Ambassador Yparraguirre addresses the guests at the National Day Diplomatic 

 Reception, Museum für Völkerkunde, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, 15 June.

To commemorate the 113^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Embassy in Austria held a National Day Reception with Art Exhibition and Concert on 15 June at the Museum für Völkerkunde (Museum of Ethnology), Hofburg Palace, Vienna.

It was attended by Austrian Government officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Vienna, academics, business community and Leaders of the Filipino community in Austria.

In her remarks, Ambassador Lourdes O. Yparraguirre said that “Filipinos all over the world contribute in constantly protecting and enhancing our freedoms so we can bequeath a bountiful future to coming generations”.

The reception was a celebration of Filipino art, music and cuisine.

Amb. Yparraguirre presented the works of five (5) young Filipino artists from Manila:  Max Balatbat, Erick Dator, Rigor Esquerra, Vincent Christopher Gonzales and Ronna Manansala.  The art exhibition at the Museum für Völkerkunde ran from 15 to 17 June 2011.

Three (3) Vienna-based Filipino artists Ms. Christiana Serafin de Ocampo (Soprano), Mr. Abdul Candao (Tenor), and Mr. Aries Caces (Master Pianist) serenaded the guests with Philippine music classics such as Pobreng Alindahaw, Si Nanay, Si Tatay and Bakya Mo Neneng.

The guests feasted on Filipino dishes: Chicken Embutido, Pancit Guisado, Beef Lumpia, Pinoy-style chicken wings, kutsinta, puto keso, cassava cake, coconut macaroons and Del Monte Mango-Papaya juice.

Amb. Yparraguirre introducing the Filipino artists during the diplomatic reception.

Ms. Christiana Serafin de Ocampo, Soprano, Mr. Abdul Candao Tenor, and Mr. Aries Caces.

Master Pianist (partly hidden) serenaded the guests with Philippine music classics.

Amb. Yparraguirre leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the Jose Rizal Bust, 16 June.

Aside from the diplomatic reception, several other events were held in June to celebrate the two milestones in Philippine history:

1. Annual Philippine Independence Day Ball organized by the Council of Filipino Associations in Austria (CFAA) in cooperation with the Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna, Marriott Hotel, 11 June

2. Presentation of the video Independence Day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III at Catholic Masses celebrated at  the Pfarre Johann Kapistran and at the Maria vom Berge Karmel Church, 12 June.

3. Wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Philippine Embassy building, 16 June

4. Independence Day celebration hosted by the Filipino community working in the United Nations Offices in Vienna, Vienna International Centre, 16 June.

To cap the June celebrations, a National Day dinner event will be hosted by Professor Waltraud Steinböck, Philippine Honorary Consul, to be held in St. Pölten, NiederÖsterreich (Lower Austria) on 28 June. Guests of honor will include Ambassador Yparraguirre and Magister Matthias Stadler, Mayor of St. Pölten.

Video showing of the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III

at the Pfarre Johann Kapistran, Vienna , 12 June.

Video showing of the Independence Day Message of President Benigno S. Aquino III at

Maria vom Berge Karmel in StefanFadinger Platz, Vienna , 12 June.

Amb. Yparraguirre addressing the Filipino community during the annual

Philippine Independence Day Ball, 11 June, Marriott Hotel.

The Rigodon de Honor during the annual Philippine

Independence Day Ball, 11 June, Marriott Hotel.

Amb. Yparraguirre is joined by the officers and membersof VIC Club Filipino led

by the club's President, Dr. Emerenciana Duran of CTBTO (second from left).

Commemoration program at the United Nations Vienna International Centre (VIC) 

 Club Filipino, 16 June.

Amb. Lourdes O. Yparraguirre with the officers and staff of the Embassy of the Philippines in Austria, takenduring the National Day Diplomatic Reception, 15 June, Museum für Völkerkunde, Hofburg Palace, Vienna.