Pinoy Success Stories 2/13

PACE: A New Vision for Cultural Exchange in Europe

Submitted by Maria Antonia Bosa Van Espen-Boonen, Belgium How a volunteer-driven organization is bringing Philippine arts and culture to the mainstream—one collaboration at a time. For Louise Baterna, preserving Philippine culture is not simply about remembering the past—it is about building bridges for the future. She believes Filipinos in Europe can share their heritage while becoming active participants in the communities they now call home. In a multicultural city li

Community

1 day ago8 min read

Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda’s Enduring Mission of Service

“Reflections on diplomacy, partnerships and his continuing commitment to Filipinos in Europe” As he approaches the final bend of his diplomatic career, Ambassador Jaime Victor Ledda is far from thinking of retirement. His office at the Philippine-owned property in the heart of Brussels is in constant motion. His agenda is full, hopping from board meetings and official visits to community gatherings. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippin

Louise Baterna

5 days ago8 min read

Igorot Community UK Sports Festival 2026

The Igorot Community UK had its Sports Festival 2026 recently. It was a full-circle cultural immersion experience that brought a strong and established group of Filipinos in England who preserve their Igorot heritage with remarkable determination. The event was packed with sportsfest fun and the evening program ran with the Little Mr and Ms Igorot UK Sportsfest 2026 pageant. According to Mimi Mili, one of the creators of JhermiNATION and Filipino Market Events London who at

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 201 min read

The Filipino Spring Fair: "Kantahan, Kainan, Kultura"

London - On 23 May 2026, JhermiNATION Events, Filipino Market Events London, and Filipino Thrive UK marked the third year of the Filipino Spring Fair: " Kantahan, Kainan, Kultura" which celebrates Filipino culture, community, and entrepreneurship. The fair was held at St. John's Church in Nottinghill, London. The annual event is fuelled by the curators' passion and purpose to bring communities together, support local Filipino businesses, celebrate culture, and promote Filip

Feds Infante Murray

Aug 152 min read

Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr., the Filipino Baritone, Shines on the World Stage

An Opera Singer, Chorister and Music Educator Hailing from one of the oldest cities in Metro Manila, Pasig, Philippines, Cipriano “Zip” De Guzmán Jr. grew up with music in his soul. At age 16, he joined the church choir in Pasig. When he was studying Communication Arts in college, he mustered all his courage and worked with passion by joining The University of the East Chorale which gave him an opportunity to sit-in during the rehearsals of the famous Madrigal Singers. In 2

Feds Infante Murray

Mar 217 min read

José Rizal Heritage Award 2025 Honors Outstanding Laureates in Basel

Press Release from Jose Rizal Heritage Fund Switzerland, submitted by Donna Avellana Kuenzler From left to right: Sir Stephan U. Breu, KGOR (Co-President of JRHA); Hon. Donna May A. Künzler; Hon. Elena Kupreeva; Hon. Dr. Faith Verhaegen; Hon. Prof. Dr. Elmar Kuhn; Hon. Christian Schneider; Hon. Prof. François Antony; Hon. Omer Kobiljak; Lady Estrelleta Borda Ruppert, LCR (Co-President of JRHA) Basel, Switzerland — October 25, 2025. The José Rizal Heritage Award (JRHA) celeb

Donna Künzler

Jan 243 min read

A Taste of the Philippines in the Heart of Europe

Pinoys opens a new branch and bistro in Prague’s historic Wenceslas Square By Andy Peñafuerte III Pinoys Bistro features Filipino merienda favorites such as empanada, banana cue, and ube biko The Philippine diaspora in the Czech Republic is celebrating the opening of Pinoys’ new bistro, just steps away from the historic Václavské Náměstí or Wenceslas Square. What began as a modest brick-and-mortar store has now become a touchstone for the Filipino community in the Czech Repub

Community

Jan 204 min read

Berlin Boodle Fights and Mother-Daughter Bonds

How one Filipino restaurant is rewriting the immigrant story By Kermit Tesoro, Berlin “Where was I born in Manila?” Rosaline turns to her mother, Rosalinda, mid-interview; a simple, unassuming question. And yet, like so many family stories, it had never been asked aloud. It's funny how the most basic details of our lives wait for the most unexpected settings to emerge, in this case, over a late-lunch-early-dinner boodle fight, with bare hands reaching into mounds of freshly c

Community

Jan 124 min read

Arah Sales-Gaillard: From Makati Girl to Owner of the Majestic Hotel

A story of courage, faith, and never forgetting your roots By Dennis Manaay, Country Editor, France, and Margo Calderero Le-Lain “Trust in your dreams, have courage in your heart, and remember that your business address is wherever you choose to stand at any given time - Arah. Arlibeth 'Arah' Sales-Gaillard is a proud Filipina who proves that our kababayans can thrive anywhere in the world while keeping our values close to heart. The fourth of five children from a simple Maka

Dennis Mana-ay

Jan 213 min read

A Christmas Box Every Day

The Mullets bring joy across Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Philippines For millions of Filipinos working abroad, Christmas is a season of joy mingled with longing—a time when homesickness hums louder than carols. Yet in a quiet warehouse in Belfast, Manolito and Maria Luisa Mullet have turned that longing into love. Through MGM Cargo Limited, they make sure Christmas reaches Filipino homes across the Philippines—one balikbayan box at a time. Inside their warehouse, the s

Hilda Arenas

Dec 18, 20254 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

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

Myla Arceno

Oct 13, 20253 min read

Ariel Lachica: A life of service, sacrifice, and Filipino pride

Empowering OFWs, uniting communities, and honoring our roots by Denissa G. Venturanza “Some are called to serve; others are chosen. I...

Community

Oct 4, 20254 min read

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