Category: People and Places

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

The recent Typhoon Kristine has left a trail of devastation across the Philippines, particularly in Polangui, Albay, where families are displaced and facing severe hardship. In response, the Bikol Society Austria (BSA), in collaboration with the Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy (FCC) and the Philippine Gottesdienst-Gemeinde, is contacting our community here in Austria and beyond to gather urgent relief for those affected. Together, we can provide much-needed support to our kababayans during this challenging time. How Your Donation Can Make a Difference Your generosity, whether big or small, will have a meaningful…

Read More

In a united call to action, the Global Save Life Foundation and the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria are launching Action Tulong to support typhoon victims in Nabua, Camarines Sur. This initiative aims to mobilize Filipinos residing in Austria to offer meaningful aid to their kababayans in the Bicol region, who have suffered devastating losses due to recent typhoons. The Action Tulong campaign underscores the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—the practice of communal unity and cooperation in times of need. The Global Save Life Foundation and the Council of Filipino…

Read More

In cooperation with the Breast Cancer Awareness Organization, Healthy Cooking Innovation (HCI) hosted a breast cancer awareness event on October 18, 2024, that brought the community together for a day of learning, unity, and fun. The CEO, Dimple Sanchez, a nutritionist who graduated from the Food Save Me Institute in the USA, regularly offers free nutritional classes to help combat lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and, of course, cancer. The event kicked off with a powerful presentation about breast cancer, focusing on prevention and early…

Read More

The generosity of three Filipino-Austrian organizations has significantly impacted a kindergarten project in Brgy. Idio, Sebaste, Antique, Philippines. The “Pfarre der Weg Jesu” project in Vienna’s 21st District, recently received substantial financial support from the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria, the Filipino Assistance Movement in Austria, and the Association of Pangasinenses in Austria-Our Lady of Manaoag Choir. Based in Vienna, these organizations have a strong tradition of helping communities in need, both in Austria and the Philippines. Their combined efforts reflect the commitment of Filipino expatriates to give back…

Read More

Vienna, 18 October 2024 – The United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) hosted its annual Charity Awards Ceremony at the United Nations in Vienna, gathering members, donors, and supporters to celebrate the organization’s impactful work in improving the lives of children worldwide. The event, moderated by Ruiqing Zhou, highlighted the UNWG’s ongoing efforts and recognized the generosity of those who contribute to its mission of making the world a better place for children. President Cathy Kiefer and 2nd Vice President Karissa Laughter delivered powerful speeches, both emphasizing the core values of…

Read More

October 19, 2024 – The Waraynon community in Austria kicked off the Halloween season with an early celebration at the “Red Night Party,” held in the historic Rathaus Keller in Vienna’s 1st district. The event brought together Filipinos from across Austria, especially those hailing from the Samar region in the Philippines, known as the Waraynons. The festive gathering was filled with vibrant costumes, lively music, and a strong community spirit. Organizer Cecille Alfonso Basierto expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, stating, “Your presence contributed immensely to the event’s success, and…

Read More