Category: People and Places

The global stage of choral music recently bore witness to a resounding Filipino triumph. At the prestigious 44th International Choir Competition “Prof. Georgi Dimitrov” in Varna, Bulgaria, Kammerchor Manila delivered a masterclass in vocal artistry, soaring above international competitors to capture the ultimate prize: the Grand Prix. This milestone victory does more than add another prestigious trophy to the choir’s illustrious collection. By winning the Grand Prix, Kammerchor Manila has officially earned qualification for the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing (EGP) 2027—often regarded as the Champions League of the…

From Vienna to the B2L—and with dreams of playing in Asia—22-year-old Filipino-Austrian guard carries his heritage, ambition and “puso” onto the court VIENNA — For Dean-Leon Cantor, basketball is more than a game. It is a family legacy, a personal ambition and a powerful connection to his Filipino roots. At just 22, the Vienna-born guard has already travelled a remarkable basketball journey. From learning the fundamentals of the game from his father to competing at a high level in Austria, Cantor has steadily worked his way through the ranks and…

VIENNA — The Sentro ng Kulturang Filipino at Austria successfully wrapped up its vibrant multi-day “Common Diversities” event, drawing community members, artists, scholars, and advocates together for a deep exploration of diaspora experiences, shared heritage, and cross-cultural solidarity. Building on an opening day featuring project presentations, community talks, and cultural performances, the gathering reached its intellectual and creative peak during an action-packed second day on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event is being organized by Sentro’s Christian Namiss and Arlene Castañeda. The comprehensive program offered a dynamic mix of hands-on…

Music has a unique power to bridge continents, transcend linguistic barriers, and unite diverse communities under a shared human spirit. In Vienna, a city globally renowned for its rich musical heritage, this unifying force was vividly demonstrated during a historic milestone: the celebration of 80 years of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Philippines. At the heart of this vibrant cultural convergence stood the Musikverein Leopoldau, a celebrated brass band from Vienna’s 21st district of Floridsdorf, whose magnanimous music provided the emotional and ceremonial heartbeat for the day. A Grand…

There is a distinct magic that fills a room when the next generation steps onto the stage to claim their roots. For the children of Filipino Cultural Heritage, a newly established cultural group dedicated to youth of Filipino background founded by Zandrine Kocjan and Georgie Savic-Rico, that magic became a reality on September 5, 2026. Making its official premiere at the highly anticipated PAMANA V event in Vienna, the group transformed months of vision into an unforgettable celebration of identity, community, and tradition. Comprising young performers aged 2 to 11…

Vienna is gearing up for a vibrant weekend of cultural exchange and dialogue as the Common Diversities Festival takes place on September 11–12, 2026. Organized by Sentro, the event brings together artists, activists, psychologists, and community members from across Europe and the diaspora for panels, workshops, and artistic performances. Children and youth up to 18 years old enjoy free entry, while adult admission is priced at € 18, which includes one food coupon. Online tickets are available now. Event Schedule Overview Friday, September 11 Saturday, September 12 Key Highlights &…

VIENNA, September 5, 2026 — Philippine culture and visual artistry took center stage in Vienna as the Filipino Visual Artists in Austria (FVAA) brought an extraordinary piece of Philippine-inspired art to the streets during the PAMANA V Festival. Led by Mr. Gerry de Guzman, the group joined the festival parade with a spectacular, larger-than-life representation of Urduja, the legendary warrior princess and heroine associated with Pangasinan in Philippine tradition. Standing at more than five meters tall, the imposing figure immediately attracted attention as it made its way through Vienna. With…

Vienna’s historic inner city and Sigmund Freud Park transformed into a vibrant archipelago of sights, sounds, and solidarity as the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) successfully staged the PAMANA V: Philippine Festivals Parade and Cultural Extravaganza. Marking its fifth milestone staging under the leadership of ENFiD-Austria Chairperson Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas, this year’s grand gathering carried profound historical resonance, coinciding with the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Austria. The celebration drew an expansive pan-European diaspora network, uniting 40 Filipino community organizations, international partners, and cultural…