Friday, August 22, 2025 – Our night at Hotel Pendl in Kalsdorf bei Graz was restful. The evening before, we had ventured out in search of something special for dinner. A quick walk brought us to Restaurant Auszeit, about a kilometer from our hotel, famous for its ribs and wings. The garden terrace was fully packed, and we ended up at a table inside. To our disappointment, we learned that the specialty ribs were no longer available that evening. We settled on another dish, filling enough but not quite the…
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1st PACC “Pista sa Nayon” Brings Filipino Spirit to Velden am Wörthersee
Velden am Wörthersee, Austria — August 16, 2025 — The Philippines-Austrian Community in Carinthia (PACC) proudly celebrated its first-ever “Pista sa Nayon” (Barrio Fiesta) in Velden am Wörthersee, marking a milestone of cultural pride, unity, and joyful togetherness. The event was a resounding success, bringing together Filipinos, Austrians, and friends from across communities to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Filipino traditions. The celebration featured colorful cultural highlights, delicious Filipino food, music, and games that delighted both young and old. One of the major attractions was the Nipa Hut photo…
Read MoreDay 4 – Bruck an der Mur to Kalsdorf bei Graz: Chasing Weather, Finding Rhythm
August 21, 2025 – Thursday – We had officially reached the halfway mark of our bike tour: more than 280 kilometers pedaled since leaving Muhr. Today’s stage would take us from Bruck an der Mur to Kalsdorf bei Graz, just 10 kilometers shy of the Styrian capital itself. The morning began with a touch of doubt. The forecast had warned of rain, and over breakfast we debated whether the skies would cooperate. In the end, we decided not to let the weather dictate our plans. We packed our bags carefully,…
Read MoreDay 3 – From Judenburg to Bruck an der Mur: Castles, Circuits, and Slopes
August 20, 2025 – Our night in Judenburg was restful, and after a filling breakfast at Hotel Schwerterbräu, right in the heart of town, we set off once again. Before rejoining the Murradweg, we made a short stop at St. Magdalena Church. Built in 1350, its Gothic walls hold centuries of history, and we paused for a quiet moment of personal prayer before continuing our journey. Today’s route would lead us nearly 80 kilometers south to Bruck an der Mur. Just like the day before, the terrain offered steady slopes…
Read MoreRAMBAK joined Paaralan sa Pasuguan 2025 with a Creative Kids’ Workshop
Vienna, Austria — August 2025 – RAMBAK proudly took part in this year’s Paaralan sa Pasuguan 2025, hosted by the Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna. For the first time, we held a workshop exclusively for children, bringing together participants aged 7 to 17 years old for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and cultural exchange. In their three-hour session, the kids played an interactive quiz show, shared stories about their favorite Filipino dishes, and designed their hand-painted shopping bags to take home. The room was filled with laughter, curiosity, and…
Read MoreThrough Mary to Jesus Foundation Holds One-Day Pilgrimage to Mariazell on the Feast of the Assumption
Mariazell, Austria – August 15, 2025 – The Through Mary to Jesus Foundation marked the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with its traditional one-day pilgrimage to Mariazell. The annual event, held on August 15, brought together members, supporters, and friends of the Foundation in a spirit of prayer, unity, and devotion. This pilgrimage has become a cherished tradition for the Foundation, reflecting its mission to deepen the faith of the Church and encourage acts of charity and service. Participants gathered to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary,…
Read MoreFilipino Devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag in Vienna Join Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage in Rome
Rome, Italy – August 2025 – A group of Filipino devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag in Vienna, led by the Association of Pangasinenses in Austria, are in Rome this week as “Pilgrims of Hope” for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage. The pilgrimage, which gathers faithful from around the world, is part of the universal Church’s celebration of the Jubilee of Hope, a year dedicated to spiritual renewal, prayer, and solidarity among Catholics. Centered on Marian Devotion For the Filipino community in Austria, devotion to Our Lady of Manaoag…
Read MorePedaling Through Styria: Our Bicycle Tour 2025
Our upcoming bicycle tour is set for Monday, August 18, 2025, running through Saturday, and this year we will ride along one of Austria’s most scenic cycling routes: the Murradweg in Styria. The journey begins in Michael im Lungau and will take us all the way down to Bad Radkersburg, following the course of the Mur River as it winds through valleys, vineyards, and historic towns. This tour is special because my son, Steven, will be joining us for the first time. Alongside our trusted companion Rudi, who has been…
Read MoreBeneath the Krk Bridge: Finding Rest and Wonder on Croatia’s Coast
After almost seven hours on the road from Vienna, Austria, the first glimpse of Kraljevica felt like stepping into another world. This small coastal town, tucked just beneath the sweeping span of the Krk Bridge, shimmered under the late afternoon sun. The Adriatic stretched out in front of us—deep blue, calm, and endless. Our base for the week, Hotel Uvala Scott, sat high on a mountain loop, its terraces spilling toward views of the sea and the island of Krk. Away from the hum of the town, the only soundtrack…
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