SASKATOON—Various members of the community came together to show their support to their Filipino brothers and sisters in an inter-faith vigil on Wednesday, April 30, at the Civic Centre Square for the victims of last week’s tragic events at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver.
The festive mood, celebrating and promoting Filipino culture, turned into a nightmare after an SUV plowed into the crowd. Eleven people died, whose ages ranged from five to 65, while dozens were injured.
Wednesday night’s vigil was simultaneously held with the Regina Filipino community at the Holy Rosary Cathedral. At the same time, separate memorials were held for Filipinos in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton, highlighting the Filipino value of damayan (show of compassion).
The vigil in Saskatoon began with the St. Cecilia Choir giving their rendition of the popular Christian hymn Amazing Grace, and right on cue, rain poured down and stopped when the song ended, as if the heavens sympathized with the event.
Saskatoon West MP Brad Redekopp, who was among the many political leaders present that included MLAs from both parties and Mayor Cynthia Block and Ward 2 Councillor Senos Timon in the vigil, noticed this and shared his thoughts during his opening remarks.
“It's truly an honour to be here today. I don't know if you had this thought, but as it was raining, I thought this is God's tears coming down on us right now, remembering this time as we stand together,” said Redekopp.
“We stand together with [the Filipino community], as I am an honorary member of the Filipino community. Many of us are standing with you as we think about the events in Vancouver and how they impact so many people.
He commended seeing the different communities in Saskatoon showing their solidarity with the Filipinos by standing together and sharing a moment with them to remember and pray for the victims of the tragedy that impacted everyone in Vancouver.
Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatchewan co-president Jenelyn Santos Ong said that despite the Filipino community in Canada grieving, they showed that they are united in supporting one another through remembering the victims and praying for healing.
Tonight is a time to remember those who have lost their lives. Tonight is a time to reflect on the strength and resilience of our community, to draw comfort from one another, and to support each other in the days to come,” said Ong, who later read the 11 names of those who died.
“We gather here tonight with heavy hearts, united by grief, compassion, and solidarity. We are here to honour the lives lost, the wounded, and the countless families and individuals forever changed by the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred during the Lapu-Lapu event in Vancouver.”
She added that the event was meant to celebrate Filipino culture, highlighting the heroic spirit of Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain who defeated the Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan more than 500 years ago.
“Instead, it became a moment of sorrow and shock that none of us will ever forget. To the mourning families, please know that you are not alone. The entire Filipino community across Canada stands with you,” said Ong.
“We feel your pain, share your loss, and lift you in prayer. I thank everybody for being here, caring, and standing together with love, who have expressed sympathy and support for the Filipino community. Your thoughtfulness and solidarity have brought much-needed comfort.”
Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA delivered the government’s message on behalf of Premier Scott Moe, who attended the Regina vigil with other MLAs. Saskatoon Stonebridge MLA Darcy Warrington gave the message on behalf of Opposition Leader Carla Beck.
Senator Tracy Muggli and Opposition MLAs Betty Nippi-Albright (Saskatoon Centre), April ChiefCalf (Saskatoon Westview), Don McBean (Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis), Jordan McPhail (Cumberland), and Tajinder Grewal (Saskatoon University-Sutherland). Saskatoon Police Service Chief Cam McBride and several officers were also present.
