Thirty minutes after the Filipino festival in Vancouver, Diana Silva, a vendor at the event, learned of a tragic incident where a car collided with attendees, resulting in 11 deaths and over two dozen injuries. This shocking news ignited a swift response from the local Filipino community, demonstrating their profound sense of “kapwa,” a Tagalog concept embodying interconnectedness and mutual support.
Chef TJ Conwi expressed the community’s automatic inclination to care for one another, emphasizing that this solidarity is inherent and not earned. The suspect behind the attack, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, has a history of mental illness and faces multiple second-degree murder charges, although law enforcement has ruled out terrorism as a motive.
The Filipino community in Canada, which is the third-largest Asian immigrant group with approximately 957,355 people, has remained significantly impacted by the tragedy. The festival was particularly meaningful as it celebrates Datu Lapu-Lapu, a figure of resistance against colonialism, and serves as a crucial gathering for Filipinos across the region.
In the aftermath of the incident, community members rallied to provide support, organizing vigils and fundraisers. Conwi and his group of chefs began distributing meals to affected families, while Silva dedicated her bakery’s proceeds to support victims’ families. Despite grappling with the shock, community members quickly mobilized resources and help.
Heartfelt support also poured in from outside the community, with leaders from across Canada expressing solidarity. As Celine Bacani, owner of Lee’s Donuts, highlighted, the Filipino community is known for its nurturing nature, and while a long healing process lies ahead, they remain committed to uplifting one another in times of crisis.
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