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Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Why this Aberdeen beach cafe switched to homemade gelato
Paul Dawson swapped life in the fairground for running Pavilion café on Aberdeen beach nine years ago. Paul spent 17 years operating 'kiddie rides' at the city's fairground, his father running a prize bingo. And after making the switch to the food and drink scene, he was keen to bring something unique to his Pavilion café. The idea came to him in the form of homemade gelato. 'I wanted to bring a more passionate presence into the place,' he says. 'And the only way to do that is by making your own.' The name 'Buzz Gelato', says Paul, is a reference to the 'vibration of positivity' he hopes the dessert transfers to his customers. Paul, accompanied by chief gelato maker Maciek Ciechanowicz, visits Italy every year for inspiration, trying out different flavours of gelato. Some cafes across the city source their ice cream from local suppliers, such as Rizza's of Huntly or Forest Farm Dairy, while some others offer the classic Mr Whippy. But Paul was keen to make his own onsite. He says: 'I love bringing unique colours and flavours of gelato to our customers. 'I think what sets us apart from other places is that we make a handmade product in house, and we don't have to depend on suppliers.' The team also offer low sugar gelato for dogs, made with peanut butter and banana, which has been 'massive,' says Paul. 'I work at the windows, and I really enjoy that. 'Pets are the same as the people – you build up relationships with them. And then the dogs get to know you. 'It's a lot of fun, because there are a lot of dogs along the beach front.' There are a range of quirky and more traditional flavours of gelato on offer at Pavilion café, including orange and mandarin and blueberry cheesecake, plus sorbet. The café also offers 'The Don' gelato, an ode to Aberdeen Football Club. But Paul says he isn't one to follow trends. 'Because we're making flavours that are unique to ourselves, we've built up a following of people that come in to try our new ones,' he adds. 'Dubai chocolate has been trending, right? But we don't really want to be following the trends. We want to do flavours that are unique to us.' Pavilion café team member Maciek Ciechanowicz is the chief gelato maker at the beachfront café. He utilises an ice cream machine, pasteuriser and blast freezer to bring the gelato and sorbet to life. Using ingredients sourced from Italy, they tell me, they mix this with the base mix (pasteurised milk, double cream, sugar and dextrose). To fill the pasteuriser – which has a 60 litre capacity – Maciek needs to use 39 litres of milk, nine litres of double cream, 7.5 kilos of sugar and one kilo of dextrose. During busy weeks, he can make as much as 300 litres of gelato. The pasteurising process takes around an hour and a half, and then it takes half an hour in the ice cream machine. Using the blast freezer, the ice cream is quickly lowered in just ten minutes to a temperature of -35 degrees to give it the right texture. 'I get a lot of pride when customers tell me they're happy,' says Maciek. 'That feels great.'
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
Five year-old girl and her parents among 11 people killed in the Vancouver festival attack
A woman who came to Canada in search of a better life and a mother, father and their little girl are among the 11 people killed in the Vancouver festival attack. A black SUV plowed into crowds who had gathered for a Filipino street festival in the city on Saturday evening, with casualties aged from five years-old to 65. More than a dozen people were also injured in the attack with many taken to hospital. A 30-year-old man, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, has been charged with eight counts of second-degree murder over the incident as investigations into the tragedy ongoing. Below are some of the people who were killed or injured in the attack, as families and friends raise funds to help their recovery or support their loved ones with funerals. Click here if you wish to donate. Parents and five-year-old daughter killed Richard Le, a dedicated father and real estate professional and his wife Linh Hoang, a mother known for her 'kindness and gentle spirit' were killed after the SUV drove into the crowd. Their five-year-old daughter Katie also died, Richard Le's brother Toan Le said in a GoFundMe post. His loved one said that his 16-year-old nephew Andy was the family's sole survivor because 'at the last moment, he decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the event with his family.' Toan said his brother had 'devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit' as a badminton and tennis coach, while Linh had been planning a visit to see her family in Vietnam. Toan said his niece was just about to graduate from kindergarten. 'She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life,' he said. 