Healing

Grieving the Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy

By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer Lapu-Lapu Day — a day to celebrate resistance — traces its roots to when Datu Lapu-Lapu defeated Spanish colonial rule during the 1521 Battle of Mactan in the Philippines. Since 2023, Vancouver has held a festival honouring Lapu-Lapu, which serves as a vessel to bring the community closer, through music, food, and stories.  The 2025 Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy was devastating; however, the Filipino community’s resilience, care for one another, and strive towards collective healing is emblematic of the day’s significance. Local musicians Chanel Barcelon and Helen Dejene, both members of the Filipino community, attended the…

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