“Das philippinische Wien” – a cultural event presenting the Filipino culture in Vienna

Vienna, Austria – “Das Philippinische  Wien” – The Philippines in Vienna –  a pioneering event of the Sentro ng Wika at Kultura ng Austria at Pilipinas had been successfully staged in Vienna’s frequently visited shopping lane – Viktor Adler Platz, Favoriten, 1100 Vienna. This project was supported by the Cultural Department of  the Municipality of Vienna (MA 7) for the third year in a row.

The half-day event showcased a broad array of Filipino culture, including Filipino foods, live music, folk dancing and interviews centered on cultural integration.

Christian Namiss, member of the Core Team of Sentro elaborated the objective of the event.

“We try to show to the Austrians the rich culture of the Filipinos through folk dances, singing and Filipino foods.  This event is also a way to  present the Filipino community and its culture to other migrant groups in Austria, particularly in Vienna,” Namiss said.

Christian Namiss elaborated that the program “Das Philippinische Wien” aims to highlight  the Filipino-Austro youth and their active role in the community; and stress the importance of respecting every culture.

General comments of the audience, both Austrians and foreign nationals who witnessed the event are positive.

“It is very entertaining and the cultural displays of the event promote understanding and sharing of culture. It is also a way of building unity and solidarity among all communities.” a turkish national said.

“The Philippines in Vienna” is an excellent expression of solidarity in the  community and I am glad  that I participated in it,” one of the participants commented.

“The good thing is, makikita nila kahit paano ang pagkakaisa ng Pilipino at mabibigyan tayo ng puwang upang ibahagi ang ating kultura,” a Pinoy from the audience said.

Arlene Castañeda, founder of Sentro is very  proud and humbled to lead the event and is  very thankful to the participating Filipino community groups  who shared their time and talents for the success of the show.

Castañeda expressed her gratitude to the  Band of philippinisches Wien,  Bernardite Itlanas-Steiger, Maricris Castillo, Rane Aroy, Kids International Dance Synergy, Philippine Nurses Association in Austria, Enrico Roxas, Anni and Klemens Hruska, Marizel Rojas, Bikol Society in Austria and Babaylan Austria.

The Sentro ng Kultura at Wika ng Austria at Pilipinas  has been conducting various activities  to help Filipinos and Austrians integrate into the Austrian way of living and vice versa. Though living in a foreign land, the Sentro further aims to remind Pinoys to foster and to be proud of their Filipino heritage.

• Hector Pascua, philippine-press.com