VANCOUVER — A grieving Burnaby man who lost his entire family in a tragic incident at last year's Lapu Lapu Festival is urging organizers to cancel this year's event, calling it too soon after the devastating loss.
Alejandro Samper's father, Daniel, mother, Glitza, and sister, Glitza, were among the victims when an SUV plowed through the festival grounds, claiming multiple lives and leaving a community in shock. The incident, which occurred during the 2023 celebration, prompted widespread mourning and calls for improved safety measures at public events. Now, as Filipino BC announces plans for the 2024 Lapu Lapu Festival, set for April 17 to 19 at a new venue, Samper has voiced his pain publicly, arguing that the event reopens wounds that have yet to heal.
"This new Lapu Lapu Festival that’s happening this year, they need to stop that. Give us a break. Give us time to heal, rather than going back at it to fill their pockets with money," Samper told Global News in an emotional interview. His words highlight a deep rift between survivors and the organizers, who describe the upcoming gathering as a step toward communal recovery.
The festival, which celebrates Filipino heritage and honors the explorer Lapu Lapu, has been a staple in Vancouver's cultural calendar. Last year's tragedy cast a long shadow, with investigations revealing the SUV driver had lost control, leading to chaos and heartbreak. Filipino BC, the group behind the event, took to social media last week to reveal the new location at the Italian Cultural Centre, emphasizing safety enhancements and community involvement.
In their announcement, Filipino BC wrote, “We invite the community to join us in honouring lives lost, celebrating Filipino culture with care and continuing the work of healing together.” The post also noted that the organization has “reached out to those in our care and continues to engage with community members to ensure safety, intention and meaningful participation throughout the planning process.” They added that they are collaborating with the City of Vancouver, the province, and first responders to make the event secure.
However, Samper disputes the claim of consultation. “It’s too early. They never consulted us victims. It’s very traumatizing. They’re not doing anything to help us, so they need to reconsider their actions,” he said. His frustration underscores a perceived lack of support for those directly affected, with no specific aid programs mentioned by the organizers in public statements.
When reached for comment, Filipino BC Chair RJ Aquino was notably reserved. During an interview with Global News, Aquino repeatedly stated, “I have no new information to share about Lapu Lapu Day at this time.” Pressed on the criticism from victims' families, he maintained his stance: “I have no new information regarding Lapu Lapu Day or whatever else is, or any other related question about it.” Aquino did affirm that the group had consulted with victims and families upon the initial announcement, but offered no further details on those discussions.
The choice of the Italian Cultural Centre as the new venue comes with significant changes aimed at preventing a repeat of last year's horror. Officials from the centre confirmed to Global News that the event will be hosted there, and the parking lot will be closed to all vehicles, a direct response to the SUV incident. This relocation from the previous block party format in Vancouver's streets is intended to create a more controlled environment, though specifics on crowd capacity or additional security measures remain undisclosed.
Vancouver police, meanwhile, have expressed willingness to assist but noted a communication gap. “Our Diversity Community and Indigenous Relations Section has reached out to Filipino BC and other Filipino organizations to offer support but they have not heard back yet,” Sgt. Adam Donaldson said in an email to Global News. This lack of response raises questions about coordination between law enforcement and event planners, especially given the sensitivity of the occasion.
City officials, however, appear supportive of proceeding with the festival under careful oversight. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim addressed the concerns in a statement to Global News, acknowledging the ongoing trauma. “We want to be very, as the City of Vancouver, we’re, you know, conscious of the fact that, you know, it was a very traumatic incident, a terrible incident that happened last year,” Sim said. “And you know, different people in the community have, you know, different levels of trauma that we’re still going through. And we want to make sure that anything that is presented, you know, reflects the sensitivity around those issues.”
The mayor's comments reflect the city's commitment to fostering cultural events while prioritizing mental health and safety. Vancouver has a history of hosting diverse festivals, from Diwali celebrations to Pride parades, but the Lapu Lapu tragedy has intensified scrutiny on risk management. In the wake of the 2023 incident, the city reviewed its event permitting processes, introducing stricter guidelines for traffic control and emergency preparedness, though no formal charges against organizers have been reported.
Samper's plea is not isolated; it echoes sentiments from other affected families who have spoken out in the past year through community forums and social media. While Filipino BC insists on their outreach efforts, the absence of detailed public accounts of these consultations has fueled skepticism. Community leaders in Vancouver's Filipino diaspora, which numbers over 100,000 in British Columbia, have been divided, with some viewing the festival as essential for cultural continuity and others prioritizing grief over celebration.
As the April dates approach, the tension between remembrance and renewal hangs heavy. The Italian Cultural Centre, known for hosting multicultural events, will transform its spaces into a venue for Filipino arts, food, and performances, but the shadow of loss looms large. Organizers have promised enhanced protocols, including barriers, increased patrols, and mental health resources on site, though these details were not elaborated in their announcement.
Beyond the immediate controversy, the situation highlights broader challenges for ethnic communities organizing public events in urban settings. Incidents like the 2023 Lapu Lapu crash, which injured dozens and killed at least five including Samper's family, have sparked national discussions on vehicle security at gatherings. Similar tragedies, such as the 2017 Charlottesville rally or Toronto's 2018 van attack, have led to policy changes elsewhere, and advocates hope Vancouver's response will set a precedent.
For now, Alejandro Samper waits for acknowledgment of his call to pause. Whether Filipino BC heeds the voices of survivors or presses forward remains uncertain, but the community's path to healing appears fraught. As Mayor Sim noted, sensitivity must guide the process, ensuring that cultural pride does not come at the expense of unresolved pain. The coming weeks will reveal if dialogue bridges the divide, or if the festival proceeds amid lingering discord.
The Lapu Lapu Festival, named after the 16th-century chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization, symbolizes resilience in Filipino history. In Vancouver, it has grown into a vibrant expression of that heritage since its inception in the early 2000s. Yet, this year's iteration tests that resilience, balancing tradition with the raw realities of trauma. With the event just over a month away, all eyes are on Filipino BC to navigate these waters thoughtfully.