Category: People and Places

Vienna, 19 September 2025 — The Philippines has been elected by acclamation to the Board of Governors (BOG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the 2025–2027 term during the 69th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. The country secured the seat as the consensus nominee of the Far East region following a months-long campaign. Its candidacy received broad support, particularly from developing nations and states embarking on nuclear energy programs. This marks the Philippines’ return to the Board after last serving from 2015 to…

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Vienna, Austria, September — Hundreds of Filipinos and their Austrian friends filled Stephan Fadinger Platz 1 in Vienna’s 10th district as the Philippinische Gottesdienst Gemeinde (PGG) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a vibrant musical event, Awit ng Pasasalamat Thanksgiving Concert. The evening highlighted a quarter-century of faith, community, and cultural pride expressed through music. Nine choir groups under the PGG showcased Filipino musical artistry, performing well-loved OPM classics that carried themes of gratitude, resilience, and joy. Guest performers included Fr. Mars Sahulga—fondly called the “singing priest” and currently serving in…

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Vienna, Austria — September 15, 2025. The CityGallery Vienna came alive this week as PAGTITIPON – A Festival of Filipino Arts celebrated the rich creativity and cultural heritage of the Philippines in the heart of Europe. Running from September 15 to 20, the festival gathered three distinguished artist groups—SIGE!, BASTEDOR Art Project, and the Angono Ateliers Association—in a vibrant showcase of contemporary Filipino artistry. “Pagtitipon,” which means “getting together” in Tagalog, lived up to its name. The vernissage drew a whole house of artists, supporters, and art lovers, all eager…

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GRAZ – Austro-Filipina entrepreneur Sarah May Stangl Feliciano has been recognized with the 2nd Place award for New Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 by the Styrian Chamber of Commerce, honoring her leadership as executive manager of 24 Helfende Hände Personnel Agency. The award ceremony, held in Graz, celebrated the achievements of emerging business leaders across Styria. For Feliciano, the honor represents more than personal success. “For me, it symbolizes the entire past year—a year full of learning, challenges, and setbacks, but also countless small and big victories,” she said. “This…

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On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Maria Zelda Magistrado Rojas was formally accepted into the Order of the Golden Spur (Ritterorden zum Goldenen Sporn) during a solemn ceremony held at the historic St. Michael’s Church in the heart of Vienna. The event, steeped in centuries-old tradition and guided by the motto “Avitus et famam tuetur” brought together distinguished members of the Order, esteemed guests, and honorees from around the world. The investiture began with a ceremonial procession, followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by Military Chaplain MMMag. Christoph Gmachl-Aher. The Grand…

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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Philippine Embassy and MWO-OWWA in Vienna, is bringing the Alagang OWWA Wellness and Membership Service Caravan to Linz, Austria, on September 21, 2025 (Sunday), from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event is MWO-OWWA’s way of reaching out to the Filipino community in Austria. Services available on this day: 📌 Where: Linz, Austria📅 When: September 21, 2025 (Sunday)🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Come, meet fellow OFWs, and take part in the services prepared especially for all. For more details,…

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August 30, 2025 – Lower Austria – Lower Austria came alive on August 30, 2025, as communities gathered for the annual Fest der Begegnung, a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and food that showcased the strength of unity in diversity. The festival transformed the region into a meeting place of traditions from across the globe. Guests enjoyed culinary delights from different continents while being treated to a rich program of music and dance. The event underlined one message: togetherness thrives when cultures meet, share, and celebrate side by side. The…

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Vienna, Austria – August 30, 2025 – The Retired Nurses Association in Austria (RFNAA) marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its first anniversary at the Marriott Hotel, Vienna. The event gathered retired Filipino nurses, community leaders, diplomats, and friends in a night filled with gratitude, recognition, and cultural pride. A highlight of the evening was the tribute to the pioneering Filipino nurses who first arrived in Austria five decades ago. These women and men dedicated countless years of service, caring for the sick, comforting the weary, and bringing dignity…

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Saturday, August 23, 2025 – We woke up with an unusual mix of excitement and melancholy, knowing this was the last leg of our tour. Breakfast at Hotel Schischek set the tone: hearty, fresh, and enough to carry us through the morning. With our bags packed and bikes ready, we rolled out of Unterpurkla filled with energy, eager to savor every remaining kilometer. The route south was gentle and familiar in its rhythm. We passed through small Styrian villages, each with its red-tiled roofs, farmyards, and the comforting smell of…

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