For the first time in Vancouver, a Lapu Lapu block party will be taking place this Friday at John Oliver Secondary in East Vancouver.
We’re throwing a Vancouver block party! In partnership with the Sunset on Fraser Street Business Association, Filipino BC is excited to announce the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in April 2024! pic.twitter.com/heyQw13Fn6
— Filipino BC (@filipinos_BC) November 29, 2023
Datu Lapu-Lapu was an Indigenous Visayan Chieftain from Mactan Philippines. He is considered to be the first national hero of the Philippines, and his legacy is known by all Filipinos. He isn’t just known for being an individual hero, but also as a united spirit, showing the importance of defending and protecting the land the people you care for. Lapu-Lapu taught Filipinos the strength of a united people, and a shared commitment, can withstand any challenge. Lapu-Lapu day was founded on April 27th, 2023 and it was a historic day for the Filipino community. The proclamation was received by Consul General Arelene T. Magno, surrounded by the many Filipinos that were ecstatic about the day. The declaration does not only honour Lapu-Lapu, but it is used as a symbol of the cultural bliss and mutual respect that is shared in the province of British Columbia.
A year after the day was founded, the Lapu-Lapu block party is happening this weekend on the 27th of April. People attending this event will be welcomed with many different vendors and activities to partake in. There will be a mix of food and craft tents, as well as performances from Jeremy Passion, Gabe Bondoc, Manila Grey and many more. All of this for free makes it out to be an incredible day. As well as performers and vendors, the Lapu-Lapu block party will be hosting the largest basketball showdown in Vancouver. Teams are all finalised but that does not mean you shouldn’t go check it out, the basketball excitement is for all ages and aims to have plenty of on court interactive activities. The winners of the tournament are in for a treat, not only do they get the honour of winning, they get to represent Vancouver in Toronto at the National Filipino Heritage Hoop Fest, thanks to Filipinos in the 6ix, and Ontario Basketball.
Even if basketball isn’t for you, the block party has something for everyone. Definitely worth checking out, and learning more about a day that means so much to such a large community in British Columbia. The event runs all day long on Friday, starting at 11 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Plenty of time to check it out at any point during the day! Head to John Oliver Secondary School at East 41st Ave to East 47th Avenue to experience the inaugural Lapu-Lapu Block Party.