Special mass held to pay tribute to Lapu-Lapu Day Festival victims
Posted May 6, 2025 7:13 am.
Last Updated May 6, 2025 1:32 pm.
On Monday evening at a church in Burnaby, friends and family of those who were killed in the Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack gathered to share memories, shed tears, and find comfort in each other.
It’s been just over a week since an SUV rammed into the large crowd on April 26, leaving 11 people dead and dozens of others injured.
Paola Murillo, executive director of Latincouver, said three members of the Samper family, Glitza Daniela, Glitza Maria, and Daniel were volunteers with the non-profit organization, and had been in Canada for more than 22 years.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!“They were fleeing from fear, and they were coming here as part of being together and being safe. As volunteers that we have in the organization, people who normally do this kind of thing is because they are givers. They are like a community. They have something they want to give to others. They were very involved in the community… very engaged, very givers, they never miss a festival for our Latin community,” explains Murillo.
Murillo confirming, they lost four members of their community.
“And we know now, we are closer more than ever to the Filipino community because I know the past will bring us together, but now we have something else that we will not forget here in Vancouver,” she explained.
Laurence Alarca lost his sister Rizza Pagkanlungan in the attack. He held back tears as he described how Pagkanlungan wasn’t just his sister, but to him, she was everything.
“My second mom. My best friend. My protector. She took care of me in ways I didn’t fully understand until now. She had this quiet way of loving true actions, not words,” Alarca said. “She always showed up. She always gave, even when she was running on empty. I’m not going to lie, I gave her a lot of headaches, especially when I’d go out and forget to update [her].”
Alarca explained that his sister got very sick and was in critical condition during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she pulled through, as the pair lost their father.
“When she recovered, she told me something I’ll never forget — ‘Daddy saved me so I could be here for you.’ That’s how she is. Always choosing to stay strong for the people she loved. She helped raise me, fed me, gave me rides, packed my lunch, and yes, lectured me while I was brushing my teeth. But … she never stopped giving,” he said.
Alarca says that despite this challenging time, he knows he’s not alone in his grief.
“To all the other families who are mourning today, we see you, we grieve with you. We honour your pain and strength. Your loved ones are not forgotten. Their lives meant something, their love continues through us. We are shattered, but we are not alone. We will carry our loved ones’ memories forward with the same strength, care, and love they gave us,” he added.
Rhona Doria’s cousin-in-law, Victoria Bjarnason, died in the incident, and her son, who was injured, is recovering following surgery.
Doria said that her heart aches beyond words.
“Victoria was a cherished mother, devoted sister, loving daughter, and true friend whose vibrant spirit was extinguished during the horrific incident,” she said.
She explained that Bjarnason was in Canada to visit her two sons and was planning to return to the Philippines just three days after the attack.
“But this unthinkable tragedy happened. That fateful night has robbed all of the future moments her sons should have shared with her. To her sisters, Victoria was not just a sibling, she was their steadfast anchor and the one who selflessly ensured their well-being. I spoke to one of her sister’s and she just kept crying because they thought she was going to come home soon. Yes, she will be home, but in a casket. This will be her first and last visit to Canada,” she explained.
Doria added that to her sons, Bjarnason was their whole world.
“She was their rock and their light. She was always there when they needed strength, hope and comfort. Her love gave them courage and just having them around made everything feel OK. She gave her all to being a mom, and that love will stay with them forever,” she said.
“Victoria was incredibly strong, endlessly kind, and full of love. She had a big heart that made everyone feel welcomed and cared for. No matter what life threw at her, she faced it with grace and courage. We will carry her memory forward, not just in our thoughts, but in the way we choose to live by extending care to one another, by embracing moments of joy and offering love freely.”
Doria echoes Alarca’s comments that the silver lining is that everyone affected is facing their loss together.
“As we mourn Victoria and other precious lives so tragically lost, and those who continue to bravely fight for their lives and navigate the difficult road ahead, let us also call for justice,” she said.
“Justice for all the victims who perished on that terrible day and justice for those who are now facing the unimaginable challenges in the aftermath. May their struggles not be in vain, and may we see a future where such senseless violence is no more.”
The 30-year-old accused, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, remains in custody. Last week, a judge ordered a mental assessment to see if he’s fit for trial. The suspect has another court appearance on May 30.
