Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria — Music lovers in Vienna are in for an unforgettable experience this November. The Song Weavers Philippines, a multi-award-winning choir from Manila, will bring their world-class harmonies to the Austrian capital for three special charity concerts. Under the baton of Alfred Allan Samonte, artistic director of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Song Weavers will perform a vibrant mix of classical choral works, beloved Filipino folk songs, and modern arrangements. Their performances are more than concerts—they are heartfelt celebrations of unity and culture. With their signature warmth and…

Read More

Vienna, Austria – October 31, 2025 — The Global Save Life Foundation (GSLF) marked Halloween with a thrilling twist this year, hosting its annual Spooky Halloween Costume Party at Salvatorianerplatz 1, 1100 Vienna. The event combined frightful fun with heartfelt purpose, bringing together community members for an evening of music, dancing, and generosity. Guests arrived in their creepiest, funniest, and most creative costumes, filling the venue with laughter and Halloween spirit. A highlight of the night was the Best Costume Award, where one lucky participant took home a fabulous prize…

Read More

Vienna, Austria — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, met with Austrian Minister Wolfgang Harttsmanndorfer of the Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism to further enhance bilateral labor cooperation and open new employment opportunities for Filipino workers in Austria. During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen and broaden Philippine–Austrian labor relations, building on the 2023 bilateral agreements on the recruitment of professional and skilled workers, including nurses. Minister Harttsmanndorfer expressed Austria’s strong interest in expanding its recruitment of Filipino…

Read More

Vienna, Austria – October 28, 2025 — The Global Save Life Foundation is set to light up Vienna this Halloween with its annual Spooky Halloween Costume Party, an evening of frightful fun with a heartwarming purpose. The event will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Salvatorianerplatz 1, 1100 Vienna, starting at 5:00 PM (17:00 Uhr). Guests are invited to don their creepiest, funniest, or most creative costumes for a night filled with music, dancing, spooky treats, and community spirit. The highlight of the evening will be a Best…

Read More

Vienna, Austria — October 2025 – More than a dozen Filipinos joined the culmination activity of the Month of the Holy Rosary at the Parish of the Heart of Jesus in Vienna’s 21st District, adding their voices to a solemn celebration that carried an international tone and a powerful message of peace. The event, held on Sunday evening, brought together parishioners in prayer and song. Reflecting the diverse community spirit of the parish, one of the Rosary stations was prayed in English, while several hymns were also sung in the…

Read More

The Filipino community in Austria warmly welcomed Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during a special “Kumustahan with Sec Hans” gathering held in Vienna. The event brought together overseas Filipinos, community leaders, and migrant advocates for an open and meaningful dialogue. Filipinos shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions on how government programs could further support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. In response, Secretary Cacdac outlined the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) major initiatives, including the agency’s ongoing digitalization efforts, expansion of the OFW Hospital’s services, the AKSYON Fund for…

Read More

Morning in Lucca: Where History Lives Within the Walls Our Tuscan journey began beneath a soft morning sun as we set out for Lucca, one of Tuscany’s best-preserved treasures. Enclosed by its magnificent Renaissance-era walls, Lucca feels like a step back in time. Once an independent republic, the city still carries an air of quiet dignity — its cobbled streets lined with elegant palazzi, shaded courtyards, and quaint cafés. As we walked along the wide tree-lined ramparts, our guide unfolded Lucca’s fascinating story — from its Roman roots to its golden age…

Read More

Vienna, Austria – The Philippines established itself as a global leader in ethical and strategic labor migration governance during the recently concluded 10th Vienna Conference. It received widespread international praise for its comprehensive, innovative, and rights-based approach to managing overseas labor. In a high-level panel titled “Armchair Conversation: Migration as an Engine of Development in Countries of Origin – What Is Needed?”, Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) discussed with representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society. He highlighted the Philippines’ strong and…

Read More

We started our day early, leaving the hotel at eight in the morning with sleepy smiles and coffee still warming our hands. The sky was already gray, a sign of the rain that would follow us for most of the day. Our route took us along the 22 kilometers of the Versilian coast, one of the most beautiful stretches in Tuscany. As the bus rolled out of Viareggio, our tour guide began to tell us about the town’s history. Once a small fishing village, Viareggio grew into a famous seaside…

Read More