Filipino BC is actively working on reviving the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver for 2026. Scheduled for the weekend before the first anniversary of a tragic vehicle-ramming incident that claimed 11 lives and left many injured, the upcoming festival is focused on remembrance and healing.
RJ Aquino, the chair of Filipino BC, emphasized that the festival goes beyond cultural festivities, aiming to provide a space for unity, care, and reflection while honoring the memory of those lost. The specifics of this year’s festival are still being determined, but safety collaboration with the City of Vancouver, the province, and first responders remains a top priority.
In partnership with Latincouver, Blueprint, and EventLAB, the festival will include a memorial gathering, with more information to be released soon. Aquino reiterated the festival’s role in fostering community healing, remembrance, and cultural pride, offering a safe environment for collective grieving and reaffirming connections.
The individual accused of perpetrating the previous year’s attack is currently in custody, facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. His trial is ongoing, with proceedings expected to resume later this month.