17 June 2016 - The Philippine Embassy and Permanent Mission in Vienna hosted a Summer Ball at the historic Palais Coburg in Vienna on June 10 to commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and the 70th Anniversary of the Modern Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Austria.
The Summer Ball was well-attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Austrian government, officials of the international organizations based in Vienna, Austrian businessmen, and prominent members of the Filipino-Austrian community.
In her welcome address, Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson noted the long history of friendly ties between the Philippines and Austria, which date back to as far as the 16th century. She likewise hoped that ties between the two countries would grow stronger in the years to come.
Representatives of Federal President Heinz Fischer and Vienna Mayor Michael Häupl also gave their messages during the event. Gemeinderat Ernst Woller, a member of the Vienna City Council, and Mag. Katharina Wieser, Deputy Diplomatic Adviser to President Fischer, both noted the strong ties between the Philippines and Austria, best exemplified by people-to-people contacts and the positive contributions of Filipino-Austrians to Austrian society.
The Summer Ball was also an opportunity to introduce the Philippine-Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), and their scholarship program for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students in the Philippines known as STEMS70.
The Leyte Dance Theater, a dance troupe from Tacloban City, gave a much applauded performance.
Various Filipino artists including violin virtuoso Chino Gutierrez and Vienna-based Filipino pianist Aries Caces, Abdul Candao, and Vincent Bueno performed classical and modern songs to the great delight of the guests. END
