Latest news with #WeRise
CBC
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Thousands gather for Pinoy Festival in Burnaby, B.C., as Filipino community reflects, rebuilds
Thousands of people filled Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C., on Saturday for the 2025 Pinoy Festival — a daylong celebration of Filipino culture that organizers say is the largest of its kind in Canada. The festival comes seven weeks after the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in East Vancouver, where a driver struck a crowd with an SUV, killing 11 people and injuring many more. Organizers say this year's Pinoy Festival has adopted the theme "We Rise" as a message of collective strength coming on the heels of what some describe as one of the darkest days in Vancouver's history. Festival spokesperson Ting Caturla said the decision to go ahead with Saturday's event was not taken lightly. Initially, the festival's theme was centred on celebrating and having fun, but after the tragedy it switched gears and adopted "We Rise." "We wanted to honour the victims and give people memories that we celebrate their lives." Caturla said security at this year's festival is high, with RCMP officers on site, traffic control, four first aid booths, and security stationed at all entrances. The annual festival, now in its third year, features over 180 vendors and community booths, a Zumba workout, cultural performances, and a solidarity parade, among other activities. WATCH | Pinoy festival celebrates Filipino culture: Pinoy Festival honours victims of Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy 9 hours ago Duration 2:04 Hundreds gathered at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby today to celebrate Filipino culture at the third annual Pinoy Festival. But as Michelle Morton reports, it's the first major Filipino event since the deadly Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy nearly two months ago and organizers say security measures have been increased. B.C. Premier David Eby attended the festival and called it "a symbol of resilience" of the Filipino community. "This year it has particular significance," he said. "People are rebuilding and obviously we're all still grieving. But right now, we're here to celebrate Filipino culture and to rebuild together." Eby confirmed that the province provided additional resources for festival security. Last month, the province appointed former Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson to lead a safety review of festivals across B.C. "For the long term, we need to know that people have the resources and the support around the level of security that they require," he added. "We may never be able to entirely eliminate risk, but [we need to] are safe when they come together and celebrate." Healing and moving forward For many community members, the day is an emotional one. Diane Zapata, vice-chair of Migrante B.C., said she witnessed the aftermath of the Lapu-Lapu Day crash and had initially hesitated to attend today's event. "But because of collective grieving and recovery, I needed to come here for myself, for my community to be present and move forward," she told CBC News. Zapata helped run a therapeutic art workshop at the festival, which invited attendees to contribute to a piece of art centred on the Sarimanok, a mythical bird, which she says, symbolizes peace and prosperity. "What we're doing here is reclaiming our public space," she said. "We are offering this public art installation to co-create with everyone and to, you know, rebuild and heal from what happened to our community." Nearby, food vendor J. Malang from Pampanga's Cuisine was busy preparing traditional dishes. His restaurant is located just blocks from where the Lapu-Lapu Day incident occurred. "We work right there and every day you remember it when you pass by," he said. Malang said he noticed the heightened security protocols at the Pinoy Festival right away. Vendors had to park farther away and walk in with their equipment, whereas at Lapu-Lapu some vehicles were allowed on the festival grounds. But he called it a welcome precaution. According to organizers, TransLink also provided free shuttle service from SkyTrain's Patterson Station to improve accessibility to the stadium. Theme resonates Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, said the timing of the event, during Filipino Heritage Month, adds another layer of meaning. "The month is a celebration of when the Philippines got their independence from Spain…and Lapu Lapu was also an indigenous hero in terms of recognizing his resistance against colonization." Elmore said the "We Rise" theme has resonated deeply across the community as it deals with "just so much grief and sorrow from that day."
