Kundiman Performance, Halo-Halo Diplomacy on Display at 126th Philippine Independence Day Garden Celebration in Vienna

Guests enjoy a captivating performance by Ms. Erin Silangil and the Vienna Strings during the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration 

VIENNA 19 June 2024 – A Kundiman serenade by Filipino Soprano, Ms. Erin Silangil, and generous portions of halo-halo topped with ube ice cream and leche flan were among the highlights of the Philippine Embassy’s celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence at the chamber garden of the Lower Belvedere Museum on 12 June 2024. Distinguished guests from the Austrian government, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and Filipino community leaders in Austria enjoyed the open air celebration.

Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, Chief of Protocol of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, conveyed warm greetings from Austria's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg. He expressed gratitude for the Filipino community's significant contributions to Austrian society and praised the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Austria.

"We are privileged to celebrate this very special day together with all of you. The Philippines is a true partner, not only in our bilateral contacts but also in working together to make the world a better place, a more peaceful place," said Ambassador Hennig.

During her remarks, Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas emphasized the Philippines' contributions towards global peace, security, and sustainable development, particularly through cooperation with international organizations in Vienna.

"We are proud of our democratic tradition, which we share with Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Slovak Republic. At the core of democracy is the ability of governments to deliver the public good to their people, in cooperation with friends and partners around the world," Ambassador Bernas further stated. She also lauded the vibrant Filipino community in Austria for their contributions and their embodiment of the spirit of bayanihan.

Ms. Silangil was accompanied by the Vienna Strings quartet and performed "Ang Maya" by Jose Estrella, "Sarung Banggi" by Felipe Padilla de Leon, and the Austrian song, "Du sollst der Kaiser meiner seele sein" showcasing the classical cultural heritage of the Philippines.

The celebration concluded with a cocktail reception, where guests were served Filipino delicacies such as chicken barbeque, lumpia and halo-halo. END

Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas delivers her remarks at the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration, highlighting the Philippines' democratic traditions and contributions to global peace

Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, Chief of Protocol of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, emphasizes the strong bilateral relations between the Philippines and Austria, and valuable contributions of the Filipino community in Austria

From left to right: Ambassador Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, Philippine Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Ambassador Maximilian Hennig during the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Vienna, Austria

Program Hosts Gerard Rabara and Cindy Kurleto warmly welcomed distinguished guests during the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration

International guests enjoying halo-halo during the Independence Day Reception in Vienna

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