Filipino community in Hamilton to hold vigil tonight for victims of Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy [Video]

After 11 people were killed at the Lapu-Lapu Day event in Vancouver last weekend, Filipinos across the country are finding solace in one another, says Hamilton psychotherapist Joey Ruiz. 

“It’s the strength of the Filipino spirit that helps us survive, the sense of faith,” said Ruiz, who was born in the Philippines. “There’s a great sense of bayanihan — that sense of belonging or wanting to help that’s so ingrained in our culture.” 

She’s among those organizing a vigil Sunday evening at Bayfront Park, along with Filipinas of HamOnt co-founder Jessica Vinluan. 

“We’re hoping for the vigil, the community is gathering to collectively mourn together,” said Vinluan. “It’s very important for us to gather and be together.”

In the evening of April 26, an SUV drove into a crowded Lapu-Lapu Day street festival event, killing 11 people and injuring nearly 30.

The festival was supposed to celebrate the Filipino-Canadian community, but turned …