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Thousands gather for Pinoy Festival in Burnaby as Filipino community reflects, rebuilds
Thousands of people filled Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on Saturday for the 2025 Pinoy Festival — a daylong celebration of Filipino culture that organizers say is the largest of its kind in Canada. The festival comes seven weeks after the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in East Vancouver, where a driver struck a crowd with an SUV, killing 11 people and injuring many more. Organizers say this year's Pinoy Festival has adopted the theme "We Rise" as a message of collective strength coming on the heels of what some describe as one of the darkest days in Vancouver's history. Festival spokesperson Ting Caturla said the decision to go ahead with Saturday's event was not taken lightly. Initially, the festival's theme was centred on celebrating and having fun, but after the tragedy it switched gears and adopted "We Rise." "We wanted to honour the victims and give people memories that we celebrate their lives." Caturla said security at this year's festival is higher than last year, with RCMP officers on site, traffic control, four first aid booths, and security stationed at all entrances. The annual festival, now in its third year, features over 180 vendors and community booths, a Zumba workout, cultural performances, and a solidarity parade, among other activities. B.C. Premier David Eby attended the festival and called it "a symbol of resilience" of the Filipino community. "This year it has particular significance," he said. "People are rebuilding and obviously we're all still grieving. But right now, we're here to celebrate Filipino culture and to rebuild together." Eby confirmed that the province provided additional resources for festival security. Last month, the province appointed former Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson to lead a safety review of festivals across B.C. "For the long term, we need to know that people have the resources and the support around the level of security that they require," he added. "We may never be able to entirely eliminate risk, but [we need to] are safe when they come together and celebrate." For many community members, the day is an emotional one. Diane Zapata, vice-chair of Migrante B.C., said she witnessed the aftermath of the Lapu-Lapu Day crash and had initially hesitated to attend today's event. "But because of collective grieving and recovery, I needed to come here for myself, for my community to be present and move forward," she told CBC News. Zapata helped run a therapeutic art workshop at the festival, which invited attendees to contribute to a piece of art centred on the Sarimanok, a mythical bird, which she says, symbolizes peace and prosperity. "What we're doing here is reclaiming our public space," she said. "We are offering this public art installation to co-create with everyone and to, you know, rebuild and heal from what happened to our community." Nearby, food vendor J. Malang from Pampanga's Cuisine was busy preparing traditional dishes. His restaurant is located just blocks from where the Lapu-Lapu Day incident occurred. "We work right there and every day you remember it when you pass by," he said. Malang said he noticed the heightened security protocols at the Pinoy Festival right away. Vendors had to park farther away and walk in with their equipment, whereas at Lapu-Lapu some vehicles were allowed on the festival grounds. But he called it a welcome precaution. According to organizers, TransLink also provided free shuttle service from SkyTrain's Patterson Station to improve accessibility to the stadium. Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, said the timing of the event, during Filipino Heritage Month, adds another layer of meaning. "The month is a celebration of when the Philippines got their independence from Spain…and Lapu Lapu was also an indigenous hero in terms of recognizing his resistance against colonization." Elmore said the "We Rise" theme has resonated deeply across the community as it deals with "just so much grief and sorrow from that day."
CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Thousands gather for Pinoy Festival in Burnaby as Filipino community reflects, rebuilds
Thousands of people filled Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on Saturday for the 2025 Pinoy Festival — a daylong celebration of Filipino culture that organizers say is the largest of its kind in Canada. The festival comes seven weeks after the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in East Vancouver, where a driver struck a crowd with an SUV, killing 11 people and injuring many more. Organizers say this year's Pinoy Festival has adopted the theme "We Rise" as a message of collective strength coming on the heels of what some describe as one of the darkest days in Vancouver's history. Festival spokesperson Ting Caturla said the decision to go ahead with Saturday's event was not taken lightly. Initially, the festival's theme was centred on celebrating and having fun, but after the tragedy it switched gears and adopted "We Rise." "We wanted to honour the victims and give people memories that we celebrate their lives." Caturla said security at this year's festival is higher than last year, with RCMP officers on site, traffic control, four first aid booths, and security stationed at all entrances. The annual festival, now in its third year, features over 180 vendors and community booths, a Zumba workout, cultural performances, and a solidarity parade, among other activities. B.C. Premier David Eby attended the festival and called it "a symbol of resilience" of the Filipino community. "This year it has particular significance," he said. "People are rebuilding and obviously we're all still grieving. But right now, we're here to celebrate Filipino culture and to rebuild together." Eby confirmed that the province provided additional resources for festival security. Last month, the province appointed former Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson to lead a safety review of festivals across B.C. "For the long term, we need to know that people have the resources and the support around the level of security that they require," he added. "We may never be able to entirely eliminate risk, but [we need to] are safe when they come together and celebrate." Healing and moving forward For many community members, the day is an emotional one. Diane Zapata, vice-chair of Migrante B.C., said she witnessed the aftermath of the Lapu-Lapu Day crash and had initially hesitated to attend today's event. "But because of collective grieving and recovery, I needed to come here for myself, for my community to be present and move forward," she told CBC News. Zapata helped run a therapeutic art workshop at the festival, which invited attendees to contribute to a piece of art centred on the Sarimanok, a mythical bird, which she says, symbolizes peace and prosperity. "What we're doing here is reclaiming our public space," she said. "We are offering this public art installation to co-create with everyone and to, you know, rebuild and heal from what happened to our community." Nearby, food vendor J. Malang from Pampanga's Cuisine was busy preparing traditional dishes. His restaurant is located just blocks from where the Lapu-Lapu Day incident occurred. "We work right there and every day you remember it when you pass by," he said. Malang said he noticed the heightened security protocols at the Pinoy Festival right away. Vendors had to park farther away and walk in with their equipment, whereas at Lapu-Lapu some vehicles were allowed on the festival grounds. But he called it a welcome precaution. According to organizers, TransLink also provided free shuttle service from SkyTrain's Patterson Station to improve accessibility to the stadium. Theme resonates Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington, said the timing of the event, during Filipino Heritage Month, adds another layer of meaning. "The month is a celebration of when the Philippines got their independence from Spain…and Lapu Lapu was also an indigenous hero in terms of recognizing his resistance against colonization."