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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Celebrating cultural harmony: Austria and PH deepen ties through art, music, and worker welfare

Celebrating cultural harmony: Austria and PH deepen ties through art, music, and worker welfare

Published Nov 10, 2025 01:30 pm
Symbol of unity and friendship, the cake-cutting ceremony with DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown III.
Symbol of unity and friendship, the cake-cutting ceremony with DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown III.
On Oct. 27, 2025, Ambassador Johann Brieger and his spouse, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, hosted a spectacular reception at Shangri-La The Fort to mark the Austrian National Day. The evening drew inspiration from the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss, the legendary “King of Waltz,” whose timeless compositions continue to enchant audiences around the world. “Strauss’s music reminds us of the beauty of tradition and the joy of shared celebration,” the ambassador remarked.
Ambassador Johann Brieger of the Embassy of Austria delivers his welcome message.
Ambassador Johann Brieger of the Embassy of Austria delivers his welcome message.
The event featured stirring performances from the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra and the Philippine National Dancesport athletes Von Elijah Z. Lavado and Allyssa L. Dator, whose elegant routines brought the spirit of Vienna to life. Speeches from Ambassador Brieger and DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega highlighted the enduring friendship between Austria and the Philippines, rooted in mutual respect, cultural exchange, and shared values.
Ambassador Brieger reflected on a year rich in cultural milestones, including the historic visit of Elke Pickert, great-great-granddaughter of Ferdinand Blumentritt, to the Philippines. “She brought with her not just family heirlooms, but a piece of our shared history,” he said, referencing portraits of Dolores Blumentritt painted by Juan Luna.
Ambassador Johann Brieger, with his spouse Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Consul Margit Loidolt, poses with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra and Philippine National Dancesport athletes Von Elijah Z. Lavado and Allyssa L. Dator.
Ambassador Johann Brieger, with his spouse Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Consul Margit Loidolt, poses with the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra and Philippine National Dancesport athletes Von Elijah Z. Lavado and Allyssa L. Dator.
The ambassador also celebrated the Eurovision 2025 victory of Johannes “JJ” Pietsch, a Filipino-Austrian artist. “JJ’s success is a beautiful symbol of the cultural ties that unite our two countries,” he noted.
This year saw the revival of the Vienna Ball in the Philippines, organized by the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines (JSSP) in partnership with the City of Vienna and the Austrian Embassy. “Young debutantes opened the ball with grace, and a distinguished Viennese conductor led the orchestra. It was magical,” said the ambassador. He extended special thanks to JSSP President Olga Martell and Chairperson HCG Fortune Ledesma for their leadership.
Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, and his spouse, Carol Sy, with Ambassador Johann Brieger and his spouse, Mme. Roswitha Brieger.
Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings, and his spouse, Carol Sy, with Ambassador Johann Brieger and his spouse, Mme. Roswitha Brieger.
In a meaningful dialogue with Administrator PY Caunan of the Workers Welfare Administration, the ambassador emphasized Austria’s commitment to the well-being of Filipino workers. “Our shared commitment to dignity, opportunity, and cultural pride is reflected not only in our artistic collaborations but also in how we care for our people,” he said.
Guests enjoyed a culinary journey curated by Executive Chef Joris Rycken and General Manager M. Amit Oberoi, complemented by a selection of Austrian wines provided by Winesphere Asia. “Tonight’s menu is a tribute to Austria’s rich culinary heritage,” the ambassador shared.
Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of the Embassy of Argentina and his spouse, Mme. Maria Elena Urriste.
Ambassador Ricardo Luis Bocalandro of the Embassy of Argentina and his spouse, Mme. Maria Elena Urriste.
Dusan Ropret and his spouse, Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez of the Embassy of Slovenia, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Dusan Ropret and his spouse, Ambassador Dr. Smiljana Knez of the Embassy of Slovenia, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Mme. Roswitha Brieger with Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe of the Embassy of South Africa and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Mme. Roswitha Brieger with Ambassador Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe of the Embassy of South Africa and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Rosemarie Corpin and Ambassador Dana Kursh of the Embassy of Israel.
