The first-ever Lapu-Lapu Day block party took place in South Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood, attracting thousands of people despite a bit of rain. The event was vibrant and loud, with participants enjoying music, vendors, and delicious Filipino food. The day pays tribute to the legacy of Indigenous warrior Lapu-Lapu, who is recognized as the first hero by the Filipino community. B.C. officially declared April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in the province last year, providing an opportunity to honour the long-running contributions of Filipino people across the region.
One of the event organizers, Natasha Acuba Bailey, expressed her desire to showcase Filipino cuisine and heritage through the festival. She shared a three-generation recipe passed down from her mother and grandmother, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Amidst the festivities, there was also an announcement about a partnership between Filipino BC and Hungerford Properties to explore the possibility of establishing a Filipino community centre. Public engagement efforts are expected to begin in the coming months, marking a significant step forward in the community’s efforts to create a dedicated space for Filipino culture in Vancouver.
The prospect of a Filipino community centre in Vancouver has generated excitement among community members, with the city council and mayor expressing unanimous support for the initiative. The timeline for the centre’s development remains unknown, but the partnership is seen as a positive development for the Filipino community. The event organizers are hopeful that the momentum from the inaugural Lapu-Lapu Day celebration will continue, allowing Filipino culture and traditions to be shared with a wider audience. The goal is to create a space where the community can come together to celebrate their heritage and history, ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.
Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the Lapu-Lapu Day block party was a success, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate Filipino culture. The event featured music, vendors, and food, creating a lively atmosphere that reflected the vibrancy of the Filipino community. Through events like this, the organizers hope to raise awareness about Filipino history and heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Filipino people in British Columbia. The partnership between Filipino BC and Hungerford Properties represents a positive step towards establishing a dedicated space for the Filipino community, ensuring that their culture and traditions are preserved and celebrated for years to come.
Overall, the inaugural Lapu-Lapu Day block party in South Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood was a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino community. The event brought together people of all backgrounds to celebrate Indigenous warrior Lapu-Lapu and the contributions of Filipino people in British Columbia. The partnership to explore the creation of a Filipino community centre signifies a new chapter in the community’s efforts to establish a permanent space for cultural preservation and celebration. With public engagement initiatives on the horizon, there is optimism that the momentum from the event will continue, allowing Filipino culture and traditions to thrive in Vancouver for generations to come.