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Thousands celebrate Pinoy Festival 2025 at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium
The Pinoy Festival at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby is in its third year. Organizers say it's "the largest Filipino cultural event in Canada." (CTV News) Thousands descended on Swangard Stadium in Burnaby Saturday for Pinoy Festival 2025, which organizers describe as 'the largest Filipino cultural event in Canada.' There are roughly 180,000 Filipino-Canadians living in the Lower Mainland, according to Antonio Matias, one of the organizers of Saturday's celebration. He said the event is held annually on the Saturday closest to June 12, which is the Philippines' Independence Day. June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada. The theme of this year's festival was 'We Rise,' a reference to the strength and resilience of the community, particularly in the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival tragedy in April, when a driver plowed into a crowd in Vancouver, killing 11 and injuring several others. 'Whatever happens, we will rise up,' Matias said. 'That's why our theme for the celebration is 'We Rise.'' A 'solidarity parade' was held in the morning to acknowledge the tragedy and to highlight cross-cultural support between immigrant communities. Filipino groups marched alongside groups representing South Asian, Latino, African and Chinese community organizations. More than 180 vendors and community booths were set up inside the stadium, along with a beer garden, live music and interactive family activities. TransLink provided a free shuttle from Patterson SkyTrain Station to the stadium. The festival is in its third year and is organized by the Pinoy Festival Alliance Society, a registered non-profit with more than 70 member organizations.
The Herald
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
The Herald has been part of Siya Kolisi's journey all the way
It was on the eve of the 2019 Rugby World Cup that Siya and Rachel Kolisi realised they needed to use their new-found publicity to create positive change. And given Siya's difficult circumstances growing up, they opted to assist less fortunate children in achieving their dreams. 'Growing up in Zwide, I know if you are not training or doing something positive, you will go to the other side where I was, I was smoking, drinking, mixing with the wrong people. 'I knew that you have to give kids more good choices so they have something that can build them into positive human beings while also getting them physically healthy." Through the Kolisi foundation, dozens of children have benefited through programmes including one of their flagship initiatives, the Siyaphakama (We Rise) Programme. The programme aims to bring physical education, resources and support to six schools, with emphasis on the role of movement, play and sports in childhood development. He said his mother's experience with gender-based violence also saw them place emphasis on tackling the issue through the programme and education. 'I saw the consequences of GBV on her body, how she changed. 'I never wanted her memory to be that, which is why the name Siyaphakama (We Rise) is so important so that it can bring great memories, change people's lives, turning the negative into a positive. 'I wanted her to be remembered through the light of what we do, in helping people that went through some of the worst things she experienced and turn them into good. 'My mom's name is Phakama and her name is so powerful it means 'Rise'.' Several people, businesses and institutions of higher learning have made pledges in celebration of the paper's milestone including Nelson Mandela University, Langson Attorneys and Isuzu Motors SA, among others. Isuzu Motors SA's senior manager: brand strategy and field marketing, Nandi Matomela, said they were proud to be part of the historic milestone and celebrating a publication that had stood the test of time. 'The Herald has long been a trusted voice, with its deep rooted connection to the community, it empowers people to make informed decisions about their lives, their communities and the broader socioeconomic environment. 'It has helped to foster transparency, accountability and active engagement — cornerstones of a healthy democracy. The Herald and Isuzu Motors SA share a long-standing relationship. 'Rooted in the rich history of Nelson Mandela Bay, over the years, our collaboration with the publication has played a vital role in highlighting key aspects of our journey, ranging from significant business milestones, our commitment to transformation to major investments and corporate social investment initiatives,' Matomela said. Wilma Langson of Langson Attorneys said The Herald had played an important role in shaping conversations in the metro and also assisted her in learning to read when she was introduced to the paper at the age of four. 'The Herald creates dialogue, there is dialogue in the community, at breakfast tables around the paper as I grew up, I learnt that the paper could hold the powerful accountable and reflect the heartbeat of society. 'We are still subscribers of the paper so every single day the paper has been part of my life. 'We are honoured to know that through the celebration, our proceeds will help in the support of the upliftment of the community,' Langson said. NMU deputy vice-chancellor for engagement and transformation, Professor Andre Keet, said the paper had an important role to play in demystifying fake news. 'The Herald as a newspaper is rooted in the life, interests of Gqeberha and the metro community. 'The media plays an important role in cutting through the surface of fake news that we experience on a daily basis. 'It is crucially important to have an institution like The Herald to share truthful accounts of life in society from all available angles. Allowing its readers to make their own interpretations of the stories.' The red-carpet affair will take place at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Friday and will see performances from major SA musicians including Ami Faku, J'Something, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, Dumza Maswana and Unathi Nkayi as the host. Exclusive memorabilia will be signed by Kolisi and auctioned on the evening. The Herald
