2 days Ago By Giselle Tongi Walters
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );LOS ANGELES, USA – The vibrant tapestry of our Filipino culture, woven with threads of resilience, joy, and community, was recently torn by an unfathomable tragedy. The recent incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day celebration in Vancouver, British Columbia, where a vehicle driven by Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, who is facing multiple second-degree murder charges following the deadly attack, tragically rammed into festival-goers, has left us reeling.
News reports detail the devastating scene: 11 lives lost, multiple people seriously injured, families shattered, and a community plunged into mourning. Lo allegedly drove a black SUV through the festival crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to dozens more, including a five-year-old. Authorities had prior knowledge of Lo’s mental health history, and he was apprehended at the scene.
The investigation remains active. This incident is considered one of Vancouver’s darkest days. We grapple with the shock and grief, and our hearts ache for those directly affected and for the fragile ecosystem that sustains the very events that bring us together.
The Filipino BC organization, the heart and organizers behind the Lapu-Lapu Day event, expressed their profound sorrow and emphasized their focus on supporting the community during this traumatic time. Their statement, which I feel is important to share in full, reflects the immediate priorities in the face of such a tragedy:As the executive director of FilAm Arts, and someone deeply involved in organizing the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) in Los Angeles celebrating it’s 31st year this 2025, I know firsthand the immense dedication, passion, and sheer hard work that goes into creating these celebrations. These events, often free to the community, are more than just gatherings; they are vital lifelines.
They are spaces where we celebrate our heritage, connect with our roots, and find solace and strength in our shared identity. They are a testament to the enduring spirit of bayanihan — the Filipino spirit of communal unity and cooperation.In the aftermath of this tragedy, our community is faced with the immense challenge of grieving.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve, but finding healthy outlets and supporting one another is crucial. As we navigate this difficult time, let us remember that we are not alone. We can find strength in unity, and we can honor the lives lost by coming together to heal and rebuild.
One powerful way to move through grief is to take action. We can channel our sorrow into positive change by supporting the organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to bring our community together. Consider volunteering your time at future events, offering your skills to festival organizers, or donating resources to ensure the safety and success of these vital celebrations.
By doing so, we not only honor the victims but also strengthen the bonds that hold us together.window.rapplerAds.
displayAd( "middle-2" );window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );Flowers and artwork are seen at a memorial site at Kensington Park.
The reality is that producing these festivals is a labor of love, often fueled by passion and resilience rather than substantial resources. The countless hours spent in planning meetings, coordinating performances, securing permits, and, most critically, fundraising, often go unnoticed. We rely heavily on the generosity of volunteers, the goodwill of community members, and the tireless efforts of a small group of dedicated organizers.
These individuals are the backbone of our community, and their work deserves our utmost respect and support.The financial strain is immense. In an era where funding for marginalized and underserved communities is increasingly precarious particularly with the attack to DEI grants, securing the necessary resources to produce large-scale events is a constant struggle.
We face the daunting task of raising funds to cover everything from increasing venue rentals and insurance to sound systems, artist stipends and security personnel. Every dollar is hard-earned, every donation received is a victory.Safety, of course, is always a paramount concern.
Festival organizers meticulously plan and coordinate with local authorities to ensure the well-being of our attendees. But the reality is that ensuring absolute safety requires significant financial investment. The tragedy in Vancouver poignantly reminds us of the vulnerability of community gatherings, and underscores the need for unwavering support and investment in all cultural events.
While organizers cannot predict or prevent every unforeseen circumstance, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community support and investment. It is in times like these that the strength and resilience of a community are truly tested, and it is through our collective action that we can begin to heal and move forward.Dried mangoes, flowers, and other items are seen at a memorial site at Kensington Park.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the outpouring of support for the victims and their families has been heartening. Multiple fundraisers have been launched, and the community has rallied to provide assistance. This is a testament to the compassion and solidarity that define us.
But beyond immediate relief, we need a long-term solution. We need to recognize and value the individuals and organizations that dedicate their lives to organizing these events like Filipino BC. We need to understand the sacrifices they make, the challenges they face, and the vital role they play in preserving our culture and strengthening our community.
Let us extend our support not only in times of crisis but also in times of celebration, ensuring the sustainability of these cultural pillars.I implore all community members in the diaspora to reassess the value of these cultural events. Consider the countless hours of unpaid labor, the financial sacrifices, and the unwavering commitment that goes into making them happen.
Support your local festival organizers. Attend their events. Donate your time and resources.
Advocate for increased funding for community arts and culture programs. By actively participating and contributing, we can help to create a safer and more vibrant future for our community. Support the organizers and vendors who pour their “blood, sweat, and tears” into creating spaces where we can celebrate our heritage, connect with our loved ones, and find strength in our shared identity.
In these times of sorrow, let us hold space for grieving, for healing, and for coming together as a community to honor the lives lost and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another. – Rappler.com.
