Maria Goes To Lapu Lapu Day Block Party!

On April 27, 2024, the Filipino community of Vancouver had its first Pinoy multi-Block Party in the most diverse neighbourhood, Sunset on Fraser, and despite the pouring rain, it was such a huge success! That’s right, not even the pouring rain can stop Filipinos from partying and celebrating our heritage and culture. It was a well organised and coordinated event spearheaded by the Filipino BC under the leadership of RJ Aquino and creative director and board director, Joe Tuliao. The multi-block party extended south from John Oliver Secondary School to 47th Avenue. There were about 60,000 festival goers that participated and enjoyed various dance and singing performances, bought great quality Filipino merchs, and feasted on delicious Filipino foods!

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Vancouver’s first Filipino-Canadian MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, Mable Elmore showed her tremendous support to the first Filipino multi-block party that took place in her riding. Mable Elmore was so proud to be a part of this first festival of its kind. As a matter of fact, a year ago on April 27, Mable Elmore together with outgoing Philippine Consul General Arlene Tullid Magno accepted the recognition bestowed by the Province of British Columbia to mark April 27 as Lapu Lapu Day. During this remarkable event, Mable Elmore eloquently highlighted the historic significance and legacy of Filipino hero, Datu Lapu Lapu and his enduring impact on Filipino values most notably the “bayanihan” spirit.

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Fast forward to April 27, 2024 — the first Lapu Lapu Pinoy Block party started at 10am with a colourful parade from John Oliver Secondary School and ended at East 48th Avenue near the main stage. One of our dearest sisterhood tribe sisters, Tessa Rama Belland (from the prominent Rama political family of Cebu) was made the Festival Queen. Tessa looked stunningly beautiful and so regal just like a true Queen. Her red gown with gold ornaments and an elaborate headdress were brought to Vancouver all the way from Cebu, Philippines. Our other sister from our sisterhood tribe, Socorro “Babes” Castro Newland, was also one of the hosts/emcees of the block party. Another sister from our sisterhood tribe, Malu Francisco walked with us at the parade as we rallied behind and gave our support to our Festival Queen, Tessa. 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

At the parade, there were different participants from various Filipino community organisations such as the United Leyteños Association, the Cebuano Society of Canada, Global Pinoy Diaspora of Canada, Women of Global Change, Diversity and Inclusion Support Group of B.C. to name a few. All those who participated in the parade wore traditional Filipino clothing with colourful masks. Of course, a Pinoy parade won’t be an authentic Pinoy parade if there was no music — there was an energetic and vibrant Filipino band who played pop music with their drums, tambourines, and xylophones as they marched through the streets! They played popular songs such as, “You are my Sunshine”, which had everyone singing and dancing under the pouring rain! It was truly so much fun and festive! There were also professional DJs in charge of nonstop music — Wild Thangz and DJ Marlino. 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

At the Main Stage of the event, there were scheduled itineraries for various performances. From 11am to 2pm, the event was hosted by Global BC news anchor, half Filipino Jason Pires, and OMNI news anchor, Rhea Santos. There was a special guest appearance by Philippines most beloved mascot, Jollibee, who entertained the crowd for 15 minutes. After Jollibee, the crowd was serenaded by Mikey Jose. At around 12:35pm, Vancouver based R&B singer Nikkaela came on stage to showcase her mellifluous vocals. At 1pm, the crowd went wild with the fun and over the top vocals and performances by the Baddiengs Drag Show performers: Kimmy Couture, Bongganisa, Margaux Rita, and Pia Little. Their combined performances certainly livened up the place! 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

From 2pm to 4pm, our sisterhood tribe sis, Socorro “Babes” Castro Newland single-handedly emceed the event. Babes is a real pro and a natural when it comes to hosting the event. She was eloquent and engaging as a host and kept the crowd happy and enthusiastic! During this time, there were awesome performances by John Concepcion, Russell!, Ruby Ibarra, Jeremy Passion, Gabe Bondoc and lastly Manila Grey. Other hosts/emcees for the event were Emily Lazatin and Ryan Ventura from 4pm to 6pm; Adi Baybay and Jara Peña from 6pm to closing.

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Aside from music entertainment (which talented Pinoys are known for worldwide), there were tons and tons of delicious food available in the different stalls that day —  from Pampanga Cuisine served their mouthwatering kikiam, fish ball, and kwek kwek. There’s also barbecue pork, barbecue chicken, and Filipino style hotdogs. There were Filipino sweets as well such as donuts, cakes, and candies. There were stalls promoting the different products that are sold by so many enterprising Pinoys which varied from car dealers, real estate mortgages, clothings, and even skincare. 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Also, in different venues, there was even a two-day Basketball tournament at the John Oliver Secondary School gym — basketball to Pinoys is what hockey is to Canadians! At the Auditorium, there were short film screenings by young Filipino filmmakers highlighting their creativity in cinematic art. And of course, a Filipino Day is not complete without Pinoy fashion! Also at the auditorium, amazing and beautifully designed clothes were presented by Filipino designers such as Genette Mujar, Gabby Ambrosio, and Wanda Cree. At the John Oliver Park, there were Pinoy Zumba instructors who led Zumba dance exercise classes even under a downpour! The esteemed Filipino-Japanese-Canadian young artist, Karissa Narukami taught and supervised a painting session with people with disabilities — truly impressive! 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

My Israeli-Canadian husband was absolutely impressed by the whole event! He said he’s never seen anything as fun, as colourful and as well organised as this first Lapu Lapu Day Block Party. He noted how Filipinos are such happy, and fun loving people that not even bad weather can dampen our spirits. As for me, I was truly proud to see my culture and heritage on full display for everyone to see and enjoy. I am proud that finally, we have our own Philippine Day on Sunset on Fraser,  just like the Greek Day on Broadway, and the Italian Day on The Drive. 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

The first Lapu Lapu Day Block Party certainly did not disappoint and it truly reminded us that the Filipino cultural and mutual respect is alive and thriving in BC! This first block party reminded us that the heroic legacy of Datu Lapu Lapu and the lessons of our rich Filipino history can truly bridge gaps, strengthen the bonds of communities, and allows us to celebrate the buoyant and rich tapestry of cultures that make up the mosaic of Philippines and the Province of British Columbia alike. Above all, I was truly impressed and proud that the first Lapu Lapu Day Block Party was able to unite people from different generations, backgrounds, and even various ethnicities for a day of fun and celebrating Filipino culture at its finest. 

Photo courtesy of William Orsua. http://www.soulmateproductions.ca

The whole event was captured by none other than Pinoy pride and the super talented photographer, everybody’s favourite, William Orsua. Through his creative eye, he was able to capture moments of happiness, cultural pride, unity, creativity, and peace. All of which truly describe what Filipino culture is truly about! Don’t miss next year’s Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on April 27! Already, my husband and I will make sure we can spend the whole day enjoying and savouring Filipino culture come rain or shine!