The vibrant Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver, intended to celebrate the rich culture and pride of the Filipino community, was tragically marred by violence as it concluded on Saturday. In an appalling incident, a man drove an SUV through a crowd of festival attendees, resulting in the deaths of eleven individuals, including a young child aged just five. The aftermath has left many more injured and hospitalized, prompting an outpouring of grief and disbelief.

R.J. Aquino, the chairman of Filipino B.C., the organization that orchestrated the festival, summed up the communitys emotional turmoil. A lot of us are still numb. A lot of us are still angry, confused, sad, devastated - and some of us don't know how to feel, what to feel, he expressed during a vigil held the following evening, which drew hundreds of attendees from various regions of the Lower Mainland.

In a poignant moment, he added, Honestly, Im kind of all of the above right now. The vigil served not only as a memorial for the victims but also as a space for the community to come together, share their grief, and support one another during this incredibly challenging time.

The feelings of shock and sorrow were palpable among those who had attended the festival. Roger Peralta and Bjorn Villarreal, two friends who immigrated to Canada in 2016, recounted their harrowing experiences of the evening. They had been enjoying music, food, and the festive atmosphere when chaos erupted. Suddenly I hear this unimaginable noise, Bjorn recalled, his voice quivering with emotion.

It was a loud bang, Roger chimed in, both men shaking their heads as they relived the horrific moment. They witnessed bodies being thrown against the SUV just meters away, a scene that etched itself into their memories forever. I did not run away, Bjorn said, his determination evident. I actually followed the vehicle because I felt like I could stop him.

The carnage left in the SUV's wake was devastating. It was horrendous, Bjorn continued. A lot of people were just lying on the street and crying and begging for help. Nearly a day later, Roger still struggled to come to terms with what had happened, grappling with sleeplessness and recurrent visions of the tragedy. I find myself having to stop and cry, he admitted, clearly shaken.

Despite the despair, Roger spoke of a resilient spirit within the Filipino community that he believes will eventually help them heal. We have in our culture Bayanihan, he explained, referring to a cherished Filipino value that signifies unity, cooperation, and a sense of communal responsibility. When you meet another Filipino, even if you don't know them, you greet them. You feel like theyre family, even if youre not. This sense of togetherness may prove crucial as the community navigates their grief and seeks solace in one another.