Reclaiming celebration: Community advocate encourages the continuation of Filipino festivals
Hannah Sabit of Migrante Canada says the Lapu-Lapu Day events should give Filipino communities more reason to organize festivals celebrating their culture. She tells BC Today host Michelle Eliot it is a way to reclaim their culture from tragedy and calls on governments for support.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Star
3 days ago
- Toronto Star
Criticism of Lapu Lapu memorial concert surprises Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim
VANCOUVER - Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he was surprised by criticism of plans to honour victims of the Lapu Lapu festival attack with a large memorial event, which a Filipino advocacy group said lacked consultation and felt 'too soon' for some in the community. The benefit concert is set to be staged at Rogers Arena sometime this month, with the city footing up to $50,000 in production costs and the owners of the Vancouver Canucks offering the venue and its staff at no cost.
Global News
20-05-2025
- Global News
Saskatoon folk ensemble preserving Filipino culture through dance
The Philippines is celebrated for its vibrant culture and deeply rooted traditions, from music and food, to festivals which tell stories of a proud heritage. In Saskatoon, the Kumintang Folk Dance Ensemble is bringing that heritage to life, one step at a time. 'With the cultural dances, it's a performance,' said Co-cultural director Maia Macatangay. 'It's a way that we can show what we have through art.' The group currently has 87 members, the most in its history, with dancers ranging in age from 24 all the way down to eight. For decades, the ensemble has taught and performed traditional Filipino dances – passing them down, along with the stories and rich history behind every move. But for many younger generations, traditional dances like the ones performed aren't seen everyday. This makes the work of the ensemble to preserve them that much more important and fulfilling. Story continues below advertisement 'It's helped me realize the impact that learning your culture has on your identity and in how it forms your connection with your culture in general.' said Co-cultural director Antonette Ecijan. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy That connection shines through in the passion and dedication from each dancer, like first year performer Viviene Vocalan. 'It's really fun and that all the dances are really nice. The people here are kind to you and they teach you step-by-step.' Vocalan said. Ensemble member Hendrix Javier has been with the group for six years, and said if you know your past, you can perform for the future. 'Honestly, it's really fun,' said Javier. 'I get to learn a lot about my culture and my heritage and yeah, it's amazing.' For Ecijan and Macatangay, their pride in the Filipino culture continues to grow, and their passion and leadership has the ensemble in good hands for the next generation. 'I've learned so many cultural dances and met so many great people here, and it's just something I'm passionate about; I love performing.' Macatangay said. 'When I first started school here, there weren't too many Filipinos arounds, and so the community was small and learning about your culture was just a rare opportunity,' said Ecijan. 'There's more Filipinos now but still keeping that culture going is a huge part of why we run this group.'
Canada Standard
18-05-2025
- Canada Standard
Austria's JJ wins Eurovision 2025 with opera-techno fusion
Austria's JJ won the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest on Sunday, with his operatic song "Wasted Love" triumphing at the world's biggest live music television event. After votes from national juries around Europe and viewers from across the continent and beyond, JJ gave Austria its first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 triumph. After the nail-biting drama as the votes were revealed running into Sunday morning, Austria finished with 436 points, ahead of Israel -- whose participation drew protests -- on 357 and Estonia on 356. "Thank you to you, Europe, for making my dreams come true," 24-year-old countertenor JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, said after his triumph in the Swiss city ofBasel. "Love is the strongest force in the world. Let's spread more love," the Austrian-Filipino singer said. "Wasted Love" saw him hit the high notes while mixing opera and techno. His Eurovision song, about the experience of unrequited love, blends lyricism and balladry, before ending with a techno flourish. His performance, broadcast in black and white in 4:3 ratio, captivated viewers around Europe. "What a fantastic success! My warmest congratulations on your victory," said Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker, adding: "JJ is making Austrian music history." The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt also issued a message of congratulations to JJ on Facebook. "What an incredible moment -- Filipino pride on the European stage!," it said. Celine Dion no-show The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held at Basel'sSt. Jakobshalle, packed with 6,500 excited ticket-holders dressed to the nines while 36,000 others watched a live transmission in a nearby stadium. An estimated 160 million people across Europe and beyond were expected to tune in for the annual TV spectacle, where kitsch, glam and spectacular staging go hand in hand. Twenty-six countries were in contention, with 11 having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week. Basel had been abuzz all week with rumours thatCeline Dionmight make an emotion-laden appearance as she battles Stiff Person Syndrome. The Canadian superstar, now 57, launched her international career by winning Eurovision 1988, while competing for Switzerland. But in the end, she did not appear. "We have been in contact with her through various channels and regret that ultimately it was not possible to include her in the show," Eurovision organisers told AFP. "We send her all our best wishes and, above all, good health." Sweden had long been the bookmakers' hot favourite to win in Basel with the comedy trio KAJ's sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu". But they finished fourth ahead of Italy, Greece and France as JJ scooped up the microphone-shaped trophy. Albania, Ukraine and Switzerland rounded out the top 10. Israel protests As the televotes came in, Israel held the top spot until, right at the very end, the public votes for Austria gave the Alpine nation the right to host Eurovision next year. Israel's participation inEurovision 2025prompted a series of protests in Basel over the war in Gaza. Israel's entrant Yuval Raphael survived the 7October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds. During the performance of her song "New Day Will Rise", loud whistles could be heard and two people tried to get on stage. "At the end of the Israeli performance, a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage. They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint," a Eurovision spokesman told AFP. They were taken outside and handed over to police, he added. Elsewhere in Basel, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed briefly with riot police. Blows were exchanged and officers deployed tear gas. Ahead of the final on Saturday, Spain's public broadcaster defied the organisers to air a message in support of Palestinians -- despite being warned to avoid references to the Gaza offensive. 'Ich Komme' The songs in contention were a showcase of Europe's different musical scenes. They included a Portuguese guitar ballad, a Maltese diva, Lithuanian alternative rock, an Italian singalong, a Greek power ballad, ethereal Latvian choral folk and German booming beats. Estonia's wobbly-legged Tommy Cash finished a close third with his cod-Italian "Espresso Macchiato" song. Finland's Erika-- who gained momentum during Eurovision week with the orgasmic "Ich Komme" -- was hoisted in the air on a spark-emitting golden microphone. Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, set a new record between Eurovision appearances, returning 30 years after her first performance. The Netherlands' competitor Claude broke into tears after performing his song "C'est La Vie". French singerLouane, who lost both her parents as a teenager, performed her song "Maman", with falling pieces of cork representing the sands of time. And Malta's Miriana Conte finished her diva big number "Serving" by bouncing up and down on an exercise ball. (AFP) Originally published on RFI
