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Global News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
‘Emotional aftermath' still fresh 1 month after Vancouver Lapu Lapu day attack
Members of Parliament held a moment of silence on the one-month anniversary of the deadly attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver, as members of the Filipino community and others continue to grapple with its impact. Newly elected Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia said all parties in the House of Commons agreed to mark the occasion, with parliamentarians bowing their heads in observance of what he called a 'tragic event.' Advocacy group Filipino BC said in a statement marking the anniversary that witnesses, victims and their families are still navigating the 'emotional aftermath' of the attack that killed 11 people and injured dozens more. 6:49 Continued effort to help raise funds for Lapu Lapu Day victims and families The statement said tragedies such as floods and fires left tangible results, but the attack was a 'social disaster' with invisible impacts on communities and their sense of safety and with no 'clear perimeter.' Story continues below advertisement 'Healing does not follow a straight line. It takes time, care, and community,' the statement said. 'And for many, this past month has been a heavy one.' It said the 'full ripple effect' of the attack is yet to be seen, as people deal with lasting trauma that can manifest itself in different ways 'quietly beneath surface.' 'Some may not even realize just how much they've been affected until much later,' the organization said. Filipino BC said it was 'heartbreaking' that there had been hesitation from some people to seek help in the belief that others are more in need, with witnesses more concerned about people injured, and injured people more concerned with the families of those who died. 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 'This unspoken hierarchy of grief is dangerous, and it's not how healing works.' Sammie Jo Rumbaua, a director with the Filipino non-profit Mabuhay House, said the society has been working with the community and other organizations as they grieve, amid a 'sense of real urgency' to gather communally. Rumbaua said prayers on June 5 will mark 40 days since the attack, a significant date in the Filipino Catholic tradition, but the tragedy 'still feels very fresh.' 1:27 Lapu Lapu festival tragedy victims honoured with moment of silence in House of Commons 'Survivors of violence and victims, they're not ready to talk,' she said Monday. 'A lot of them haven't been able to talk about the situation, (or) go back to the site.' Story continues below advertisement She said many people from all communities affected by the attack are 'really still reflecting on what has happened.' Rumbaua said there are also looming questions about the security of future community events in Vancouver, and how the city dealt with memorials to the victims. She said upcoming events to mark Filipino heritage and independence — such as the Pinoy Festival in Burnaby on June 14 — have shifted from celebratory themes to reflecting on the attack's lasting effects. 2:33 'Soup Nazi' attends fundraiser supporting Lapu Lapu tragedy victims She said the push by Mabuhay House to build a Filipino cultural centre remains a long-standing goal, and the attention the tragedy has brought has 'amplified' a number of other issues facing the diaspora, including live-in caregivers and temporary foreign workers. 'It's great that our stores are finally being heard in the mainstream to see the need for what our community has been doing for Canada,' she said. Story continues below advertisement There have been several fundraisers for victims, and United Way BC says it has raised about $1.3 million. Multiple fundraisers were held over the weekend, including in New Westminster, B.C., where 'Soup Nazi' actor Larry Thomas, best known for his role as a strict soup seller on the sitcom 'Seinfeld,' served soup as part of a fundraiser at the Greens And Beans Deli on Sunday. 3:33 Vancouver to move memorial of Lapu Lapu festival tragedy A three-kilometre run was held earlier that day at the Toronto Zoo to raise money for United Way's Kapwa Strong Fund, which offers grants to not-for-profit organizations supporting those affected by the attack. And a tribute concert took place on Saturday in Surrey, B.C., hosted by the local Philippine Independence Day Society, which issued a statement saying nine Surrey families were impacted by the tragedy. Story continues below advertisement The attack on the Lapu Lapu Day festival took place on April 26 when an SUV rammed through a crowd, causing what Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai called the 'darkest day' in the city's history. Adam Kai-Ji Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder and further charges are anticipated. He is due back in court on Friday.
