Feature 7/28

Stylish Cordilleralux Fashion and Events Hosts the First Philippine Independence Day Celebration in Limburg, Belgium

On 2 May 2026, the very first Philippine Independence Day celebration held in Limburg, Belgium, brought together hundreds of Filipinos and Belgians for a historical, stylish, momentous, and meaningful celebration that created memories for everyone to cherish for a lifetime. The opening 'salvo' was the Parade of Pride & Heritage which was a vibrant display of beauty, style, culture, heritage, faith, unity, and identity - setting a joyful tone to the fullcelebration that was wi

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 23 min read

The Philippine Independence Day Celebration Mass in London

London — The Celebration of Philippine Independence Day Mass was held on 7 June 2026 at the Our Lady of Victories Church in High Street Kensington, London. It was a special mass that was attended by many religious and non-religious organisations. The Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in the United Kingdom, H.E. Teodoro Lopez Locsin, Jr., was very delighted to attend the special mass. He stated, "The Independence Day Mass was a beautiful showcase of Filipino devotion." The

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 21 min read

Kalayaan 2026: Celebrating Filipino Roots, Strengthening Cultural and Family Bonds in Oslo

By Jubirose Grijaldo, Secretary of Kalayaan Norge On a beautiful sun-filled Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Filipino community in Norway came together in a remarkable celebration of heritage, family, and national pride during the 128th Philippine Independence Day Cultural and Family Day at Spikersuppa, Oslo. Organized by Kalayaan Norge Oslo, the event drew nearly 15,000 attendees, including Filipinos, Norwegians, and other nationalities. More than a commemoration of Philippine in

Community

Aug 23 min read

FILIPINO SANTACRUZAN FESTIVITIES

Filipino Santacruzan in Crumlin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland by Hilda Arenas A beautiful tradition, a vibrant community, and a celebration that continues to bring generations together. Established in 2010 by the Filipino Community Crumlin, the Annual Santacruzan has become a much-loved tradition celebrating faith, culture, heritage and community spirit through its colourful outdoor procession and gathering of Filipino families and friends. Sharing moments from this year’s cel

Roots and Wings

Aug 22 min read

Grace in the North

An au pair’s journey to a new beginning in Iceland From the warm shores of Lapu-Lapu City in the Philippines to the icy landscapes of Iceland, Deniel Rentina “Ina” Pangilinan’s journey is more than a change of scenery—it’s a story of faith, courage, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. From dreams to detours If you had met Ina before Iceland, you might have seen her serving in her local church, reading a book in a café, or volunteering for community outreach programs. The

Mildred Manuel-Vidarsson

Oct 14, 20254 min read

Dancing Through the Years

The EuroAsian Dance Group in Stockholm, Sweden celebrates its 30-year anniversary The iconic EuroAsian Dance Group, founded in Stockholm, Sweden by Ditas Magarin Enström, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a colorful and delightful variety show. The program featured a wide range of dances, a guitar duo concert by the Lakbai Duo—a guitarist couple from Manila—a buffet dinner with the newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to Sweden, H.E. Patrick A. Chuasoto, as guest of honor

Rachel Hansen

Oct 14, 20252 min read

RECIPES for Keeps

Fostering cross-cultural understanding through culinary diplomacy by Sonia Zerrudo-Gostencnik, Austria The European Network of Filipino Diaspora Austria (ENFiD-Austria) virtually launched the first edition of its cookbook “RECIPES for Keeps” in December 2020, after enduring an almost year-long lockdown due to the pandemic. Conceived from the shelter of our homes, it was born out of longing—for warmth, for connection, for the flavours that carried our stories. What began as a

Community

Oct 14, 20254 min read

Rediscovering Identity in Vienna

Filipino pride comes to the fore in Austria by Harold & Marie Khan Barkada group at Barrio Fiesta by Harold & Marie Khan The Filipino community in Vienna was somewhat overlooked until a little more than 20 years ago, when their gatherings were often limited to karaoke nights, intimate family get-togethers, and quiet church services. These moments were warm, familiar, and comforting—a way of holding on to traditions and staying connected to home. Yet beneath the joy of shared

Community

Oct 14, 20256 min read

Across Islands and Alps

My path in science and educational diplomacy by Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco, Austria Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an alumna of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Erasmus Mundus. Her work has been recognised with the Global Exemplary Education Double Gold Award, the Global Exemplary Innovative Leadership Diamond Award from GlobalWIN (UK), and the Marie Curie Social Impact Award. She is a proud Mom to Gabrielle Sofia, now 13, who can proudly

Community

Oct 14, 20254 min read

A Royal Audience in the Arctic

Meet the 9-year-old Filipina who sang for Norway’s king, queen and crown prince Fiona Lucille Carubanga sings “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne at the Svalbard Treaty Jubilee August 14, 2025. (Photo by Jennifer Fergesen) On a cool day in August, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway took a seat in the central square of Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to be treated to performances by the best talent the world’s northernmost town could muster. One of these local lights was a 9-year-old girl named

Jennifer Fergesen

Oct 14, 20254 min read

Common Ground Kolektiv

A creative movement for connection and culture by Grace O. Emmelot, Oslo, Norway In a world where stories shape identity and creativity fuels connection, Common Ground Kolektiv (CGK) emerges as a vibrant initiative led by Filipino artists and creatives in the diaspora. This collective is more than a group—it’s a movement that transforms ideas into powerful expressions of cultural preservation and collective empowerment. At its core, CGK is a space where diverse voices converg

Community

Oct 13, 20253 min read

Mervic Vicky Monocillo: Nurse, Performer, Mother, Dreamer, Achiever

From healing hands to standing ovations When you meet Mervic Vicky Monocillo, you are immediately struck by her gentle warmth—the kind of calm presence that could only be honed by years of nursing. But as she begins to talk about her other love with music—her eyes light up, and it becomes abundantly clear: this London-based Filipina is just as much at home onstage as she is on the hospital floor or community nursing. Born and raised in the scenic coastal town of Miagao, Iloil