Council of Filipino Associations in Austria Hold Annual PH Independence Day Ball

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad joins  photo opportunity with the officers of the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria, headed by Mr. Elmer Blanco (six from right). (Vienna PE photo)

VIENNA 04 July 2018 —  The Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA) held its annual Philippine Independence Day Ball at Marriott Hotel on 09 June 2018. Its member organizations and its respective communities trooped to the event in full force to commemorate the event. 

While the Ball is always a highly anticipated event by the Filipino community in Austria for its social function, the gathering is also a celebration of Filipinos talent and creativity.

The cultural performance during the event featured national dances, folk songs, and contemporary and classical music.

CFAA President Elmer Blanco extended his gratitude to the community and the Philippine Embassy in Vienna for their support in the Council’s activities, which allow them do civic-oriented programs.

Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad read President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s message to Filipinos in Austria stating the importance of the country in the life of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, and urging them to forge meaningful relations while in foreign land.

President Duterte also reminded his fellow Filipinos to always remember the high cost our forebears had to pay so that Filipinos of today may enjoy the freedom that they new have. 

The Ambassador supported the call of the President and said that  for the Philippines to prosper, it is not enough that we stand in the sidelines. To be truly progressive, all of us must be agents of change. 

And change is indeed in the offing as the Philippine Embassy in Vienna is poised to become the science diplomacy center of the Philippine foreign service. This is in line with the President’s vision under AmBisyon Natin 2014 wherein the Philippines would already have realized its potential as the fastest growing economy. A country with a strong Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics based education is a definite key for economic development.

The night was capped off with the officers of CFAA performing the rigodon, and with Mr. Blanco leading Ambassador natividad on the Viennese waltz to formally open the dance floor. END

For more information, visit www.viennape.dfa.gov.ph/ www.philippine-embassy.at or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinAustria/ @pevienna on Twitter

Filipino community groups from outside, fathers who were in attendance and were honored for Father's Day, CFAA sponsors and the cultural performers all ham it up for the camera. (Vienna PE photo)

Ambassador Natividad and Mr Blanco lead the group in dancing the waltz. (Vienna PE photo)