Vancouver Sun
22-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Vancouver moving too fast to consolidate memorials to festival victims, says Filipino group
The group that organized the Lapu Lapu Day festival says it's too early to start consolidating the spontaneous memorials for the 11 people killed when an SUV tore through the crowd last month. Filipino B.C., an advocacy group supporting Filipino communities in B.C., said people are still navigating immense grief. 'For a lot of community members, it's just too soon,' said media relations manager Crystal Laderas on Thursday as city workers began dismantling parts of memorials, taking down and moving cards, mementoes and other personal items, and placing wilted flowers into compost bins. Laderas said they've received calls and texts from people the last few days worried about what would happen to the memorials. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'It hasn't even been a month since the tragedy unfolded, we know a lot of people are regulars visiting the site including friends and immediate family of people who lost their lives. Understandably, they will be hurt they can't go to parts of the site anymore.' Since one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in Vancouver's history happened on April 26, flowers, candles and handwritten tributes have filled the sidewalks near Fraser Street and East 43rd Avenue in Vancouver's Killarney neighbourhood. The city has begun the process of consolidating these tributes into two locations — one at the original corner of Fraser and 43rd, and a second at nearby Mountain View Cemetery — citing the need for residents and students in the area to access roads and sidewalks while acknowledging the importance of supporting community healing. One major memorial site near Fraser Street and East 41st Avenue has been cleared, with items like stuffies and trinkets moved to the cemetery and flowers taken to the 43rd Avenue site. Filipino Catholic tradition observes a 40-day mourning period after which it is believed the souls ascend to heaven, noted Laderas. 'For those folks, the beloved community members are still here, they're still present, and visiting the memorial is a way to visit and pay their respects and honour their loved ones,' she said, adding they are expecting an influx of people to visit the site on the 40th day. The group had shared the feedback from community members with the city on Wednesday, said Laderas. On Thursday, there were Filipino B.C. members on site to guide city workers. 'This is difficult work that will be done with care and respect by city workers,' deputy city manager Sandra Singh said in a statement on Thursday. 'We thank the local neighbourhood, Vancouver residents and community partners for their ongoing compassion, care and respect while this sensitive work is underway.' The city said the planning has been done in consultation with Vancouver Police Department victim services, the Vancouver school district, cultural organizations and other groups. The public is welcome to continue placing items of remembrance at either of the consolidated sites, encouraging the use of 'flameless' candles to prevent fire hazards. However, candles and glass objects are not permitted at the Mountain View Cemetery site. Fresh flowers will remain at the Fraser Street site. Cards, signs and other personal tributes will be moved to Mountain View or stored off-site. A regular schedule of care and maintenance is being planned. Wilted flowers will be composted, and items that pose safety risks, such as broken glass or candle holders, will be removed. Vancouver school superintendent Helen McGregor supported the city's decision, noting the importance of a compassionate and coordinated response during an 'incredibly challenging time for our community.' 'Recognizing the diverse needs and impacts for many, we appreciate the consideration shown toward students, staff and members of school communities,' McGregor said in a statement. 'The careful consideration of all those affected reflects the importance of healing and unity.' Earlier this month, the city announced a permanent memorial is being considered to commemorate the victims of the attack. sgrochowski@
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Vancouver dismantles and consolidates festival memorials, advocates say it's too soon
VANCOUVER - For almost four weeks, the tributes to victims of the Lapu Lapu Day festival attack have grown — piles of teddy bears, flowers, candles and cards stretching down Fraser Street from East 41st Avenue, then round the corner on East 43rd where the attack took place. The tributes surround John Oliver Secondary School, heaped up against a chain-link fence, as students walk by. But on Thursday, city workers were dismantling some of the memorials to the 11 people who died in the April 26 attack, putting wilted flowers into green compost bins and moving other items. The city said items such as cards, signs, and teddy bears will be moved to a newly designated memorial location at Mountain View Cemetery or stored off-site, while fresh flowers will be relocated to a memorial at 43rd and Fraser. The advocacy group Filipino BC said it was 'too soon to make major changes to the temporary memorial' around the school. Crystal Laderas, the group's media relations manager, said in in an interview at the site that they had received an influx of calls and texts from people concerned about changes to the memorial. She said the group had been visiting the site throughout the day to guide city workers. 'We really have to remember that it hasn't even been four weeks since this tragedy unfolded ... family members of victims and community members, they're navigating a lot of emotions that are really intense right now,' said Laderas. She said that in the Filipino Catholic tradition, there was a 40-day mourning process, after which loved ones' souls would ascend to the afterlife, said Laderas. 