May 1, 2025 - What started as a fun-filled celebration of a Filipino historical event ended in tragedy on April 26 when an SUV plowed through a crowd at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver.
As of press time, 11 have died and several are still in critical condition. But despite the tragic event, support and love came pouring in from all over the world, proof positive of how much impact Filipinos have in the global community.
A memorial site for victims of the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy. Photo from Facebook of Janice Lozano.Newly elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney suspended his last day of campaigning on April 27 to address the nation regarding the incident.
“Last night, families lost a sister, a brother, a mother, a father, a son or a daughter. Those families are living every family’s nightmare,” said Carney. “And to them and to the many others who were injured, to the Filipino Canadian community and to everyone in the broader Lower Mainland Vancouver, I would like to offer my deepest condolences and my wishes for strength and compassion in this tragic time.”
Carney referenced the Filipino spirit of bayanihan. “The strength and resilience of the Filipino Canadian community is exemplified by the Tagalog term - bayanihan. It captures the Filipino spirit of community, cooperation and unity to achieve a common goal. And it’s in this spirit upon which we must draw in this incredibly difficult time.” He continued, “We will comfort the grieving, we will care for each other, we will unite in common purpose.”
Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also issued a statement. “On behalf of the Philippine Government and the Filipino people, Liza and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the strong and thriving Filipino community in Canada.” He continued, “We are one with the families of the victims and the Filipino community in Vancouver during this difficult time.”
Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon had this to say: “My husband, Whit and I extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic attack that occurred at the Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver. A joyous celebration of Filipino culture, community and heritage ended in loss of life and serious injuries as a result of a horrific act.” She continued, “I also want to express my gratitude to all the first responders who rushed to the scene of the incident; your courage, dedication, and swift action in the face of such devastation are deeply appreciated.”
King Charles III issued a message to Canadian Filpinos. “Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also sent his support through social media, saying, “Following the tragedy in Vancouver, I extend our solidarity to Canadians and the Filipino community. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.”
“In the wake of the brutal events in Vancouver, we express our deepest condolences, solidarity and friendship to the people of Canada, and especially the Filipino community,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on X, formerly Twitter. “Europe is with you in these difficult times.”
Canadian Filipino organizations likewise expressed their solidarity with the rest of Filipinos across Canada.
BAYAN Canada, in a media release, declared April 27 as Luksang Bayan, or National Day of Mourning for the Filipino community in Canada. The statement noted, “This tragedy has rocked the whole country, but we give special attention to migrant victims…We call upon the Philippine government and consulate to provide swift and immediate financial, legal, and medical support to those directly impacted and their families.”
In a statement, Migrante Canada called on Canadian Filipinos to “turn our grief into collective action.” It noted, “Filipinos are loving, compassionate, and resilient people. Even in the face of hardship, we are known for our warmth, our smiles, and our deep spirit of solidarity. That is why this tragedy cuts so deeply. The tragedy did not just happen to individuals, it also impacted families and our community as a whole.”
The Lapu Lapu Block Party 2025 was the second annual event following a successful initial run in 2024 organized by the not-for-profit group Filipino BC. In 2023, the province of BC declared April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day in recognition of legendary national hero Lapu Lapu who led the resistance against Spanish colonizers. On April 27, 1521, Lapu Lapu and his warriors defeated Ferdinand Magellan’s forces at the historic Battle of Mactan, marking the first recorded victory of Indigenous Filipinos against foreign colonizers.
About the Author
Rachel Ramos-Reid started writing for magazines and newspapers when she was still a junior at the University of the Philippines’ Communication degree program majoring in Journalism. She continued to write in a public relations/corporate communications capacity in various private and government offices until moving out of the country in 1997 to work as Programme Officer for the arts and culture branch of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO-SPAFA) in Bangkok, Thailand. At the end of her term, Rachel found herself immigrating to Canada in the year 2000 and again searching for new beginnings.
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