In the aftermath of a tragic attack during the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, which resulted in eleven fatalities, the local Filipino community grapples with grief, anger, and a shared spirit of resilience.
Heartbreak and Resilience: Vancouver's Filipino Community Responds to Tragic Festival Attack
Heartbreak and Resilience: Vancouver's Filipino Community Responds to Tragic Festival Attack
The Filipino community in Vancouver mourns the loss and channels their strength in the wake of a devastating car-ramming incident at the Lapu Lapu festival.
The Lapu Lapu festival, intended to honor Filipino heritage, was marred by tragedy on Saturday when an SUV plowed through the crowd, killing eleven individuals, including a five-year-old child, and injuring many others. The shocking incident transformed what should have been a joyous occasion into one filled with terror and heartache.
R.J. Aquino, chairman of Filipino BC, addressed the vigil held on Sunday night, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects. "A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad, devastated - and some of us don't know how to feel, what to feel," he expressed, summing up the emotional turmoil affecting the community.
Those present at the festival described moments of horror as they witnessed the chaos unfold. “Suddenly I hear this unimaginable noise," recalled Bjorn Villarreal, who, along with his friend Roger Peralta, emigrated to Canada in 2016. The pair heard a loud bang and saw people being struck by the vehicle just meters away. “It was horrendous. A lot of people were just lying on the street and crying and begging for help," Bjorn recounted, revealing the intense shock that still weighs heavily on him.
Despite the trauma, the Filipino spirit of unity and cooperation, known as Bayanihan, emerged as a beacon of hope. Roger articulated this sentiment, stating that Filipinos inherently feel connected, like family, even among strangers. “We have in our culture Bayanihan," he explained, illustrating a collective strength that may help the community heal.
Premier David Eby of British Columbia acknowledged the profound impact of the Filipino community in the province, emphasizing their role in various essential sectors like healthcare and education. His remarks resonated with Bjorn and Roger, who both expressed frustration over how such an event could occur in their adopted country.
Eby, sharing in their anger, pledged to ensure that the Filipino community stands united in solidarity. "This event does not define us and the Filipino community or that celebration," he asserted at the crime scene, aiming to convert shared rage into a powerful force for support and resilience.
