Category: People and Places

Friday, November 8, 2024 – After several early morning wake-ups for day trips, we finally enjoyed a leisurely day start, boarding a bus to Manavgat at 10 a.m. for a scenic river cruise. Known for its natural beauty and historical sites, Manavgat is a popular destination in Turkey’s Antalya Province, where visitors can experience the unique intersection of river and sea. The tour began with a cruise along the Manavgat River, offering picturesque views of lush landscapes and glimpses of the area’s luxurious hotels lining the banks. The trip lasted…

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Thursday, November 7, 2024 – After we embarked on a long trip yesterday from Cappadocia, passing by the big town of Konya, we reached the bustling and picturesque Turkish town of Manavgat, dwhere we spent a restful night at the Side Square Hotel, a charming and centrally located spot offering both comfort and convenience. Known for its cozy ambiance, hotel was the perfect place to start our adventure. After dinner, we had a brief chance to stroll through Manavgat’s vibrant center, where we picked up some local souvenirs—a reminder of…

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Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – Today began early as we set out on an exciting road trip to Manavgat, a picturesque town near Antalya, Turkey. The early morning wake-up call was softened by a hearty breakfast, fueling us for the journey ahead. From our starting point, the trip covered winding roads and scenic stops, promising a day full of exploration, history, and culture. Our first major landmark along the route was Konya, a city steeped in Turkish history and spirituality. Konya, known for its connection to the mystic poet Rumi,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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