A handwritten note is seen near flowers and the flag of the Philippines at a growing memorial the day after a driver killed multiple people during a Filipino community festival Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

By Kenneth Cheung

PAKIKIRAMAY

‘We are one’: Filipinos in Wilkie to hold vigil for victims of Vancouver festival attack

May 1, 2025 | 5:03 PM

In the wake of a deadly attack that claimed 11 lives and injured dozens more at the Lapu Lapu cultural festival in Vancouver on April 26, members of Wilkie’s Filipino community are coming together to honour the victims and remind grieving families they are not alone.

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. in Monument Park, where residents will gather in prayer, reflection and solidarity — sharing candles, conversation and comfort.

“In times of tragedy, a prayer can offer comfort and strength, quick healing for those who got injured, solace for those grieving and peace for those who are affected by this tragedy,” said Marilou Canong, who helped organize the event alongside her family and friends.

Canong immigrated to Canada from Quezon City, Philippines, in 2013 and was among the first Filipino families to settle in Wilkie. Today, she estimates there are roughly 20 Filipino families in the community, with more than 60 people in total.

“Thank God I don’t have any family [involved], but as Filipinos, we treat each and every one of us as a big family,” she said.

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As the community is still processing the tragedy, she hopes the vigil will be a gesture of care and unity.

“Everyone felt really sad about this,” she said. “But it is already done, and the only thing we can hope for is to at least give them prayers or support.”

The suspect, Adam Kai-Ji Lo, was reportedly under the care of a mental health team at the time of the attack. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim confirmed Lo was on “extended leave,” a designation used for individuals receiving involuntary psychiatric care in the community.

While the violence was devastating, Canong said she believes it’s important to extend compassion in all directions.

“We need to be aware, like that mental health is playing a big part in our everyday lives,” she said. “So making sure that whoever is around us — our loved ones, friends — we need to make sure that we are taken care of.”

“Help them … so that they can overcome whatever [is] going on inside.”

Rooted in ‘pakikiramay’

The act of gathering in prayer and community is deeply rooted in Filipino values – particularly pakikiramay, a Tagalog term that means to express sympathy and solidarity.

“This is our way of helping each other,” Canong explained. “Showing your compassion, offering… like if you are able to offer financial support, if you can or just being there and making them feel that they are not alone.”

The word reflects a spirit of generosity that transcends race and bloodlines.

“We always support each other even… we are not relatives. We don’t know each other,” she said. “But if you know someone needs something … I will jump up and help them.”

That willingness to help, she added, comes from lived experience.

“We are a third world country, right?” she joked. “So we always lend a hand to someone that we know we can help.”

She believes that same spirit of compassion is what makes community engagement essential after tragedy.

As an immigrant, Canong said she’s been grateful for the welcome she received when first arriving in Wilkie.

“When I first came here, a lot of people came to me and asked me how they can help me and my family to start,” she said. “So they are very welcoming and supportive.”

As residents plan for Saturday’s vigil, which will include prayer, candle lighting and a small social with refreshments, Canong hopes attendees leave with a renewed sense of connection.

“I’m hoping that we all realize that we are one, regardless of race and culture,” she said. “And if we unite and care for each other… probably the world will be a better place to live in. As simple as that.”

She also shared a message for those mourning loved ones lost in the Vancouver attack.

“They are not alone in their grief — that we are thinking about them and praying that they will find peace and the happy memories that they shared together.”

– with files from The Canadian Press

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com