'This is an important period to many who believe their beloved community members are still here with us,' Laderas said. 'So, this is a time to gather in places for remembrance, to honor loved ones, and we do expect at that 40-day mark that we're going to see a lot of community members gather at the memorial site.' The city said in a statement that staff would 'carefully consolidate' the many memorials to the two designated locations. Deputy city manager Sandra Singh said it was 'difficult work' that would be done with 'care and respect' by city workers. 'We thank the local neighbourhood, Vancouver residents and community partners for their ongoing compassion, care and respect while this sensitive work is underway,' Singh said in a statement. Laderas said Filipino BC had been in communication with the city about the memorials since Wednesday morning to advocate on behalf of victims' families and community members. 'We're taking a victim-centered approach to this, just to make sure that any movement or major changes are communicated well to everybody, and that changes to the site don't create more harm.' In its statement posted on social media, the group says community members wanted the existing tributes to remain in place 'a little while longer.' 'Community members and loved ones have created something beautiful at the temporary memorial because they know exactly what's needed right now,' it says. The city said the consolidation of the memorials is being done in consultation with Vancouver Police Department Victim Services, which is in regular contact with the families of victims, and with the support of the Vancouver School Board. It said items that are perishable and wilted are being gently removed and composted, while items that represent a safety risk, such as broken candleholders, will be disposed of safely. Eleven people died and dozens were injured when an SUV drove through a street crowded with festival-goers. Adam Kai-Ji-Lo faces eight murder charges and police have said more are expected. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 22, 2025.
Int'l Business Times
22-04-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Who Is Pietro Parolin? Crypto Bettors' Current Top Choice To Succeed Pope Francis
Cardinal Parolin has been the Vatican Secretary of State for over a decade Cardinal Tagle is a Filipino Catholic leader who participated in the conclave that elected Pope Francis Some crypto bettors believe a Black Pope would be a 'historical milestone' for the Vatican The world is closely watching the Vatican following the passing of Pope Francis, and on market prediction platform Polymarket, cryptocurrency bettors are also busy raising the chances of some potential candidates that they believe can take over the pontiff's role. In a new event contract that has already hit $3.4 million in total bets as of late Monday, several names are already seeing their chances soar, including Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle. The Vatican announced Pope Francis's passing early Monday, saying the Catholic church's leader has returned to his Father's house. Long-time Vatican State Secretary Leads Polymarket Race The event contract currently has Parolin in the lead, with 36% odds of being chosen as the next Pope, while Tagle follows behind with 22% chances. So far, the closest to Tagle and Parolin is Matteo Zuppi, who has 13% odds as of late Monday. All other options on the Polymarket bet have chances below 10% so far. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is leading the $3 million bet on Polymarket for which Catholic leader may be chosen to succeed Pope Francis. Polymarket Who is Cardinal Parolin? Parolin's name has started popping up in the media in the past day, but he has been the Vatican's Secretary of State for over a decade. Pope Benedict XVI made Parolin a Bishop back in 2009. It was in mid-2013 when Pope Francis appointed him as the Secretary of State. Multiple outlets reported that Cardinal Parolin has long been a favorite to potentially succeed Pope Francis. The Italian cardinal's tenure as a Vatican diplomat and his deep knowledge of how the Vatican operates is one of the main reasons why he is being pegged as a likely successor to Pope Francis. Who is Cardinal Tagle? Meanwhile, Parolin isn't the only big name Catholic leader emerging as a contender for the church's leadership. Cardinal Tagle, who hails from the Philippines, is fast-becoming a likely successor to Pope Francis, due to his name often being tied to liberal Catholic leaders. Notably, Pope Francis is recognized for his forward-looking views on faith, though at times, his stance has fueled division among the clergy. He was among the cardinals who participated in the conclave of March 2013, when Francis was elected as Pope Benedict's successor. Crypto's Interest in Pope While it's clear that there could be Catholics who are also crypto holders, the comments section of the Polymarket event contract makes it clear that there is interest in the Pope among a growing number of crypto users. For one, a contract participant said it appears the crypto market may be "undervaluing Tagle by a lot," given his current second place ranking in the bet. One user said there should have an "other" option since "no new pope is good enough" to replace Francis at this point. For one user, seeing a Black Pope will be a "historical milestone" for the Catholic faith, especially for people who have said "the Vatican would never change." Pope Francis alone was a huge deliverer of change at the Vatican, but his successor may be able to carry through with what he left behind – a legacy of deep compassion that, at times, challenged the Catholic church's millennia-old beliefs.
