“Frankenstein”: New Covid variant – How dangerous is it, and what are the symptoms?

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As every year, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 are circulating, causing respiratory infections in people in Europe. The currently dominant Covid variant XFG is often referred to in the media as the “Frankenstein variant”. It is reported to cause the so-called “razor blade throat” as a typical symptom. Doctors report patients complaining of extremely severe sore throats—so severe that they feel like they are swallowing razor blades. Several media outlets have reported on this in recent days. On May 23, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified the variant as…

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Austria Expands Opportunities for Filipino Workers; DMW Strengthens Labor Cooperation with Austrian Government

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Vienna, Austria — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, met with Austrian Minister Wolfgang Harttsmanndorfer of the Ministry of Economy, Energy, and Tourism to further enhance bilateral labor cooperation and open new employment opportunities for Filipino workers in Austria. During the meeting, both officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthen and broaden Philippine–Austrian labor relations, building on the 2023 bilateral agreements on the recruitment of professional and skilled workers, including nurses. Minister Harttsmanndorfer expressed Austria’s strong interest in expanding its recruitment of Filipino…

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Austria in 5th place: These cities are the best destinations for a white Christmas

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The travel booking platform Omio has used global weather data to list the Christmas markets in Europe where snow is most likely to fall. So if you’re looking for a white Christmas, you don’t have to travel all the way to the North Pole – some of Europe’s most charming cities offer you the chance to celebrate in the snow. In Austria in particular, you can look forward to snow-covered Christmas markets and festively decorated old towns. Snow guaranteed in Finland If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, Finland should…

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What will become more expensive in November

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Price shock in November! Many things will become more expensive now that the heating season is starting, and many will feel the impact of the increased CO₂ tax and higher electricity costs (+33%). Fees have risen sharply—the e-card fee, which is due on November 15, 2025, has almost doubled to 25 euros! Other costs are also painful: since July 2025, fees for official documents such as passports and driver’s licenses in Austria have increased by almost 50% in some cases. Streaming is becoming more expensive—Spotify is raising its prices by…

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Global Save Life Foundation to Host Spooky Halloween Costume Party in Vienna

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Vienna, Austria – October 28, 2025 — The Global Save Life Foundation is set to light up Vienna this Halloween with its annual Spooky Halloween Costume Party, an evening of frightful fun with a heartwarming purpose. The event will take place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Salvatorianerplatz 1, 1100 Vienna, starting at 5:00 PM (17:00 Uhr). Guests are invited to don their creepiest, funniest, or most creative costumes for a night filled with music, dancing, spooky treats, and community spirit. The highlight of the evening will be a Best…

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Caution: “Fake police officers demanding money”

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Cases of fraud are on the rise again in Austria. The police in Tyrol are warning of a current wave of telephone scams in which the perpetrators pretend to be police officers or detectives. By now, there is hardly an Austrian who has never received a fraudulent text message, phone call, or email. But the number of these scams currently in circulation is staggering, as the saying goes. Police warn of wave of calls Whether it’s “children who have lost their cell phones,” an urgent request to log in to…

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Filipinos Join Rosary Month Culmination at Vienna Parish

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Vienna, Austria — October 2025 – More than a dozen Filipinos joined the culmination activity of the Month of the Holy Rosary at the Parish of the Heart of Jesus in Vienna’s 21st District, adding their voices to a solemn celebration that carried an international tone and a powerful message of peace. The event, held on Sunday evening, brought together parishioners in prayer and song. Reflecting the diverse community spirit of the parish, one of the Rosary stations was prayed in English, while several hymns were also sung in the…

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Secretary Hans Cacdac Connects with Filipinos in Austria through Heartfelt “Kumustahan” Dialogue

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The Filipino community in Austria warmly welcomed Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac during a special “Kumustahan with Sec Hans” gathering held in Vienna. The event brought together overseas Filipinos, community leaders, and migrant advocates for an open and meaningful dialogue. Filipinos shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions on how government programs could further support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. In response, Secretary Cacdac outlined the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) major initiatives, including the agency’s ongoing digitalization efforts, expansion of the OFW Hospital’s services, the AKSYON Fund for…

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Austrian President Van der Bellen warns: “It will hurt more to change nothing”

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In his TV address on Sunday’s national holiday, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen once again presented himself as a fan of compromise. As he did at the beginning of the year, when government negotiations were at a delicate stage, he emphasized that compromise has “the greater good of all” in mind. Anyone who says that a compromise means “both sides lose” is referring to a “bad compromise.” One that only pretends to be a solution and sidesteps the real problem. “The sole and absolute truth” The “good compromise” made…

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