Canadian Filipino Net

05/24/2026

This May, Dr. Melani Payumo Dy Tan will debut her first solo exhibition at Art Vancouver (Vancouver Convention Centre - East Building) from May 28 to May 31. She has curated a collection for the 40-foot wall space, serving as a visual record of her artistic evolution. For Payumo, this exhibition is a milestone that bridges her Philippine roots with her new home in Canada.

For years, she worked in the clinical precision of dentistry in the Philippines. Yet the artist within never left her. In Vancouver, she embraced a path she describes as a "slow burn.” It was a patient, deliberate unfolding of talent nurtured across continents and decades.

Continue reading here:
https://canadianfilipino.net/culture/arts/melani-payumo-dy-tan-s-journey-to-art-vancouver-2026

05/23/2026

The ongoing art exhibition of the Philippine Artists Network for Community Integrative Transformation (PANCIT) at the Sunset Community Centre on Vancouver’s Main Street opened on April 30.

The show, titled “Healing Colours, Colours of Renewal: Ang Babang Luksa ng Bayan [Editor’s note: translated to ‘community lifts veil of mourning’],” renews calls for accountability, justice, transparency, and truth for the many lives that forever changed with the April 2025 attack.

“The Healer of the Living Souls” by Bert Monterona represents the universal presence of compassion, resilience, and balance in times of emotional and spiritual unrest.

More here:
https://canadianfilipino.net/community/kapwa/healing-colours-of-renewal-art-exhibit-echoes-call-for-transparency

05/20/2026

Canada is risking its global reputation as a human rights defender because of its growing military and economic involvement with the Philippines.

This message is conveyed in a briefing paper prepared by the Canada chapter of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).

“Canada is deepening its military and economic relationships with the Philippines against a backdrop of corruption scandals that have plagued the Philippine government in the last year,” the document stated.

More here:

May 16, 2026 — Canada is risking its global reputation as a human rights defender because of its growing military and economic involvement with the Philipp

05/19/2026

Nine Canadians of Filipino heritage are being honoured this year as “Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Heritage,” including Canadian Filipino Net’s Rey Pagtakhan. This year’s theme, “Honouring Asian Canadians: Stories that Built Canada,” acknowledges the contributions Asian Canadians have made to the country and recognizes that, while Asians face exclusion and systemic barriers, “their histories are a foundational part of Canada’s national story.”

Continue reading here:
https://canadianfilipino.net/community/people/canadian-filipinos-are-noteworthy-canadians-during-asian-heritage-month

05/12/2026

Now on its 41st iteration, Balikatan 2026 runs in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8, 2026.

The direct participation of Canada follows about half a year after Ottawa and Manila inked a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on November 2, 2025.

The said pact allows the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work more closely together through joint and multinational operations and exercises in each other’s territories.

Balikatan means “shoulder‑to‑shoulder” in Tagalog.

More here:

May 1, 2026 — From an observer nation, Canada is making its inaugural active participation in the annual Balikatan military exercise between the U.S. and t

05/11/2026

Reflections on First-Year Anniversary of Lapu-Lapu Day Tragedy: Horizons of Hope for a National Framework for Trauma-Informed Community Recovery and Safety

"We have learned a vital lesson. Differences in action plans show our wealth of ideas. Celebrate consensus; it means a richer outcome. ... The tragedy was singular. Let’s join together now—commit to nurturing our unity, carrying hope into action, and advancing these values for lasting impact."

Continue reading the commentary here:
https://www.canadianfilipino.net/opinion/commentary/reflections-on-first-year-anniversary-of-lapu-lapu-day-tragedy-horizons-of-hope-for-a-national-framework-for-trauma-informed-community-recovery-and-safety

05/08/2026

This year’s Lapu-Lapu event has not only caught the attention of Canada’s national media but has pushed the issue of division within the community to the centre of its lens.

From one tragedy to the next, CBC News headlines “Lapu-Lapu event divides Vancouver’s Filipino community.”

For the country’s largest newspaper The Globe & Mail writes “A year after Lapu-Lapu attack, grief, anger, and hope entwine.”

Continue reading here:
https://www.canadianfilipino.net/community/kapwa/one-tragedy-after-another-commemorating-the-lapu-lapu-festival-tragedy-one-year-later

05/07/2026

Tomorrow, May 7th, at the Philippine Consulate Office in Vancouver, Philippine Ambassador to Canada H.E. Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga will meet Filipinos in British Columbia at a Town Hall Meeting arranged by Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin and her staff.

Read more about the Ambassador here:

May 1, 2026 – On Thursday, May 7, from 5:0 0 -6:30 PM at the Philippine Consulate Office in Vancouver, 660-999 Canada Place, Philippine Ambass

05/01/2026

Vancouver Magazine annual list of 50 people powering the city in 2026 includes a Filipino for the first time – RJ Aquino, chair of FiipinoBC, for speaking out and up for the Filipino community in BC.

This year’s Power 50 theme is philanthropy and community building and features an impressive group of 50 Vancouverites put together, after countless weeks of polling experts around the city.

Continue reading here:

April 16, 2026–Vancouver Magazine annual list of 50 people powering the city in 2026 includes a Filipino for the first time – RJ Aquino, chair of Fiip

04/29/2026

As of April 14, PM Carney has a total of 174 votes after five floor crossings (four Conservatives and one from NDP) plus three Liberal MP candidates winning at the April 13 byelections; (in Ontario, two and in Quebec, one). PM Carney is now moving full speed ahead with serious and ambitious new plans to build Canada strong starting with the number one concern of all Canadians: affordability.

Read here:

April 16, 2026 – As of April 14, PM Carney has a total of 174 votes after five floor crossings (four Conservatives and one from NDP) plus