Pinoy Festival Alliance opposes motion on Filipino Centre and Hotel Project on Main Street

Posted by ReyFort Media

We strongly oppose the motion put forward by Mayor Ken Sim to endorse the creation of a Filipino Cultural Centre in a hotel on a property reportedly currently facing multiple foreclosure actions and outstanding tax issues. It is unacceptable that the City of Vancouver would consider supporting a project tied to a site with such alleged serious financial and legal instability. A cultural centre—meant to uplift and represent an entire community—cannot be built on uncertain foundations.

This motion, based on a proposal by the Filipino Legacy Society and MLA Mable Elmore, is culturally inappropriate, disconnected from community aspirations, and disregards the long-standing call for a true, independent, community-led and stand-alone cultural centre.

Their actions have sown division, confused the public, and undermined legitimate initiatives already progressing through proper channels. For years, Filipino community organizations have worked transparently and collaboratively with the B.C. provincial government on a credible, community-driven, and government-supported effort that reflects the real vision of Filipinos in British Columbia.

To be clear: 

This is not the time for grandstanding.

This is not the moment for political theatrics, re-election strategies, or self-promotion disguised as community advocacy.

We also call on MLA Mable Elmore to stop influence peddling by using her Vancouver-Kensington constituency office, her public title, or her connection to the provincial government to legitimize this project. Her actions are disruptive and counterproductive.  They have created unnecessary infighting and slowed down the real progress being made by both the provincial government and community organizations working in good faith.

Her obvious attempts to repeatedly derail the work being done by community organizations does not help our community  — they hinder it.

We call on the City of Vancouver to reject this motion. The responsible path forward is to strengthen and support the Mabuhay House initiative, which is already moving through proper channels with transparency, unity, and legitimacy.

The Filipino community deserves respect, integrity, and a cultural centre built on solid ground—not political self-interest. #

Pinoy Festival Alliance

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

For more information, please contact:  Liberty Aloha de Vera, Spokesperson – 604-356-8630