Filipino Cinema Sails into Vienna: Lav Diaz’s Magalhães and Phantosmia Featured at Viennale 2025

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Vienna, October 2025 — In a noteworthy showing of Filipino cinema on the global stage, two films by acclaimed auteur Lav Diaz are part of this year’s Viennale festival lineup, drawing attention to themes of colonial legacy, personal trauma, and historical reckoning. Films in Focus Magalhães (Magellan)Diaz’s latest epic, Magalhães, is a sweeping historical drama and international co-production (Portugal, Spain, France, Philippines, Taiwan).At about 160 minutes, the film probes the roots of colonial violence by retracing the 16th-century expedition of Ferdinand Magellan—including his invasion of Cebu and the consequences for…

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Austria is heading back to winter time

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The last days of daylight saving time are coming to an end in Austria. The time change will take place on October 26. On the night of October 26, clocks in Austria and other EU member states will be set back one hour. At 3:00 a.m., daylight saving time will end and be replaced by standard time, also known as winter time. Although the European Parliament decided to end daylight saving time in 2019, the plan has not yet been implemented. In fact, there is no end in sight for…

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Current Covid variant mainly manifests itself in one symptom

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Eighty-three thousand four hundred eighteen people were reported sick to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) due to flu-like infections in calendar week 41 (October 6 to October 12, 2025). 4,033 tested positive for COVID-19. This is significantly less than in the same period a year ago, when 15,252 people were on sick leave with COVID-19. By comparison, flu-like infections accounted for 95,140 sick leave notifications a year ago. Since COVID-19 is no longer a notifiable disease as of July 1, 2023, and tests must be paid for privately, it…

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PH and Croatia Strengthen Labor Ties with Joint Statement

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The Philippines and Croatia have reaffirmed their commitment to closer labor cooperation and stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a newly signed joint statement between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Croatia’s Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. The signing ceremony was held on October 14, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, following the inaugural Joint Committee Meeting on the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Labour Market. The Joint Statement outlines several key initiatives, including the adoption of a…

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World Mission Sunday: Austria’s Leopoldau Parish Unites for South Sudan with Filipino Choir

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On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates World Mission Sunday, a day dedicated to prayer and support for missionary work. In Austria, this year’s celebration takes on a special focus — South Sudan, one of the poorest nations in Africa. Collections from Sunday Masses and related activities across the country will go to support Missio Austria’s ongoing projects in the region. In Vienna’s Parish of Leopoldau (21st District), Leopoldauer Platz 77A, the observance will be marked with an extra touch of international solidarity and music.…

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Always available – Austrians stressed by cell phones

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Smartphone use in Austria: Many feel stressed by constant availability and are increasingly turning to digital detox measures. In the age of mobile communication, the boundaries between work and private life are becoming blurred. This is shown by the latest “Smartphone Survey” from Deloitte. For this survey, 500 mobile phone users were questioned in a representative online survey. For some, 15 weeks, for others, several times a week. “This poses a risk to mental health,” says Florian Brence, partner at Deloitte Austria. Sixteen percent often feel stressed by being constantly…

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“Climate bonus is back!” (Klimabonus ist wieder da!)– Warning to all citizens

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Climate bonus phishing: Fraudsters are sending text messages with a supposed climate bonus for 2026. Experts warn of data theft and subsequent fraud. A wave of text messages is currently luring people with the return of the climate bonus. Anyone who wants to claim it should pre-register on the website mentioned in the message. “None of this is true. We are actually dealing with classic phishing,” warns the information platform “Watchlist Internet.” The climate bonus was scrapped in January 2025. There will be no comeback! According to experts in internet…

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Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria Extends Help to Earthquake Victims in Northern Cebu

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Vienna, Austria — The Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA) has reached out to support earthquake-affected families in the Visayan region, showing solidarity and compassion for their fellow Filipinos back home. In the wake of the recent tremors that struck parts of Northern Cebu, KBA mobilized its members and supporters to gather donations for those most affected. Through the generosity of Filipinos and friends in Austria, the group collected essential goods and financial aid to send back to the Philippines. Local contacts in Cebu coordinated with KBA to pack…

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EES: Launch of the EU Entry/Exit System – what travelers need to know

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A date has finally been announced for the launch of the long-delayed EU Entry/Exit System (EES). Europe’s new digital border system for non-EU citizens will officially go live on October 12 this year. “The launch is another step towards making the EU the most advanced travel destination in the world,” said Henna Virkkunen, Vice President for Technical Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, in a statement. “Working closely with Member States and the transport sector, we are creating a secure, efficient, and travel-friendly framework that reflects Europe’s commitment to security and technological…

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