Philippines Independence Day festivities in Fort St. John focus on family

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Filipino-Canadians gathered at Festival Plaza for a joyous, casual occasion to celebrate their heritage in what could be described as one word: family.

Philippines Independence Day celebrations were held in Fort St. John on Sunday, June 8th, with dignitaries and residents – both Filipino and non-Filipino – enjoying an afternoon filled with dancing, songs and food.

The gathering was organized by the North Peace Filipino-Canadian Association, also known as Bayanihan Fort St. John, during Filipino Heritage Month in June.

The day celebrates the independence of the Philippines, an island country in Asia with 18 administrative regions and 7,641 islands, from Spanish colonial rule in 1898.

Organizer Ovvian Castrillo-Hill told Energeticcity.ca – and later the crowd who came out – just why this celebration is important, especially in the wake of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.

“It’s a little bit more casual,” said Castrillo-Hill. “[It’s] a little bit more serene. This is about enjoying each other’s company and the food.

“I think this period for the Filipino community, all over B.C. and Canada, is more of healing, is more of strengthening.”

Mayor Lilia Hansen was there, alongside her husband Ron and councillors Gord Klassen, Sarah MacDougall, Jim Lequiere and Tony Zabinsky.  Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy also joined the festivities later.

Lunch was served to guests and entertainment followed. 

“I want to give heartfelt gratitude for how you have become part of the community,” said Hansen. “You make it stronger and having your celebrations and inviting us to be part of it, giving us a chance to get to know you and your culture more.”

It was a family affair for Elvin Iglesias, who assisted in organizing the pot-luck lunch. He said being around his brethren made him feel “happy.”

“We celebrate the things we do and we make,” said Iglesias. “We also have exhibits [with] the art and sculptures. It’s a day for us to gather all Filipinos as one.”

It was also special for one family: Shandice and Jarred Castle, who were celebrating their anniversary.

“I’m not Filipino, but it’s nice to be a part of this event,” said Jarred. “It kind of makes our anniversary feel more meaningful.”

Shandice agreed, saying: “It means so much. It’s such a family-oriented culture, and we love to be hospitable and share in celebration.”

A dance troupe headed by Lorna Nyffler performed a regional dance, and singers including Elysia Cruz and Romina Tolentino sang both Filipino and popular songs, including a rendition of Beyonce’s hit ‘Halo’.

Philippines Independence Day is celebrated annually by the island nation on June 12th.