Vienna, Austria — The Filipino Catholic Chaplaincy in Vienna joyfully announces the official schedule of the 2025 Simbang Gabi celebrations. This cherished Filipino Advent tradition continues to unite communities across the world. Beginning December 15, 2025, two daily Masses will be held to accommodate the growing Filipino community in the city: Simbang Gabi, a nine‑day novena of dawn or evening Masses leading up to Christmas, holds a profound place in the hearts of Filipinos. Rooted in centuries‑old devotion, it symbolizes anticipation, gratitude, and hope as the faithful prepare spiritually for…
Read MoreFamily and Traditions: How Austria Celebrates Christmas
For most people in Austria, Christmas is all about family. A new survey shows that three out of four Austrians see the holiday primarily as a family celebration. Interestingly, it is the younger generation that holds on to rituals most strongly, while older adults are increasingly letting go of traditional customs. Christmas as a Family Affair According to a recent ImmoScout24 survey, 76 percent of respondents plan to celebrate Christmas with their families. Only a small minority spend the evening with friends or on their own. Two-thirds (66 percent) celebrate…
Read MoreHow many Christmas cookies can you eat per day?
They’re back! They’re smiling at us from every reception desk, every conference table, and every coffee break: those little Christmas cookies. They taste delicious, seem harmless—and sooner or later lead to love handles if you overdo it. So: How many Christmas cookies can you eat per day without gaining weight during the holiday season? The short answer: it depends largely on the rest of your diet. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise, you don’t need to feel guilty – but there are clear guidelines to follow. Cookies are…
Read MoreHimig ng Pagkakaisa Music Festival 2025 Unites Filipino Choirs in Hamburg
HAMBURG, Germany — December 7, 2027. The spirit of unity and cultural pride filled the historic Kleiner Michel Church as the Himig ng Pagkakaisa Music Festival 2025 brought together Filipino choirs and artists from across Europe for an afternoon of worship, music, and community. The event opened with the celebration of the Holy Mass at 14:30h, setting a reverent and joyful tone for the festival. Immediately after, the church transformed into a vibrant concert venue showcasing the rich musical heritage of the Filipino community. Among the featured performers were Produced…
Read MoreHow to tell if you have coronavirus, flu, or a cold
Rhinoviruses cause the typical flu-like infection, usually harmless, insidious, and significantly milder than the real flu. Typical symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and in some cases a slight fever, fatigue, or headache and aching limbs. The cold usually subsides after one to two weeks, but the cough may linger longer. SARS-CoV-2 – a wide range of symptoms COVID-19 manifests itself in many different ways: from headaches, sore throats, fatigue, coughing, and fever to gastrointestinal problems and night sweats. Skin rashes or irritation in the mouth are…
Read MoreFirst Forecast: What Christmas Weather Might Look Like
Christmas Eve is exactly two weeks away, and as every year, many people are wondering whether we’ll see snow for the holidays. A reliable forecast won’t be possible until December 19, but the current weather trend is sending a clear message. No Snow in Sight Across large parts of Austria, temperatures are unusually mild for December. According to current forecasts, the weather is unlikely to change much before Christmas. Meteorologists say there is absolutely no sign of a winter cold spell. Instead, the next two weeks are expected to remain…
Read MoreEarth’s Rotation Suddenly Speeds Up – Scientists Surprised
For decades, scientists expected Earth’s rotation to slow down gradually. Instead, recent measurements show the planet is spinning faster than anticipated, completing a full rotation in slightly less than 24 hours. Researchers suspect processes deep within Earth’s interior are responsible for this unexpected acceleration. A Day Shorter Than 86,400 Seconds In theory, a day lasts exactly 86,400 seconds. Yet Earth’s rotation has never been perfectly constant. For much of the past century, the planet typically took one to three milliseconds longer than 24 hours. Since 2020, however, Earth has been…
Read MoreAI vs. Quantum AI: The Battle for the Future of Intelligence
Vienna – Dec. 9 – Artificial Intelligence has already transformed the way we live, from voice assistants in our homes to algorithms guiding medical diagnoses. But a new contender is emerging on the horizon: Quantum AI, a technology that promises to push the boundaries of what machines can achieve. The Established Player: Artificial Intelligence AI, built on classical computing, has become the backbone of digital innovation. It thrives on massive datasets, learning patterns to predict outcomes, and automating tasks. “AI is the electricity of the 21st century,” says Dr. Elena…
Read MoreFlu Wave Hits Austria Early – Just Before Christmas
Austria is facing an unusually early start to the flu season, driven by the highly contagious A(H3N2) virus variant of the subclade K. Virologists had already warned in recent weeks that influenza activity was rising faster than usual. Now, the data confirms it: the flu season has arrived about a month earlier than in previous years, with infections expected to peak right around the Christmas holidays — both in workplaces and at family gatherings. Clinical samples across Germany show a sharp rise in detections. “Last week, influenza viruses were found…
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