Rosemarie Corpin and Ambassador Dana Kursh of the Embassy of Israel.
Mme. Eva Wollerup Fischer Melbin, Marivic Rufino, Ambassador Răduta-Dana Matache of the Romanian Embassy, Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Swedish Embassy, and Mme. Indri Puspitasari Akyol.
Mme. Eva Wollerup Fischer Melbin, Marivic Rufino, Ambassador Răduta-Dana Matache of the Romanian Embassy, Ambassador Anna Ferry of the Swedish Embassy, and Mme. Indri Puspitasari Akyol.
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl of the Swiss Embassy, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Mme. Dr. Denise Claudine Brühl Moser.
Ambassador Nicolas Brühl of the Swiss Embassy, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Mme. Dr. Denise Claudine Brühl Moser.
Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson of the Embassy of the United States with her spouse, Aubrey Alexander Carlson.
Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson of the Embassy of the United States with her spouse, Aubrey Alexander Carlson.
Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy with Raffy Guevarra of Fenco Inc.
Ambassador Davide Giglio of the Embassy of Italy with Raffy Guevarra of Fenco Inc.
Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of the Embassy of Germany and his spouse, Mme. Marina Puhan Pfaffernoschke, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke of the Embassy of Germany and his spouse, Mme. Marina Puhan Pfaffernoschke, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Ambassador Endo Kazuya of the Embassy of Japanese and his spouse, Mme. Akiko Endo, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
Ambassador Endo Kazuya of the Embassy of Japanese and his spouse, Mme. Akiko Endo, with Mme. Roswitha Brieger and Ambassador Johann Brieger.
The evening concluded with a raffle draw offering a round-trip ticket to Vienna. “Imagine strolling through the city that inspired Johann Strauss, hearing the waltz come alive where it was born,” the ambassador enthused.
He raised a toast to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and to the enduring friendship between Austria and the Philippines: “Maraming salamat. Mabuhay! Prost! Cheers!”
The ambassador expressed deep gratitude to the event’s sponsors, recognizing their role in strengthening bilateral ties through education, employment, and trade. He also offered a personal note of appreciation: “To my team at the embassy and my dear wife Roswitha—thank you for your creativity, commitment, and heart. This celebration would not have been possible without you.”
Daniel Dambauer of Remote Service Hotellerie Gastronomie with Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Manuela Seeman of IKEA Philippines.
Daniel Dambauer of Remote Service Hotellerie Gastronomie with Mme. Roswitha Brieger, Ambassador Johann Brieger, and Manuela Seeman of IKEA Philippines.
Philippine National Dancesport athletes Von Elijah Z. Lavado and Allyssa L. Dator.
Philippine National Dancesport athletes Von Elijah Z. Lavado and Allyssa L. Dator.
Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland and Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of the Embassy of Malaysia.
Ambassador Saija Nurminen of the Embassy of Finland and Ambassador Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of the Embassy of Malaysia.
Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the Embassy of Brazil and Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol of the Embassy of Türkiye.
Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura of the Embassy of Brazil and Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol of the Embassy of Türkiye.
One World Deli’s Jonnah Nana, head of marketing, and Maricris “Chiqui” Tan, director.
One World Deli’s Jonnah Nana, head of marketing, and Maricris “Chiqui” Tan, director.
Romeo R.M. Co Jr., SVP and head of financial institutions and international desks, institutional banking group of BDO, with Ambassador Constance See of the Embassy of Singapore.
Romeo R.M. Co Jr., SVP and head of financial institutions and international desks, institutional banking group of BDO, with Ambassador Constance See of the Embassy of Singapore.
Elizabeth Sy, president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), with Mme. Marina Puhan Pfaffernoschke and Hope Zhang of the Embassy of Brazil.
Elizabeth Sy, president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), with Mme. Marina Puhan Pfaffernoschke and Hope Zhang of the Embassy of Brazil.
Ambassador Johann Brieger, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, and Consul Margit Loidolt pose with their official embassy family.
Ambassador Johann Brieger, Mme. Roswitha Brieger, and Consul Margit Loidolt pose with their official embassy family.
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