Kapwa

In Memory of Lives Lost

Kapwa & Comunidad Rising Together

Though they are gone, their presence remains  Forever shining in the path we walk together.

Rising Together
Through Healing

On April 27, 2024, during what was meant to be a joyful celebration of Filipino culture, a senseless act of violence at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver claimed the lives of 11 innocent people and left many others forever changed.

We hold space in our hearts for every life lost:

Maria Victoria Bjarnason
Jendhel May Sico
Rizza Pagkanlungan
Jenifer Darbellay
Richard Le
Linh Hoang

Katie Le
Kira Salim
Glitza Daniela Samper
Glitza Maria Caicedo
Daniel Samper

Among the victims were four members of the Latin American community. At Latincouver were honoured to have known Glitza, Glitza Maria, and Kira as past volunteers.

Their contributions brought light, joy, and a spirit of service to our cultural events and programs.

This tragedy has drawn our communities closer — but our connection is not new. The Filipino and Latin American peoples have long shared common threads woven through our histories, our cultures, and our ways of being in the world.

A Common
Colonial Past

The Philippines and much of Latin America share over 300 years of Spanish colonization. A legacy that shaped our language, culture, and identity. Tagalog and Spanish still share many words and connected histories.

Family,
Always

Family is central to both cultures, with close-knit ties to extended family and a strong support network. We raise each other’s children, care for elders, and build community through shared responsibility and affection.

Faith &
Tradition

The Catholic Church plays a major role in community life and collective celebrations in both cultures. From Simbang Gabi in the Philippines to Las Posadas in Latin America, faith remains a foundation for meaning-making.

Culture, Colour,
and Celebration

Music, dance, and festive gatherings reflect the hospitality, warmth, and enduring joy of our peoples. Whether it’s a fiesta in Manila or Carnaval in Colombia, we celebrate life loudly — even in the face of hardship.