Despite downpour, Pinoy cultural parade, high-level talks make splash in Vienna

VIENNA — Not even a rainstorm could stop Europe-based Filipino communities from showcasing their talents and the colors of Philippine culture here. 

More than 100 Filipinos from 17 European countries donned Filipiniana and ethnic attire for the Pamana IV Philippine Festivals Parade held on June 1. The event marked the end of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora’s (ENFiD) tenth annual general assembly.

The renowned Austrian brass band, Musikverein Leopoldau, led Filipino delegations and those living here in the march from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to Sigmund Freud Park in central Vienna. 

The main festivities took place on the grounds of the Votive Church, where a mini-statue of Lapu-Lapu made by Vienna-based visual artist Gerry de Guzman oversaw the festival-goers. Filipino diaspora groups from Austria, Belgium, and Cyprus also faced off in a traditional Filipino festival dance competition.

Filipino community leaders, migrant workers, entrepreneurs, and students gather at the United Nations Office in Vienna on May 31 to discuss the challenges faced by and opportunities for Filipinos during the general assembly of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora. Photo by Andy Peñafuerte III

ENFiD-Austria’s cultural director Ana Maria Cruz-Langer commended the performers and participants for displaying creativity and resourcefulness in their choices of Philippine festivals presented.

“[T]hey had one thing in common: There was a strong sense of pride in showcasing our Philippine culture during the parade,” Cruz-Langer said. “The short downpour didn't dampen their enthusiasm and spirits!”

Cruz-Langer conceptualized the Pamana Philippine Festivals series in line with her promotion of Filipino culture and heritage in Austria, where she has lived and worked for over 40 years. She said it is important for Filipino diaspora communities in Europe to present Philippine culture in their host countries as it “is a beautiful way to raise awareness and foster appreciation of our cultural heritage” and “connect Filipinos in the diaspora to our motherland and keep our traditions alive for generations to come.”

“Such cultural events allow people who cannot visit the Philippines to have a glimpse into our vibrant communities,” Cruz-Langer added.

In her speech, Filipina scientist Dr. Jane Gerardo Abaya emphasized the 'important impacts' made by the Filipino diaspora in Europe and encouraged delegates to empower local communities so the country could find more talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She also commended the activities done by panelists (L-R: community leader Marvi Gil, entrepreneurs Christel Gaño and Marison Rodriguez, and communication consultant Valerie Badilla) to inspire the Filipino diaspora. Photo by Jay-vee Marasigan Pangan

Future of Filipinos in Europe

Based on ENFiD estimates, more than a million Filipinos live or work in states within and neighboring the European Union. This population is set to increase in the coming years as several countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany have inked labor deals with the Philippine government to welcome more migrant Filipino workers.

However, even long-time migrant Filipino workers like Jimmy Chavez Jr. have faced hurdles not only with the language barrier but also in adapting to cultural practices and norms.

“[Cultural differences] can affect social integration and workplace interactions,” Chavez said, recounting his life and work experiences in the Czech Republic for about six years. He also said newcomers face issues regarding their work permits and visas.

“Some newbie Filipinos are not aware of the process for their working visas before
changing jobs. This has already resulted in the Ministry of the Interior denying their applications and sending them back to the Philippines,” he added.

Chavez’s concerns were among those discussed by Filipino speakers during the assembly’s high-level session on diaspora community reports before the United Nations Office in Vienna.

ENFiD's general assembly featured several high-level sessions that impact the reality and experience of Filipino migrants and diaspora in Europe. Photo by Jimmy Chavez Jr.

Filipino community leaders from Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway also spoke about how their respective groups attend to the challenges faced by migrant Filipinos in their respective countries, including visa and labor contract problems, isolation and health issues, and senior citizen concerns.

Filipina entrepreneur and ENFiD founding member Marison Rodriguez said diaspora groups must support communities and help connect Filipinos to “have meaningful dialogues … [and] create and promote resolutions on the challenges [they] face in Europe.” 

Rodriguez joined three other Filipina community leaders and entrepreneurs in a panel discussion focused on the future of Filipinos in Europe, particularly in social enterprising and cooperatives.

Aside from these sessions, the assembly also featured the Diaspora, Actions, Resilience, Empowerment (DARE) Conference with a talk on the challenges and triumphs of being third-culture kids (TCK) and an informative presentation on cybersecurity and anti-money laundering.

“The strong participation of the Filipino diaspora across Europe bodes well for the Filipinos in the region,” ENFiD-Austria chairperson Marizel Rojas said. “The collaboration among the 11 [participating] country-[delegations] resulted in a very successful event. But we should not rest on our laurels, there’s work ahead to ensure that the conversation we started will result in tangible actions.”

Philippine Ambassador to Austria Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas thanked the Filipino delegates for “assuring [the country] has very good relations wherever you live.”

“You’re the one who gives us such a great reputation [and who] allows the Philippines to have respect,” Amb. Bernas said in her assembly remarks. “In turn, I think that in your jurisdictions, there is also an opportunity to raise your profile as citizens of those countries.” —KBK, GMA Integrated News