In a night of community solidarity, delicious food, and cultural demonstrations, ten Filipino-Canadian chefs united in a Toronto restaurant to honour the victims of the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy and raised money for those affected by the incident. 

On Monday, ten of the city’s most remarkable Filipino chefs united at the iSLAS Filipino BBQ & Bar in celebration of this year’s Filipino Heritage Month and to pay homage to the victims of the incident. 

On Apr. 26, an SUV drove through the crowd at the traditional Filipino Lapu Lapu Festival in Vancouver, B.C., leaving 11 dead and multiple injured. 

The tragedy created a wave of grief and solidarity across the country, especially within the Filipino community, as the festival was meant to be a symbol of union and lively celebration of its culture. 

Now Toronto attended the Monday event, which reflected a beautiful celebration of unison and resilience within the community. 

All the money raised during the event was donated to Filipino BC and directly to the victims and their families impacted by the Lapu Lapu incident.  

“This is more than just a meal. I think this is a way to show people that the families that were affected by the tragedy that their pain is heartfelt… [and] whatever that we can do to [send] some love to them,” Mother Tongue Chef Francis Bermejo told Now Toronto. 

According to Pinay Boxes and Islas Toronto’s Chef Mariel Buenaventura, the event gathered a larger crowd than expected, and although it originally anticipated 50 guests but ultimately had  80 attendees, it still had to send some guests away. 

In a real treat to the palate, guests were served with an exclusive 10-course tasting menu prepared by the ten highly-awarded chefs, including Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant BB’s, Michelin Guide’s Vela, Mother Tongue, Mineral, Casa Manila, Daddy Chef and more. 

Some of the menu highlights include iSLAS’ vegetarian version of the traditional Filipino dish bicol, restaurant BB’s famous interpretation of tartar, and Mother Tongue’s yummy bistec with a unique seasoning. 

“This is an incredible night. This is going to be something that we don’t actually really see in the Filipino community, because a lot of it is a lot of competition. But tonight we’re united, and we’re coming at a united front to really enjoy the thing that we love the most, which is food and company,” Founder of Kamalansi Communications Kris Pangilinan told Now Toronto.  

Throughout the evening, the dinner was accompanied by a cultural treat, as Folklorico Filipino Canada and singer Kalye Luna Band lit up the stage with vibrant performances and a real reflection of traditional Filipino art. 

“The Voice Teens Philippines” Season 2 runnerup Aly Fabellar also made a special appearance at the event with her melodic voice.

“We all unite as one, and we’re just plating everything to go. And it was just honestly beautiful to see, because it showed unity [and] cooks coming together, plating either my dish or the other chefs’ dishes. And it was just so beautiful to see,” BB’s Chef Immanuel Pascual said. 

“I’m humbled and I’m honoured to be able to even be on the same stage as these amazing forerunners in Filipino cooking and with these Filipino chefs. So, it’s been amazing.”