By Janice Lozano
VANCOUVER, BC — In a powerful display of unity, pride, and remembrance, the United Filipino Canadian Associations in British Columbia (UFCABC) will gather at the Filipino Plaza on May 31, 2025, to mark the start of Philippine Independence Day celebrations and the official launch of Philippine Heritage Month in June.
This year’s commemoration will begin with a parade celebrating Filipino culture and heritage, followed by the Annual Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony, a memorial tribute to the victims of the recent Lapu-Lapu Day Festival tragedy, and conclude with the beloved community fiesta—highlighting the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people in Canada.
Parade of Pride and Remembrance
The morning kicks off with a vibrant community parade through the neighbourhood, showcasing traditional Filipino costumes, cultural banners, festive music, and messages of unity and hope. Participants will include cultural groups, youth organizations, and allies. The parade serves as a joyful yet meaningful expression of identity and remembrance, symbolizing the resilience of the community in the wake of recent tragedy.
Flag Raising Ceremony: Honouring Heroes, Embracing Heritage
Following the parade, the community will gather at the Filipino Plaza for the Annual Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony. The Philippine, Canadian, and British Columbia flags will be hoisted while the national anthems “Lupang Hinirang” and “O Canada” are performed. Leaders, elders, youth, and allies will reflect on the sacrifices of national figures such as Dr. José Rizal and Datu Lapu-Lapu, while also honoring the achievements of Filipino Canadians in B.C.
“Each year, this ceremony reminds us of our roots, our pride, and our purpose,” said Christian Cunanan, President of UFCABC. “But this year, it also reminds us of our strength—our ability to grieve together, to stand together, and to celebrate life even in the face of sorrow.”
Memorial Tribute to the Victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival Tragedy
After the flag raising, a solemn tribute will be held in memory of those lost in the tragic attack at the April 26 Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, where 11 lives were taken and many more injured. Names of the victims will be read aloud, candles lit, and white doves released to symbolize peace and remembrance. A violinist will offer a moving musical tribute as flowers are laid in their honor.
Family members, survivors, and affected community groups—including Indigenous allies and multicultural organizations—will join in solidarity, echoing a shared call for safety, healing, and mental health awareness.
Fiesta: Resilience Through Celebration
Despite the sorrow, the community’s spirit endures. The day will culminate in a festive Filipino Community Fiesta, bringing joy and togetherness through street food, music, traditional dances, and cultural exhibits. From lechon to halo-halo, tinikling to kundiman, the celebration affirms the enduring vibrance of Filipino culture.
The fiesta reflects a deeper truth: that in Filipino culture, even grief is carried with grace, and joy remains a form of resistance and resilience.
Philippine Heritage Month: Celebrating Identity and Visibility
June marks Philippine Heritage Month in Canada—an official recognition of the more than 900,000 Filipinos across the nation, the third-largest Asian Canadian group. In B.C., the month will include educational forums, film nights, advocacy campaigns, and cultural events, all highlighting Filipino contributions and experiences in Canada.
Safety measures and precautions are being coordinated with Vancouver Police Department and the film and special events of the engineering services of the city of vancouver
This year’s kickoff sends a powerful message: in celebration and in sorrow, Filipino Canadians stand united—uplifting one another, honoring the past, and building a stronger, more visible future.
As the Philippine flag rises above Vancouver this month, it carries not only a nation’s history, but a people’s enduring spirit, strength, and hope.
For more information on how to support the Lapu-Lapu Memorial Fund or participate in Philippine Heritage Month events, visit www.ufcabc.org.
ReyFort Media 
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