Austrian National Day 2018: Manila Edition

The 26th of October marks the Austrian National Day. In Manila, the Nationalfeiertag was celebrated on the 25th of October at Makati Shangri-La.

I’ve been living in the Philippines for most of my life, but it was only this year that I was cordially invited to the Austrian National Day in Manila. Needless to say that I was excited! The night was all about Austria, and the festivities reminded me of how the country celebrated its national pride. Upon entry, my husband and I were greeted with the reception of prominent individuals who continuously bring the focus of Austria in the Philippines. I first shook hands with The Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Bita Rasoulian and her husband, Mr. Ramin Mahmoudi, Austrian Commercial Counsellor Christina Stieber and her husband Mr. Fabio Aromatici, Mr. Wolfgang Gmasz, Consul and Counsellor with his Spouse.

After greeting the esteemed hosts, I surveyed the crowd and my surroundings. Dotted along the Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel were cocktail tables and lounge areas where one could sit leisurely while sipping on delicious Austrian wine. The cocktail tables were decorated with none other than colors of the Austrian flag that stood mightily like proud beacons throughout the expanse. The stage in front of me was massive, I knew that performers would eventually step up and beguile the audience with their talents. Who they were was still unknown, only to be revealed when the time was right. Placed in the middle of the ballroom was a dance floor ready to accommodate those who wish to dance the night away. Large wall projectors strategically positioned along the imposing walls displayed images of Austrian brands. The most prominent illustration that took center stage was an enormous replica of The Kiss from artist Gustav Klimt. Standing tall from wall to ceiling, the print was indeed larger than life. I was surprised that there was not only one image but two! Later on that evening, the guests were made abreast with the reason behind the second display. The smaller version of the Klimt masterpiece was a photo wall used for a contest. The audience was invited to re-create their own interpretation of the art piece. The winning couple will then be awarded roundtrip tickets to Vienna via Thai Airways. Now isn’t that a treat?

The Makati Shangri-La Grand Ballroom teeming with guests from Austria and the Philippines.

The stage is set for the night's celebration.

Alex and I take picture before the festivities begin.

The evening’s festivities began with opening remarks from Zelpha Bombais, Cultural Attache of the Austrian Embassy. She welcomed guests and asked the Austrian Ambassador to come up the stage for the celebration to commence. Her Excellency began her speech informing everyone that the night’s ceremony was made even more special as 2018 marks the hundred year anniversary of the founding of the first Republic of Austria in 1918. The evening’s revelry was made more special with dance performances of the Viennese Waltz and music from classical composer Johann Strauss II. How can I talk about the reception without mentioning the food and beverage that was served during the event? We all took turns and lined up for the delicious traditional Goulash and other mouth-watering Austrian delights which my husband and I washed down with excellent wine.

The Austrian Ambassador gave emphasis on the Austrian-Philippine relations in her welcome speech stating the strong person-to-person ties between the two nations. ‘’We are ready to bring in our smart city and smart traffic solutions to the Philippines, our innovative expertise for sustainable farming, for renewable energy, modernized infrastructure and more, as part of the ambitious “Build Build Build” program,” declared Ambassador Rasoulian.

H.E. Archbishop Gabrielle Caccia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Asec. Amelita Aquino, Office of European Affairs, DFA.

Cultural Attache Zelpha Bombais with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra behind her.

Delighted guests had the chance to experience a taste of Austria through the musical performances by the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra who played the Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau) under the baton of Prof. Jeffrey Solares presented by the Top Athletes of the Dancesport Council of the Philippines featuring the music of Austrian composer Johann Strauss II. They won First Prize in the String Category at the 12th Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival in Vienna.

Soprano singer Lara Maigue sang the Voice of Spring (Frülingsstimmen) by Johann Strauss II.

The Kiss is an iconic piece by Gustav Klimt.

The first winning couple of two roundtrip tickets to Vienna. Photo credits from the Austrian Embassy Manila.

The second winner of the prize. Don't you think their interpretation is the sweetest? Photo credits from the Austrian Embassy Manila.

This was our take on The Kiss.

The musical group of Mr. Stefan Löwenstein who is Austrian musician based here in Manila also performed for everyone. Photo credits from the Austrian Embassy Manila.

As the evening merrimaking drew to a close, Alex and I said our goodbyes and went on our way home. As I entered our ride, I couldn’t help but think of the night that was. My first experience of the Austrian National Day in Manila was undoubtedly one for the books! Alex and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in a night that brought Austria and the Philippines together as partners in celebration of national pride and significance. More importantly, the occasion showed continued support of Austria & its committed cooperation with the Philippines. It was a night that was very well spent.

Of course, Alex and I had to have a picture with one of the winners.

Austrian Commercial Counsellor Christina Stieber and her husband Mr. Fabio Aromatici along with newly-based Austrians in Manila.

Even with heels, Christina is still towering above me. She is a true stunner indeed.

Alex finally gets to meet Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines, H. E. Bita Rasoulian.

A special mention to the sponsors and partners for making this festive event possible. These are: Thai Airways Philippines, BDO Unibank, Boston Home Inc., Allgemeine Bau Chemie Phil., Inc, BMW Philippines, Rosenbauer Group, Tann Philippines Inc., Unger Steel Philippines Inc., Waagner Biro-Philippines, KTM Philippines, AMS Philippines, Andritz Hydro, Alpla Philippines Inc., BIOMIN Philippines, Fly Ace Corporation, Rischa Import-Export Corporation, Vamed-Philippine Hospital Project Development Corporation, Rauch Fruchtsäfte, Pfanner, Heineken, Suncoast Brands International Corporation, Weihenstephan, Wine N' More, Lomography, Sunny16 Lab, Para Sa Sining, and the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra.

Fröhlichen Nationalfeiertag Österreich! Bis nächstes Jahr!

Happy National Day, Austria! Until next year!