'We hope you cherish your loved ones every single day, as Andy and many others no longer have that chance.' Woman who came to Canada for a better life A woman who was killed in the attack has been remembered as 'the sweetest soul', who was a 'kind-hearted and hardworking person'. Rizza Azzir had moved to Winnipeg with her husband from the Philippines 'in search of a better life', her sister Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio wrote on a GoFundMe appeal. Ms Pacumio shared details of her sister on the online fundraiser, trying to raise money to return her Ms Azzir's body home. So far the family has raised over $43,000 (CAD), more than double the $20,000 goal. 'We are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my dear cousin, Rizza, a loving wife, devoted sister, and cherished loved one to so many,' Ms Pacumio wrote. 'To know Rizza was to truly love her. She was the sweetest soul, kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person. We are doing everything we can to reunite Rizza with her loved ones back home in the Philippines, to lay her to rest with the family who raised her and loved her deeply,' Luis AP, another relative, said on Facebook that the funds raised would help Ms Azzir's family with funeral and other urgent expenses. 'Any help, big or small, would mean the world. Thank you for your prayers, love, and support.' Tributes to teacher-counsellor who was 'full of light, joy' A school district has paid tribute to teacher-counsellor Kira Salim, who lost their life in the attack. In a statement, New Westminster Schools said: 'It is with profound sadness that we share news that Kira Salim, teacher-counsellor at Fraser River Middle School and New Westminster Secondary School, was among those who lost their lives in the April 26 Lapu Lapu Day tragedy. 'Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact. Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives. 'The loss of our friend and colleague has left us all shocked and heartbroken. We extend our deepest condolences to Kira's family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them.' Patricia Avelino said she met Kira almost 20 years ago, and reconnected a few years ago in Canada. She is now raising money in a GoFundMe for Kira's partner. 'Kira was a person full of light, joy, and deeply loved by friends, family, and colleagues,' Ms Avelino added. 'Their departure leaves an immense void.' Mother killed while her son tried to save her Maria Victoria (Vicky) Bjarnason was visiting her sons from the Philippines, and had gone to the Lapu Lapu festival when she and her 27-year-old son Helgi Bjarnason were hit by the SUV. Helgi's brother Kristjan Bjarnason said on Facebook that Vicky had been a 'big part of raising' him as a stepmother. In a GoFundMe he started for Helgi, Kristjan said Vicky had been due to return home later that same day. 'Helgi was holding his mother's hand and attempted to pull her away from the car, but unfortunately she was ripped away from him and tragically killed,' he said. 'Helgi was also hit by the car and sustained injuries including a broken leg, for which he was rushed to hospital for surgery. Helgi's friend was also hit by the car and tragically killed.' Kristjan said Helgi and their brother Thor were experiencing an 'unimaginable loss'. 'They wish to take their mother back home to the Philippines for a proper memorial service where she can lay to rest surrounded by her family,' he said. 'Kind-hearted and beautiful soul' among those killed Jendhel May Sico was her sister Maydhel Sico's 'best friend'. She was also among those killed on Saturday during the Filipino festival. 'Jendhel was kind-hearted with a beautiful soul. She lived her life to the fullest. She always had a smile on her face and everyone who knows her would agree that she brought positivity to everyone she met,' Maydhel said in a GoFundMe. Sharing the GoFundMe she created on Facebook, Maydhel Sico said it was heartbreaking to be in this position. 'We've never imagined to lose my sister this early in life,' she said. Help for the injured Relatives of people who were injured in the incident are also appealing for help. Mary Nor De La Cruz said both her brother Val De La Cruz and his son Jeb, who is almost two, had suffered multiple fractures and were fighting for their lives in hospital. 'Val is a devoted and loving father, whose world revolves around his son. His bond with Jeb is unbreakable — he cherishes every moment spent with his little boy,' she said, in a GoFundMe appeal to help the family with medical expenses. 'Jeb is a sweet, easygoing, and remarkably intelligent baby, always eager to explore and learn new things. His bright curiosity and gentle nature light up the lives of everyone around him.' Mary said her brother was his family's sole provider, and the money raised would go towards their care and the support of his wife and their five-month-old daughter. In an update, she said her brother had been transferred to a High Acuity Unit and was 'showing signs of improvement', but Jeb remained in intensive care. 'His condition is still critical, and he continues to be closely monitored,' she said. So far the appeal has raised over $100,000, again more than double the target. Relatives were also trying to raise money for Roland Nulada, who was also injured in the incident. His sister Pinky Nulada said Roland had attended the festival to share his Filipino heritage, but is now in hospital suffering from serious injuries that will require ongoing treatment.
