Category: People and Places

Kahlenberg, AUSTRIA — The Filipino Visual Artists Association in Austria (FVAA) turned the slopes of Kahlenberg into an open-air studio last weekend, as members gathered for an outdoor painting session led by FVAA chairman Gerry de Guzman. With panoramic views of Vienna unfolding below, the group set up easels among the gentle rows of Kahlenberg’s vineyards. The scene was a painter’s dream: the vibrant green of the grapevines, the shimmer of the Danube, and the hazy skyline of the Austrian capital in the distance. Some artists focused on the majestic…

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The number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continues its upward trajectory. In a recent survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority, an estimated 2.16 million OFWs were working abroad between April and September 2023, marking a 9.8% increase over the 1.96 million recorded in 2022 (psa.gov.ph, philstar.com). Women comprised the majority of OFWs in 2023, totaling 1.20 million (55.6%), while male OFWs numbered about 958,000 (psa.gov.ph). Regional Distribution Asia remains the dominant region for OFW placements, hosting 80.8% of the workforce. Key countries include: Saudi Arabia: 23% United Arab Emirates (UAE):…

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Vienna, Austria — The public is invited to register for a compelling lecture hosted by PACES: “A Filipino Journey in Science and Medicine: Reflections on Two Decades of Discovery, Innovation, and Impact,” featuring Dr. Melvin Sanicas, 2024 Pamana ng Pilipino Presidential Awardee and Global Medical Affairs Vaccine Lead at Bavarian Nordic, based in Zurich. The lecture will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Philippine Embassy in Vienna (Donaustrasse 11, 1220 Vienna). Dr. Sanicas will share his insights from two decades at the intersection…

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VIENNA—On August 4, 2025, the pioneering group of Filipino nurses who arrived in Austria in 1975 marked their 50th anniversary with a heartfelt reunion in Vienna. The gathering was a moment of reflection and pride, as the nurses shared memories of their decades-long journey serving in Austria’s healthcare system. The event brought together former colleagues and friends, now retired, who once helped shape the foundations of intercultural nursing care in the country. Many of these nurses arrived during a period when Austria faced a shortage of healthcare professionals. Their skills,…

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Amstetten, Austria – Vincent Bueno, the acclaimed Filipino‑Austrian singer and performer, shines in the title role of the Uraufführung (world premiere) of Augustin – das Musical, currently running at the celebrated AVB Musical Sommer Amstetten through August 10, 2025. A Role of Cultural Significance and Emotional Resonance In this adaptation of the cult Hörspiel by Wolfgang Ambros, Joesi Prokopetz, and Manfred Tauchen, Vincent Bueno embodies the legendary 17th‑century Wiener Volkssänger Augustin—a man who famously survived a night in a pest grave to emerge as a symbol of optimism and urban folklore. As…

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Maragondon, Cavite – The Global Save Life Foundation (GLSF), led by its founder Mr. Elmer Blanco, will conduct a medical outreach program on August 2, 2025, at Brgy. Bucal, Maragondon, Cavite, starting at 10:00 AM (Philippine Time). This initiative, organized in cooperation with the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria and generous individuals who support the Foundation’s mission, will provide free medical consultations and essential health services to residents of the barangay. The outreach also marks a personal milestone, aligning with the birthday celebration of Mr. Blanco, whose unwavering commitment…

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Vienna, Austria – August 7, 2025 (18:00, Wien Museum Atelier A + B) – In an intimate and inclusive gathering as part of the Kumain Ka Na? series, sige! proudly presents “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy: A Community Conversation on Queer Filipino Identity and Belonging.” This informal talk will create a welcoming space for queer Filipinos and allies to engage in shared storytelling, reflective dialogue, and intergenerational connection. The discussion is moderated by community voices Gerard Rabara and Charmaine Taus, whose lived experiences and cultural fluency promise a rich, thoughtful exploration. What to…

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Vienna, Austria – The Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna is set to host a unique religious event this September: a fluvial procession in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, taking place on the Danube River. The procession, scheduled for Saturday, September 20th, 2025, promises a memorable experience for devotees. The event will begin at 7:30 AM with embarkation on the MS Admiral Tegethoff DDSG Blue Danube, located at Handelskai 265, 1020 Vienna. The four-and-a-half-hour cruise will provide a serene setting for a special Mass celebrated onboard. The ship will serve…

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Filipinos have long been known for their remarkable talent in singing, and nowhere is this more evident than in the way they embrace karaoke. Whether in small neighborhood gatherings or big family parties, karaoke is a mainstay in Filipino culture. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of voice, emotion, and community. What sets Filipino karaoke singers apart is their natural musicality. Many Filipinos grow up surrounded by music, singing in church choirs, school events, or simply at home. This early exposure, combined with a culture that values expressive…

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