Filipinos gear up for Independence Day festivals

Several events are being planned by the Filipino community in British Columbia as they prepare to mark their homeland’s independence day.

This year’s Philippines Day Festival event takes place on June 8th & 9th, 2019 at its landmark venue – the Waterfront Park of North Vancouver, BC.

Organized by the Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts and Culture Exposition Society (MVPACES) the event every second weekend of June is the official Filipino Canadian celebration of Philippine Arts and Cultural Heritage in British Columbia, Canada.

The celebration highlights the unique Filipino tradition of a “Barrio Fiesta” atmosphere, set with an array of Filipino cuisine, song and dance stage performances, field parade demonstrations, and a showcase of various products and businesses in the more than 75 Food & Merchandise booths situated all around the park.

British Columbia is home to about 160,000 Filipino-Canadians. Philippines gained independence on June 12, 1898.

“This event is the Filipino community’s contribution to Canada’s vibrant multicultural society,” said the organisers.

In Surrey, the SPIDS 9th Annual Philippine Independence Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 10 at Bridgeview Park Community Centre, 11475 126A St., Surrey, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It will feature Santacruzan, a traditional parade of queens and princesses under colorful floral arches.