Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria, 28 September 2024 Vienna’s historic Rathaus Festival Hall transformed into a global stage for the International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO)’s Costumes of the World Show, a stunning showcase of cultural diversity through traditional attire. This annual event attracted hundreds of attendees, eager to witness an array of colorful costumes from around the world, each representing the unique identity and heritage of the participants. The message of the evening resonated clearly: Celebrating Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity.  Messages of Inspiration Josipa Palac, CEO and Founder of ICDO opened the event…

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Vienna, Austria — 25 September 2024 — The International Cultural Diversity Organization (ICDO) opened its much-anticipated art exhibition at the Yunus Emre Institute (Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – Türkisches Kulturzentrum Wien) on 25 September 2024, as part of the 7th edition of the “Long Nights of Interculturality.” The “Cultural Diversity & Inclusivity”  Art Exhibition, which runs until 29 September, highlights the unifying power of art in fostering intercultural understanding. The event featured powerful opening remarks from Josipa Palac, CEO of ICDO, and Ayse Yorulmaz, Director of Yunus Emre Institute, who both…

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Vienna, Austria — Filipino nurses and midwives who arrived in Vienna 50 years ago commemorated their golden anniversary with a grand celebration at the Vienna Rathaus. During their anniversary gala dinner, Batch 1974, composed of over sixty Filipino healthcare professionals, paid homage to their heritage by putting on Philippine formalwear and presenting the Rigodon de Honor traditional dance. Rosa Maria Somera, chairwoman of the Batch 1974 Organizing Committee, said this milestone occasion is a testament to their “unwavering dedication, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.” “Your resilience and commitment in a…

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Vienna, Austria –  26 September 2024 – The heart of Vienna’s art scene was invigorated by the vibrant display of Filipino talent at the Vernissage held at the renowned Gallery Steiner. Known for its contemporary collections, the Gallery, owned by the dynamic mother-son duo Corina and Dominik Steiner, opened its doors to an exceptional fusion of cultures, artistry, and creativity. This special event marked the collaboration between the Gallery and Sige!, an artist collective founded in 2024 by Harold Khan, Gerard Rabara, and Charmaine Taus. The Vernissage was a celebration…

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In a spirit of community and compassion, the Association of Pangasinenses and their religious group, the Our Lady of Manaoag, carried out a meaningful initiative to support the Church and local outreach in Vienna. By joining the confirmation candidates of the Parish of Herz Jesu, Töllergasse, (1210 Vienna) in their recent Thanksgiving Mass and social action, they set a shining example of unity in the face of adversity. This collaborative effort celebrated faith and provided crucial assistance to flood victims in Austria, particularly in Lower Austria. The Role of the…

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In a vibrant celebration of music and culture, Honey Vargas, the beloved Pinay singer residing in Austria, recently made waves with her transformative concert on September 21, 2024. She swapped her usual pop, ballads, and disco tunes for the charming melodies of Austropop and country hits and captivated Austrian and Filipino audiences. Held at the Schutzhaus Zukunft auf der Schmelz, this concert was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt gathering that united friends and families in a night of rhythm, dance, and joy. Embracing Change: A New…

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Talent knows no boundaries in classical music, and the Filipino baritone Cipriano Mercado De Guzman, Jr., is a shining example of this. Recently, Filipinos worldwide have been beaming with pride as Prof. Cipriano Mercado de Guzman Jr. clinched the top prizes in two highly esteemed international music competitions held in Spain and Austria within a span of just a week. De Guzman’s remarkable journey to success reached new heights on July 27, 2024, when he participated in the International Music Competition Barcelona “Grand Prize Virtuoso” held at UNESCO’s Palau de…

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On September 21, 2024, the Bicolano community in Austria gathered to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, a significant occasion deeply rooted in the culture and faith of the Bicolanos. This year, however, the celebration took on a different form due to challenging circumstances, namely the recent flooding in Lower Austria. The normal fluvial procession, which typically takes place on the Danube River, was officially called off. Nevertheless, the spirit of devotion and community remained vibrant, exemplifying the resilience and unity of the Bicolano diaspora. The Significance of…

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The annual Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession is a cherished event for many, dedicated to honoring Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicol in the Philippines. Unfortunately, due to ongoing challenges stemming from severe flooding in Austria, this year’s fluvial procession scheduled for September 21, 2024, has been canceled. This decision, announced by DDSG Blue Danube, comes as many in the region continue to grapple with the aftermath of natural calamities. The Flooding Crisis in Austria In recent days, parts of Austria, particularly Lower Austria, have experienced unprecedented flooding. The Danube…

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