Austria celebrated its National Day in Manila on Oct. 28, 2024, marking 78 years of diplomatic relations between Austria and the Philippines. Reflecting on the cultural connection between the two nations, Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Johann Brieger spoke fondly of his hometown, Salzburg, the setting of the beloved film “The Sound of Music”, which holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos.
The evening’s celebration featured a blend of music and cultural performances, including a captivating presentation by the Young Voices of the Philippines Choir and a special performance by Jakob Steinkellner, an artist from the New Austrian Sound of Music (NASOM) program. The festivities showcased Salzburg's charm with displays of its stunning landscapes, offering guests a chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the iconic movie.
The event, which brought together members of the diplomatic community, business leaders, and government officials, underscored the long-standing and dynamic relationship between the two nations. Ambassador Brieger spoke of the enduring partnership that has spanned more than seven decades, noting that over 30,000 Filipinos now call Austria home. He also highlighted the strong cultural ties that have united Austria and the Philippines, from Filipino nurses contributing to Austria's healthcare system to the growing recognition of Filipino talent in the arts.
In his speech, Ambassador Brieger noted Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac’s visit to Austria in September to open a Migrant Workers Office in Vienna, marking a key milestone in supporting Filipino workers abroad. This visit also highlighted the success of the Filipino Healthcare Excellence initiative, with a special ball held at Vienna’s historic Rathaus to honor Filipino nurses and midwives.
Economic ties between Austria and the Philippines have grown stronger in recent years. Ambassador Brieger highlighted Head, the world’s largest manufacturer of tennis balls, as an example of expanding Austrian investment in the Philippines. With a new manufacturing plant in Davao, Head will produce 14 million dozen tennis balls annually, creating jobs and opportunities for local suppliers.
The Austrian Embassy continues to work closely with the Philippine government and local businesses to foster more trade partnerships, sustainable development initiatives, and job creation in key sectors.
Cultural diplomacy remains central to Austrian-Philippine relations. Ambassador Brieger expressed pride in the cultural exchanges between the two nations, noting the return of the Vienna Boys Choir to the Philippines in October 2025 in partnership with Ovation Productions as a highlight of upcoming bilateral activities. This long-awaited concert tour, after nearly a decade, promises to bring the internationally acclaimed choir’s beautiful harmonies to Filipino audiences once again.
“We are thrilled to bring the Vienna Boys Choir back to the Philippines next year,” said Ambassador Brieger. “Their visit will showcase Austria’s rich musical heritage and provide a memorable experience for Filipinos who appreciate the beauty of classical music.”
The Ambassador also noted that the embassy, in collaboration with the Johann Strauss Society of the Philippines, plans to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss with an upgraded Vienna Ball in Manila in June 2025. This iconic event will honor Austria’s legendary composer and his contributions to the arts with a lavish ball, including the traditional polonaise by young debutantes.
Guests were invited to participate in a raffle draw for a round-trip ticket to Salzburg, courtesy of Turkish Airlines, offering the lucky winner a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the locations made famous by “The Sound of Music”.
The evening concluded with a toast led by Ambassador Brieger to the continued friendship and cooperation between Austria and the Philippines, as well as to the health and prosperity of both nations. Ambassador Brieger also extended his heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, including Boston Homes Inc., VFS Global Inc., Turkish Airlines, BDO, BMW, Discovery Hospitality, and Austria International Projects GmbH, whose support fosters the ongoing partnership between Austria and the Philippines.
