PH Embassy in Vienna Showcases Contemporary Ethnic Filipino Fashion and Hails Robust People-to-People Ties in Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas shares a toast with Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria. (photo by King Bueno)

VIENNA 27 June 2023 - The Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna, led by Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, commemorated the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence with a cocktail reception on 12 June 2023 at the historic Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna, Austria that featured a fashion show by an upcoming designer from Mindanao known for partnering with indigenous communities. Austria’s Chief of Protocol thanked the Filipino community for their contributions to Austria’s development in his brief remarks during the program and looked forward to further strengthening ties between the two countries.  

Host government officials, headed by Ambassador Maximilian Henning, Chief of Protocol of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) of Austria, attended the event, together with members of the diplomatic corps, key contacts of the Embassy, and Filipino community leaders. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo also graced the occasion, together with fellow lawmakers Rep. Lorna Silverio and Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Bernas noted the robust prospects for partnerships and cooperation, and credited Dr. Jose Rizal for laying the foundation for the unfolding dynamism in PH–Austria diplomatic relations.  “While the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Austria were formally established in 1946, Dr. Jose Rizal’s enduring friendship with Austrian-Bohemian anthropologist Ferdinand Blumentritt in the 1900s laid the groundwork for people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Austria,” she said.

Ambassador Hennig, meanwhile, paid tribute to the vibrant and well-integrated Filipino community in Austria, stating, “Thank you for the contribution you have made and you continue to make to Austrian life, to Austrian social life, to Austrian economic life, [to] Austrian cultural life. Filipinos really have made a big difference in the past years to what Austria is today.”

The highlight of the reception was a fashion show featuring the artistic creations of Filipino designers Mr. Wilson Limon of Niñofranco and Mr. Gabriel Garcia of Tagpi.  Philippine local fabrics and indigenous textiles took center stage, with collections showcasing Inaul pieces using handwoven fabrics of Maguindanao and Lumad elements that focus on the artisanal craftsmanship of Bagobo Tagabawa and T'boli women. – END.

Models at the curtain call. Mr. Wilson Limon acknowledges the guests’ applause after the presentation of his collection. (Photo by: stylearts.eu)

Guests during the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence ahead of the programme. (Photo by:stylearts.eu)

Secretary of the International Atomic Energy Agency Policy Making Organs and former PH Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe Natividad, Indian Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines and former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, House Representative Lorna Silverio, and House Representative Linabelle Ruth Villarica during the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. (Photo by: King Bueno)

For more information, visit https://www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.at  or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustria/,  https://www.twitter.com/PHLinAustria  or https://www.instagram.com/phinaustria/ .