As the Vancouver dusk settled over the waterfront, a lone guitarist strummed a Filipino folk melody. The music drifted through Creekside Park where hundreds gathered, many holding candles that flickered against the growing darkness. This was the scene last Saturday evening, one month after what many call the darkest day in recent Vancouver-Filipino community history.
The candlelight vigil marked exactly four weeks since a knife-wielding attacker injured 17 people at the annual Lapu-Lapu Festival, an event celebrating Filipino heritage. While the physical wounds are healing for most victims, the financial burden continues to weigh heavily on families affected by the April 26 tragedy.
“We’re seeing the best of Vancouver emerge from this terrible situation,” said Maria Santos, organizer of the Support Lapu-Lapu Victims Fund. “People who’ve never attended our cultural events before are showing up with donations and offering volunteer hours.”
The grassroots fundraising effort has already collected over $275,000 through community events, online donations, and corporate matching programs. However, organizers estimate they’ll need nearly twice that amount to cover the mounting medical bills, lost wages, and therapy costs for all victims.
Vancouver General Hospital reports that three victims remain hospitalized, including 67-year-old Eduardo Malinao, who suffered critical abdominal injuries while shielding his granddaughter from the attacker. His daughter Jasmine told me that the family’s insurance covers only a portion of the extended care he requires.
“Dad was supposed to return to Manila next month to care for my mother,” she explained, dabbing at her eyes. “Now we’re facing impossible choices about his recovery and our family obligations back home.”
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed that the 28-year-old suspect remains in custody awaiting trial. Chief Constable Adam Palmer addressed community safety concerns during a press conference last week, announcing increased police presence at cultural festivals throughout the summer.
“This isolated incident doesn’t reflect Vancouver’s values of inclusivity and respect,” Palmer stated. “We’re working closely with community leaders to restore a sense of security at public gatherings.”
Beyond the immediate medical needs, trauma psychologist Dr. Elaine Wong points to the invisible scars carried by the Filipino community.
“When violence occurs in a space meant for cultural celebration, it creates a unique type of collective trauma,” Wong explained. “People question whether they can safely express their identity in public spaces.”
Local businesses around Commercial Drive, home to many Filipino-Canadian establishments, have responded with their own fundraising efforts. Pinoy Café owner Ramon Delgado designated all proceeds from last Tuesday’s sales to the victim fund, raising over $5,200 in a single day.
“The line wrapped around the block,” Delgado recalled. “People waited two hours for pancit and adobo because they wanted to contribute something.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has established an emergency assistance program to help uninsured victims with immediate needs. Consul General Maria Andrelita Austria emphasized the importance of community resilience during a meeting with family members last Thursday.
“We must transform this tragedy into an opportunity to strengthen bonds within our community and with our Canadian neighbours,” Austria said. “The response we’ve seen proves that hatred cannot divide us.”
The British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety allocated $100,000 in emergency victim services funding last week, though community advocates argue more provincial support is needed. Premier David Eby visited several recovering victims at Vancouver General Hospital, promising to review additional assistance options.
“These families shouldn’t have to worry about finances while recovering from trauma,” Eby told reporters. “We’re exploring all avenues to provide meaningful support.”
Statistics Canada data shows that hate crimes against Asian Canadians increased 301% during the first year of the pandemic, though police have not classified the Lapu-Lapu Festival attack as hate-motivated. The investigation continues as detectives interview additional witnesses.
For 12-year-old Sophie Malinao, whose grandfather remains hospitalized, the community support has provided a glimmer of hope.
“My classmates made me cards for Lolo,” she said, using the Filipino term for grandfather. “My teacher helped us start a penny drive at school. It makes me feel like people care about what happened to us.”
The Support Lapu-Lapu Victims Fund plans additional fundraising events throughout the summer, including a benefit concert at the Orpheum Theatre featuring Filipino-Canadian artists on June 15.
“We cannot erase what happened,” said community elder Francisco Reyes during Saturday’s vigil. “But we can show our wounded community members that they won’t face recovery alone.”
As the evening grew darker, attendees placed their candles near a memorial wall covered with photos of the festival before the attack—images of dancing, laughter, and cultural pride. The contrast between those joyful moments and the solemn gathering spoke volumes about a community determined to heal together.
“Next year’s festival will be our biggest ever,” promised cultural association president Elena Domingo. “We refuse to let fear diminish our celebration of heritage.”
For information on supporting the victims’ fund or upcoming benefit events, community members can visit the Filipino Cultural Centre or contact the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.
