A community gathering is taking place in Vancouver this Sunday, marking nearly one year since a car ramming attack killed 11 people at a Filipino festival in April 2025. The 2026 event, titled the Lapu-Lapu Day of Togetherness, has been relocated to the Italian Cultural Centre on Slocan Street.
Organizers from Filipino B.C. State the event is centered on reflection, healing and connection. This proves rooted in the Filipino concept of bayanihan, which emphasizes collective care and helping one another.
Heightened Security Measures
Safety is a primary focus for this year’s gathering. To prevent another tragedy, organizers have worked with the Meridian Rapid Defense Group to install vehicle barriers at entry points designed to stop speeding vehicles.
The Vancouver police department has confirmed that officers will be on-site for security and traffic control. This deployment includes members from the force’s Indigenous relations and diversity community units.
Community Division and Protest
The event has not been without controversy. Some survivors, supporters, and victims’ families have protested outside the Italian Cultural Centre, arguing that it is too soon to bring back the celebration.
The Lapu-Lapu Society of B.C. Called for a pause in the event, stating that many are still grieving. Jhosie Sico, whose son Adrian “AJ” Sico was severely injured, described the employ of the “Lapu-Lapu” name as “putting salt” on a wound.
Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, spoke at the protest, urging the community to respect the wishes of the victims’ families during this solemn anniversary.
Organizer Response and Adjustments
RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino B.C., defended the gathering, noting that healing takes different forms and that many individuals have felt isolated over the past year. He emphasized that the event is “completely revamped” and does not share the same tone as previous festivals.
Kristina Corpin-Moser, executive director of Filipino B.C., acknowledged that feelings of it being “too soon” are valid. She stated the goal was to create a safe space for those who wished to come together while leaving room for memorials on the actual anniversary weekend.
The event also faced recent setbacks when several scheduled performers cancelled their appearances. Filipino B.C. Attributed these cancellations to “recent online conduct on personal channels,” though stage programming and food remained available.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
The legal process continues following the April 26, 2025, attack. Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been charged with 11 counts of murder and 31 counts of attempted murder.
The tragedy led to a significant outpouring of support for the Filipino Canadian community in B.C. It also sparked calls for increased government supports for those affected by the ramming.
Potential Next Steps
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath, there may be further discussions regarding the naming and timing of future cultural events. The legal proceedings against Kai-Ji Adam Lo are likely to remain a focal point for victims seeking justice.
the calls for more government support could lead to a possible expansion of resources for the affected Filipino Canadian community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 2026 Lapu-Lapu Day event being held?
The event is taking place at the Italian Cultural Centre on Slocan Street in Vancouver, moving away from Fraser Street where the 2025 tragedy occurred.
Why are some community members protesting the event?
Protesters, including the Lapu-Lapu Society of B.C. And some victims’ families, believe it is too soon to hold the event and that the community is still grieving.
What security measures were implemented for the gathering?
Organizers installed vehicle barriers from the Meridian Rapid Defense Group to stop speeding vehicles, and Vancouver police are providing security and traffic control.
How should communities balance the need for collective healing with the individual needs of those still in mourning?
