In the aftermath of one of Canada’s deadliest public tragedies, the Sea to Sky Filipino community is leaning on faith, resilience and togetherness to process the pain.
On April 26, a man drove into a crowd gathered for Vancouver’s Lapu-Lapu Day Festival, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more. The annual celebration commemorates a Filipino Indigenous hero known for resisting Spanish colonization, and has become a cultural anchor for diaspora communities across B.C.
The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the province, including Whistler, home to a significant Filipino population.
“I was supposed to go,” said Hannyliz Villafuerte, organizer with Barangay Sea to Sky, a Filipino community group. “I normally sell clothes and bring my family… I didn’t make it to registration because I was opening a new shop. That shook me hard.”
From grief to action
Villafuerte has been vocal within her community as a leader of Barangay Sea to Sky. She helped organize memorial masses at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church May 3 and 4 and has been in close contact with the broader Vancouver Filipino community.
While the community processes, they are looking ahead to a May 26 basketball fundraiser at Myrtle Philip Community School.
The game of hoops runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and costs $20 for players or $5 for spectators, with raffle prizes, a trophy and cash for basketball winners. Proceeds help support the organization’s upcoming Philippines Independence Day celebrations in June—tentatively held at Olympic Plaza.
“This is our first Independence Day as a registered society,” Villafuerte said. “Before, we partnered with the Whistler Multicultural Society.”
The event is expected to feature a cultural parade, traditional dances, live music, a Filipino band, and a community potluck. Villafuerte said safety is a concern. “[We hope to host it at] Olympic Plaza [because it] is open, and no vehicles are allowed. That makes it feel safer if anything were to happen,” she said.
Support from leaders and community groups
Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton said the Filipino community is an integral part of local life.
“They are a big part of who we are as Whistlerites,” Crompton said. “We work and coach alongside them. The best way to support is to be with them in their pain and mourning.”
Crompton recorded a podcast episode with Villafuerte shortly after the tragedy, praising her “candour, warmth and generous spirit.” He said the grief has been felt at every level, from community gatherings to family dinner tables.
West Vancouver–Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote also shared his condolences and pledged to connect more directly with local groups ahead of the June celebration.
“I was at the memorial service Friday in Vancouver, and [the Green Party has] made some statements about the tragedy,” Valeriote said. “We’ve been talking a lot about mental health and the Mental Health Act in the legislature. We’re trying to let the community heal and do what we can to change this. That requires constituency work on the ground.”
Standing in solidarity
Both the Whistler Multicultural Society and Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) issued public messages of support. WCSS reminded residents that emotional support services remain available indefinitely through mywcss.org. Provincial supports include 310 Mental Health Line, and VictimLinkBC.
Villafuerte said the solidarity has been meaningful—but fear and grief remain. “We smile, but in our hearts we are breaking,” she said. “Be kinder when you see us around. There’s a lot going on in our minds and hearts.”
Despite hesitations from some community members, Villafuerte said it’s more important than ever to show up, speak up, and celebrate what it means to be Filipino.
“The tragedy will not be in vain,” she said. “It brought us together even more.”
To support or participate in upcoming events, contact [email protected].
