon be transported to the war-torn country. The distribution will be facilitated by established contact…

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