Global News
29-04-2025
- Global News
Lapu Lapu festival tragedy: What we know about the victims
A teacher, a badminton and tennis coach, a kindergarten student, a wife and a mother. These are just some of the victims who have been identified following the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy that happened in Vancouver on Saturday, April 26. Family, friends and loved ones have started identifying those who have been lost. GoFundMe has been provided a list of verified fundraisers and caution against other unverified ones circulating online. In addition, the Philippine Consulate General is warning the public that it has not created any fundraising efforts nor has it sanctioned any entities to raise funds on behalf of the victims of the Lapu Lapu Day incident. Eleven people were killed when an SUV drove into a crowd of people at the festival, which was being held on the grounds of a school at East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Story continues below advertisement Vancouver police confirmed that the victims range in age from five to 65 years old. All but two of them are female. As of Monday afternoon, seven people remain in critical condition in hospital and three people are in serious condition. 1:14 Vancouver festival tragedy: Filipinos in Manila express 'heartbreaking' loss of countrymen One of the victims has been identified as Rizza, a woman who came to Canada from the Philippines with her husband. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'She was the sweetest soul, kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person,' the GoFundMe states. 'Now, in the wake of this unthinkable loss, our family is asking for your help. Leaving her husband, younger brother, and a few of us here in Canada, we are doing everything we can to reunite Rizza with her loved ones back home in the Philippines, to lay her to rest with the family who raised her and loved her deeply.' Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Rizza has been identified as one of the victims of the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy. GoFundMe Teacher-counsellor Kira Salim was also identified in a statement Monday from the superintendent at the New Westminster school district. It said the loss of a friend and colleague has left them all shocked and heartbroken. 'Kira was a valued member of our community whose wisdom and care for our middle and secondary school students had a powerful impact. Their work, and the great spirit they brought to it, changed lives,' the statement said. View image in full screen Kira Salim (right) is seen here with friend Chingi Helmich. Kira was a victim in the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy. Chingi Helmich Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30 and Katie Le, five, all members of the same family, were killed in the tragedy. Story continues below advertisement Andy Le is the only survivor of the family as the 16-year-old decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the festival, according to a verified GoFundMe for the family. 'The horrific nature of this crime against the Le family and other victims serves as a painful reminder that, as a society, we must do better. We hope you cherish your loved ones every single day, as Andy and many others no longer have that chance,' the GoFundMe states. View image in full screen Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30 and Katie Le, five, were killed when an SUV plowed into a crowd of people at the festival held to celebrate Filipino culture and community. GoFundMe Val De La Cruz and his son Jeb were injured in the incident on Saturday night. According to a verified GoFundMe, Val and Jeb, who is almost two years old, are both fighting for their lives in hospital. 'Val is a devoted and loving father, whose world revolves around his son,' the GoFundMe states. 'His bond with Jeb is unbreakable — he cherishes every moment spent with his little boy. Story continues below advertisement 'Jeb is a sweet, easygoing, and remarkably intelligent baby, always eager to explore and learn new things. His bright curiosity and gentle nature light up the lives of everyone around him.' Val is the sole provider for his family and he and his wife also have a five-month-old daughter.
New York Post
28-04-2025
- New York Post
Heartbreaking reason 16-year-old survived Vancouver festival attack that killed his parents, sister, 5
An entire family was practically wiped out after a madman plowed his SUV through a crowded Filipino street festival in Canada — leaving just a teen son behind after his parents and 5-year-old sister were struck and killed. Andy Le, 16, became the 'sole survivor' of the Le family when his parents — 47-year-old Richard, 30-year-old Linh Hoang — and little sister Katie were mowed down while attending the Lapu Lapu Day block party in Vancouver Saturday. '[Andy] lived only because, at the last moment, he decided to stay home to finish his homework instead of attending the event with his family,' a verified GoFundMe set up by his extended family read. 4 Richard Le, 47, Linh Hoang, 30, and Katie Le, 5, were killed Saturday, while Andy Le, 16, survived because he stayed home to do schoolwork. GoFundMe The teen's family were among 11 people killed and dozens injured after suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, allegedly sped his SUV into a crowd of hundreds as the festival was wrapping up around 8 p.m. Victims ranged in age from 5 to 65 years old. 'Katie, one of the youngest victims, was about to graduate from kindergarten. She was vibrant, joyful, and full of life,' the GoFundMe read. 'Richard Le was a dedicated father, badminton and tennis coach, and real estate professional. He devoted his life to teaching young people the values of sportsmanship and team spirit,' it continued. 'Richard's wife and Andy's stepmother, Linh, was known for her kindness and gentle spirit.' 4 Rizza Azzir was among the 11 people killed in the Vancouver car ramming on Saturday. GoFundMe Other victims included Rizza Azzir, a beloved wife who had immigrated to Canada seeking a better life. 'We are mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of my dear cousin, Rizza, a loving wife, devoted sister, and cherished loved one to so many,' the victim's cousin, Shelby Anne Marie Pacumio, wrote on a GoFundMe page for Rizza's family. 'To know Rizza was to truly love her. She was the sweetest soul, kind-hearted, humble, and hardworking person. She moved from the Philippines to Winnipeg with her husband in search of a better life,' Shelby added, explaining that her cousin later moved to Vancouver to be closer to family there. Loved ones hope to return Rizza's body to the Philippines and have so far raised more than $30,000 to help. 4 Val De La Cruz and his son Jeb, 2, were severely injured GoFundMe And two of the dozens injured in the terrifying attack have been identified by family as father Val De La Cruz and his 2-year-old son Jeb, who were left with 'severe injuries and multiple fractures,' a verified GoFundMe set up by Val's brother read. 'Both are now fighting for their lives in the ICU,' the page read. 'Val is a devoted and loving father, whose world revolves around his son. His bond with Jeb is unbreakable — he cherishes every moment spent with his little boy,' it added. 'Jeb is a sweet, easygoing, and remarkably intelligent baby, always eager to explore and learn new things. His bright curiosity and gentle nature light up the lives of everyone around him.' 4 The SUV that sped down the crowded street as the festival was wrapping up The death toll from Saturday's attack could continue to climb, police cautioned Sunday, explaining that many of the wounded remained in critical condition. Suspect Adam Lo is in custody after being pulled from the wreckage of his SUV. He was caught on camera cowering against a fence after the attack, saying 'I'm sorry' as horrified crowds berated him and sirens wailed in the background. He had a 'significant' history of past law enforcement interactions related to mental health troubles, police said. A motive in the attack remains unclear, but terrorism has been ruled out.