Filipino Times
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipino Catholic community in Bahrain celebrates Sto. Niño Festival with faith and cultural pride
The Filipino Catholic Community in Bahrain, widely recognized as Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain, celebrated the feast of Sto. Niño at Sacred Heart Church in Manama on January 24. An estimated 2,000 parishioners attended the event, which highlighted both faith and cultural heritage. The celebration was spearheaded by the Spiritual Director, Rev. Fr. Anthony Almazan, OFM Cap., alongside Coordinator Bro. Ulysses Dela Cruz. The festival commenced with a solemn mass entrance procession, setting a spiritually significant tone at Sacred Heart Church. Leading the procession were members of Singles for Christ, accompanied by the lively sounds of Ati-Atihan music, which filled the air with joy and reverence. Children carried their Santo Niño statues, joined by current and former Hermanas/Hermanos and parishioners, each proudly displaying their own statues behind the main Sto Niño shrine. The solemn Mass drew a significant crowd, including Her Excellency Anne Jalando-on Louis, Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, who was accompanied by Celia V. Cabadonga, Officer-in-Charge of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), and Dr. Amelito S. Adel, Welfare Officer of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). As the fiesta continued, it evolved beyond a simple religious observance, fostering unity and cultural pride among Filipinos in Bahrain. The feast Mass was presided over by Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.S.S.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, and featured a distinguished group of co-celebrants. Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a vibrant program filled with cultural performances, culminating in the highly anticipated street dance competition featuring the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog styles. The audience was captivated by the performers' energetic movements, which underscored the festival's historical significance. Notable groups competing included El Shaddai Gospel Dancers – Bahrain Chapter, Global Bisdak Bahrain, The Guardians Tribe Bahrain, Alwali Training & Development Center in partnership with the Katilingban sang mga Ilonggo sa Bahrain (KIB/ATDC Warriors), and the Legion of Mary Sinulog Group. According to the Judges' Panel evaluations, Global Bisdak Bahrain took first place in all categories, with KIB/ATDC Warriors and El Shaddai Gospel Dancers – Bahrain Chapter securing second and third places, respectively. This year's festival featured a new highlight: the Grand Sto. Niño Queen Bahrain 2025 title, awarded to Lilibeth Donayre of Global Bisdak Bahrain. Expressing her gratitude, she stated, 'This is my first time in the Sinulog Festival, and I'm more than happy with our win in the street dance category, especially being the Festival Queen.' The Sto. Niño Festival 2025 was a resounding success, showcasing the strong community ties and cultural heritage that Filipinos maintain while abroad. 'For me, it is not just about celebrating the tradition but a time to come together, share our faith, and strengthen our community ties,' remarked Liezel Delante, one of the performers. (Cecil V. Ancheta , Filipino Writers' Circle )
