Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver

When I saw the photos and videos of what happened at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver over the weekend, my heart ached for people who might as well be my lolo, my mom, or “pamang-kids”.

It was also a reminder of how we need to band together in regards to mental health as well as community health, and how they are intertwined. The overall Asian community in “Western” countries such as the US, Canada, and the UK are afflicted with all sorts of issues, especially when it comes to mental health.

As more stories and conversations unfold after this moment we must also remind ourselves that no tragedy can ever be bigger than the love, hope, and conquering spriit of community. In the spirit of the ancestors we celebrate, the food we enjoy, and the words we use – “kapwa”, “dayon”… words that express inclusion and acceptance, but have yet to be put into practice in our world today – amping kanunay, ingat lagi.

Take care of each other.

UPDATE Apr 30: A linktree to resources for victims in Vancouver, as well as links to fundraisers for some of the families: https://linktr.ee/isangbaksak

The City of Vancouver has a webpage with occasional updates here, including mental health lines: https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/lapu-lapu-day-mass-casualty-incident.aspx