15 June 2015 - Together with the Filipino community in Austria, the Philippine Embassy commemorated the 117th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 07 at the Pfarre Salvator am Wienerfeld with the celebration of holy mass and a simple salu-salo. The world renowned University of the Philippines Concert Chorus (UPCC), currently on their International Goodwill Concert Tour served as the choir.
In her message at the short programme, Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson emphasized to the community that freedom is both a gift and a grave responsibility. She underscored the important role thrust upon every Filipino in nation- building, “If we all give our best, the talent, caring spirit and patriotism of Filipinos, we can achieve what we all deserve, which is peace and prosperity for all”.
Representative Felix William Fuentebella from the 4th district of Camarines Sur, who was in Vienna at that time, attended the festivity, which he described as “a celebration of faith and music, the country’s two greatest treasures”.
The UPCC regaled the crowd with a varied repertoire but it was their rendition of “Ang Bayan Ko” which brought everyone to their feet.
The Embassy set up a booth for overseas voters registration at the venue as part of its thrust to bring its services closer to the Filipino community.
The UPCC was also the guest choir at masses held in St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Kirche Mariabrunn during the same weekend. END