Van Canucks host successful first-ever Filipino Heritage Night

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
December 6, 2025

FILIPINO PRIDE. The special Philippine flag-inspired Vancouver Canucks logo designed by Filipino-Canadian local artist Karissa Narukami for the team’s inaugural Filipino Heritage Night on Dec. 5, 2025. (Screengrab from Vancouver Canucks/YouTube)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Vancouver Canucks held their inaugural Filipino Heritage Night as they host the Utah Mammoth at the Rogers Arena on Friday, December 5.

One of the highlights of the event is the special Philippine flag-inspired Canucks logo designed by Filipino-Canadian local artist Karissa Narukami.

The team described the design as a representation of “the Filipino community and the culture as a part of here in Canada.”

Various Canucks merchandise from its Filipino Heritage Collection was also put on sale, including shirts, hoodies, hats, pucks, pins, and magnets.

A “Party on the Plaza” took place before the game, offering live music from Lights Vancouver and vibrant performances by PhilCAS and Himig Kabataan.

Meanwhile, during the game, Filipino dance performances and a Filipino Heritage Market were opened to the visitors.

Filipino diaspora celebrates visibility

Veteran Filipino broadcaster Rhea Santos at the Vancouver Canucks’ inaugural Filipino Heritage Night at the Rogers Arena on Friday (Dec. 5, 2025). (Photo Courtesy: Rhea Santos/Facebook)

The Canucks’ event was well received by the Filipino community in British Columbia, as notable personalities also appeared to watch the game, including veteran Filipino broadcaster Rhea Santos, Port Living CEO Tobi Reyes, and Filipino Legacy Society Chairperson Warren Flandez.

(Photo Courtesy: Socorro MissB-Newland/Facebook)

(Photo Courtesy: Socorro MissB-Newland/Facebook)

(Photo Courtesy: Tobi Reyes)

According to the team’s official website, the Canucks led the Filipino Heritage Night “to honour the Filipino community and share their heritage and vibrant culture with fans.”

Canucks Sports & Entertainment President Michael Doyle, in a released statement, said they are deeply honored to acknowledge the Filipino diaspora’s visibility in British Columbia through this event.

“We are honored to host the first Filipino Heritage celebration at Rogers Arena. This inaugural event is a special opportunity to celebrate the Filipino community, whose vibrant culture, rich traditions, and strong sense of unity have had a tremendous impact on our province,” Doyle said.

“The generosity, resilience, and spirit displayed by the community inspires us, and we are proud to celebrate Filipino heritage with our fans,” he added.