In Tagalog, kapwa describes interconnectedness and shared humanity. After an unthinkable attack took place at a Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver on April 26— killing 11 and injuring 32 more—Filipino brand and business owners across Canada banded together in grief and support.
“In the days following the tragedy, many words were shared that describe Filipinos: caregiving, selfless, nurturing and resilient,” says Celine Bacani of Vancouver’s Lee’s Donuts. “What we saw soon after was a reciprocation of all of these things in the most loving way, from the community at large. This was easily one of the most beautiful acts I’ve witnessed in our city, in our most trying times.” Lee’s is now co-ordinating with Canadian Blood Services to encourage donations—with the incentive of a sweet treat. “The road to healing will be a long one,” she says, “but our community’s compassion and shared faith will light the way forward.”
Vancouver’s Revival is also helping to raise awareness and support. “Some of the Filipino brands we carry were deeply impacted, as they were at the Lapu Lapu Festival,” explains Christina Florencio, who owns the vintage store. “We’re … encouraging donations to United Way BC’s Filipino community fund.”
In Toronto, Matte Equation founder Matthew Celestial took action with a heartfelt sales initiative: “To honour the lives lost and support those recovering, we donated 50 per cent of all sales in May to United Way BC. It’s our commitment to care—for each other, for our community, and for healing together.”
Food and hospitality businesses across the country are also stepping up. Kasama Chocolate, a Vancouver-based bean-to-bar brand that works directly with cacao farmers in the Philippines, will host a Chocolate & Tea tasting this June, with proceeds going to the Kapwa Fund, while Filipino-born, Vancouver-raised chef Mark Singson led a fundraising initiative in May, hosting pop-ups and community dinners in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver in support of the victims and families.
“The Filipino community isn’t limited to one city—we’re everywhere. After the tragedy I heard from people across the country asking how they could help. That energy became a call to bring this beyond Vancouver. Food always has a way to bring people together, and it’s a huge part of the Filipino community and culture,” Singson explains.
At Yelo’d Ice Cream in Edmonton, daily conversations with customers reflect a shared desire to process grief and show care. “The Filipino community is all about love and supporting one another during this time,” say owners Jason and Ailynn Wong. “It’s a reminder to be kind—we’re not alone.” Also in Alberta, PR founder Jessie Cayabo of Calgary’s Bonafide Media reminds us that Filipino caregivers are often by our side at life’s beginning and end. “As a second-generation Filipino Canadian in PR, I’m always excited to connect fellow Filipino entrepreneurs. That’s the mabuhay spirit— it means ‘to live’—and it comes with joy, generosity and gratitude.”
Some, like Luho Candle Co.’s Jaylyn Prasad, believe that supporting Filipino creatives is one way to honour heritage and stand in solidarity. But others are calling for deeper change. “Filipinos are one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada, yet we remain underrepresented and underfunded,” says Gelaine Santiago, co-founder of Toronto jewelry brand Cambio & Co. “The Lapu Lapu tragedy wasn’t isolated— it’s the result of long-standing neglect. If you want to support us, advocate for culturally relevant mental health services and funding for grassroots Filipino-led initiatives.”
In Montreal, Babble Cards founder Jessica Navar reflects on the ripple effect of the tragedy, which led to the postponement of what was to be the first Filipino street festival in front of Parliament in Ottawa. “We hope this dark chapter becomes a turning point for improving public safety at community celebrations,” she says. And, as the Filipino community continues to heal, kapwa—the spirit of shared humanity—remains ever-present, offering a path forward grounded in empathy, action and care. —Catherine Dunwoody
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