By Janice Lozano
Vancouver, BC — April 13, 2026 — The Community Dinner of Remembrance, held on April 12, 2026 at Fraserview Banquet Hall, brought together families, survivors, community members, and supporters in a deeply moving evening of remembrance, solidarity, and healing.
The gathering commemorated the victims of the April 26, 2025 Lapu-Lapu Festival tragedy and created a sacred space for reflection, unity, and continued support for those still living with the impact of that heartbreaking day.
Throughout the evening, attendees honored the 11 innocent lives lost, while also recognizing the ongoing emotional and physical struggles faced by survivors and grieving families. More than a memorial, the dinner became a powerful expression of community, one that stood firmly beside those carrying unimaginable loss.
Organizers emphasized that the past year has been especially difficult, as grief continues to shape the daily lives of many families. The event acknowledged that remembrance can be both healing and deeply painful. Despite this, families showed extraordinary courage in attending, allowing the community to stand with them, support them, and walk alongside them in their journey toward healing.
A particularly powerful message came from Warren Flandez, whose words resonated deeply with everyone in the room. He reminded attendees that the evening symbolized something far greater than politics or future events. It was not about another festival, it was about the victims who need support now. He called on the community to recognize its shared responsibility, emphasizing that as human beings and as Vancouverites, it is our duty to uplift and help those most affected, especially those who continue to struggle.
One of the most emotional highlights of the evening came when Alejandro Samper took the stage. Speaking about his family’s legacy, he shared the inspiration behind the Samper Caicedo Legacy Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting victims and advocating for accountability. His words were heartfelt, raw, and deeply moving. As he honored the lives lost by reading each of their names aloud, the room fell into a profound silence, followed by tears across the audience. The tribute concluded with a standing ovation and thunderous applause, a powerful moment that reflected both grief and collective strength.
Vanessa Hill also addressed the audience with gratitude and vulnerability, thanking everyone who has donated and supported the families through this incredibly difficult time. She shared an update on AJ Sico’s recovery journey, shedding light on the ongoing challenges he faces. In a heartfelt appeal, she encouraged continued support, including contributions to a GoFundMe campaign aimed at securing specialized medical treatment in the United States to aid in his recovery.
Blane Redlac took the stage to speak about his beloved Jendhel May Sico, sharing the deep personal loss that continues to shape his life. He spoke about his journey of grief, including his commitment to run across Canada in her honor, an act of remembrance, love, and purpose as he continues to search for meaning and direction in the aftermath of tragedy. He also spoke candidly about accountability and expressed concern regarding Filipino BC hosting another festival this year, voicing that for many victims and families, such plans feel deeply painful and premature—a sentiment that resonated with many in attendance.
The evening also took time to acknowledge the many individuals and groups who played critical roles in supporting victims and families in the immediate aftermath and beyond. Special recognition was given to the Vancouver Police Department, victim services teams, first responders, nurses, and a few organizations whose compassion, care, and tireless efforts helped aid those affected during the most difficult moments. Their service and dedication remain deeply appreciated by the community.
In a heartfelt moment of gratitude, victims and families also expressed their sincere thanks to Mable Elmore for her leadership, as well as to the organizers who have continued to stand with them and advocate on their behalf. Their unwavering support and commitment during such a difficult time have not gone unnoticed, and were deeply appreciated by those most affected.
The evening was filled with warmth, compassion, and generosity. Through shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and moments of reflection, the gathering reaffirmed the strength found in unity. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be directly given to the victims and families affected by the tragedy, ensuring that ongoing care, support, and assistance continue as they navigate long-term recovery.
Organizers expressed deep gratitude to all who attended and contributed, noting that the overwhelming turnout reflected the enduring spirit of compassion within the community. They also extended heartfelt appreciation to the victims’ families, whose presence was a profound act of courage and trust.
In a powerful message from the organizers, they shared:
“We can’t even begin to imagine the depth of the pain and grief that comes with remembering that day—the weight of it all. It is something no one should ever have to carry, yet you have all continued to face it with so much strength.
Please know that we are here for you, always. Hindi po kayo nag-iisa. We stand with you in remembrance, in grief, and in healing. We will continue to honor your loved ones, to listen, to support in any way we can, and to walk beside you through every step of this journey.
Maraming salamat din po for your courage and for allowing us to be there with you. Your strength inspires us to keep showing up, to keep remembering—not just now, but in the days, months, and years after. Hindi po ito matatapos sa isang araw lang. Tuloy-tuloy po ang aming suporta, pakikiisa, at panalangin.
Kasama niyo po kami, palagi.”
“What an incredible and deeply moving evening it was,” organizers also reflected. “The outpouring of love, support, and unity was truly powerful. Surrounded by community, we honored memories, shared stories, and held space for reflection and healing. It reminded us of the strength we carry together, even through the most difficult times.”
As the evening came to a close, one message remained clear: remembrance is not confined to a single day or event, it is an ongoing commitment. The support raised and the connections strengthened during this gathering will continue to uplift families and survivors in the days, months, and years ahead.
The Community Dinner of Remembrance stood as a testament to unity, compassion, and enduring love—honoring the lives lost while strengthening a community that continues to heal together.
Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we stand in solidarity.
ReyFort Media 
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