Category: People and Places

Vienna, Austria — Honey Vargas, a talented Filipina singer specializing in Austrian folk music, captivated audiences during her successful concert on 18 January 2025 at the Schutzhaus am Ameisbach in the 14th district of Vienna. The event marked her first performance of the year, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of Austrian and Filipino fans. Known as a “Schlagersängerin” for her unique take on traditional Austrian folk music, Vargas seamlessly blended her vibrant heritage with the melodic charm of Austria’s cherished genre. Her soulful renditions of popular folk songs and her charismatic…

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Cardinal Christoph Schönborn was bid farewell after almost 30 years as Archbishop of Vienna at a thanksgiving service in St. Stephen’s Cathedral on Saturday. He was honoured by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen as “Pontifex austriacus”. In his sermon, Schönborn appealed to “have a heart for refugees” and emphasized “the good coexistence of religions” in Austria. Schönborn will turn 80 on January 22, when the Pope is expected to finally accept his resignation. Around 3,000 people attended the service in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, including Van der Bellen, who celebrated…

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The vibrant Filipino culture, rich in traditions and fervent religious practices, lends itself to communal celebrations that unite people. One of the most anticipated events on the calendar for the Filipino community in Vienna is the Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival, set to take place on 19 January 2025. Hosted by the Filipino chaplaincy in Vienna in collaboration with the Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria, this event promises to deliver an enriching experience celebrating faith, culture, and community camaraderie. The Significance of the Sinulog Festival The Sinulog Festival, which is celebrated…

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Vienna, Austria – The newly elected officers of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA) were formally inducted into office in a ceremony held at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna. Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General, Atty. Zoilo A. Velasco, officiated the induction and commended the strong partnership between the embassy and the Filipino community. Atty. Velasco highlighted the mutual achievements fostered by collaboration and expressed optimism for continued unity and cooperation under the new leadership. He emphasized that the embassy values its partnership with the CFAA, which…

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Vienna, Austria – The Marriott Hotel in Vienna will sparkle with love and glamour on Saturday, 1 February 2025, as it hosts the much-anticipated Pre-Valentine’s Dinner Party. This dazzling event promises to be a grand celebration of love, elegance, and charm, marking the arrival of February, the month of romance. Organizers Sheryl Kissa Tan, Georgie Savic-Rico, and Zandrine Kocjan invite everyone to partake in this enchanting evening. “Come dressed in your finest red attire and your most dazzling charm. Let’s dance and slay all night long!” the trio said, setting…

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The vibrant spirit of Filipino culture rang out in Vienna as the annual Paskong Pinoy celebration unfolded successfully on 29 December 2025 under the enthusiastic leadership of organizers Reden Atienza, Dra. Glo M. Guiñez, and Sonia Tantay Alcantara. This event reinforced the unity among the Filipino community in Vienna and highlighted the importance of collaboration and support in bringing joy and assistance to those in need back home. A Celebration of Community The Paskong Pinoy celebration is renowned for bringing Filipinos together and providing a space to celebrate Christmas traditions…

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you! As we celebrate this joyous season, even though we are far from our beloved homeland, the spirit of Christmas remains alive in our hearts—love, generosity, and faith. Here in Austria, our Filipino traditions continue to shine brightly: the Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and the close-knit bond of our community. The warmth of our smiles and togetherness becomes a beacon of light in the cold European winter, bringing comfort and joy to us. Our resilience, cheerfulness, and compassion inspire our…

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As the Advent season draws to a close, the 4th Sunday of Advent holds a unique and profound significance, particularly for Filipino migrants living in Austria. This final Sunday before Christmas emphasizes the themes of love, hope, and preparation, resonating deeply with the experiences of those far from home but bound by faith and tradition. The Meaning of the 4th Sunday of Advent Advent, a Latin term meaning “coming,” is a four-week period of spiritual preparation to celebrate Christ’s birth. Each Sunday carries a distinct theme represented by the Advent…

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Vienna, Austria,18 December 2024 – The United Nations community in Vienna, in partnership with the League of Arab States, marked Arabic Language Day with a vibrant celebration at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Rotunda. The event showcased the Arabic language’s rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage, recognized as a cornerstone of knowledge, civilization, and creative expression throughout history. The ceremony began with opening remarks from H.E. Ambassador Salah Boucha, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States in Vienna, followed by addresses from Ms. Ghada Waly, Director-General of UNOV…

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