Sapin-Sapin: Filipino Theatre Festival Showcases Resilience And Healing In Vancouver

VANCOUVER, Canada—The Filipino-Canadian community in Vancouver came together on September 12, 2025, for the Sapin-Sapin: Filipino Theatre Festival, an event that blended art and community to foster healing and connection. Held at the Russian Hall, the festival featured three short plays performed in various Philippine languages, showcasing the depth and diversity of local Filipino talent.

The festival was presented by the NPC3 Society and was made possible with crucial support from the United Way BC's Kapwa Strong Fund. The Kapwa Strong Fund was established in the wake of the tragic vehicle-ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in April, which killed 11 people and injured dozens more. "Kapwa," a core Filipino value meaning "shared sense of self" and "collective care," has become a guiding principle for the community's recovery efforts.

The festival’s organizers intentionally created a space for collective healing. Attendees, who were asked to donate what they could to enter, were treated to performances that explored mature themes and language, making the event strictly for those 19 and older. The inclusion of free food and a community-oriented atmosphere was a conscious effort to provide a welcoming and safe space for people to gather and support one another.

Beyond its role in community healing, the festival served as a vibrant platform for local Filipino actors, dancers, and drag artists. By featuring plays in different Philippine languages, the event highlighted the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of the Philippines, offering a unique opportunity for both new and established members of the diaspora to connect with their heritage. The United Way BC has been instrumental in funding a variety of community initiatives and programs that use arts and cultural activities to help the Filipino community process grief and rebuild in the wake of the tragedy.

The Sapin-Sapin festival is a powerful example of how the Filipino-Canadian community is using art to move forward with strength and resilience, proving that even in the face of tragedy, culture can be a source of shared strength and hope.

(Watch this video report from OMNI News, Canada)

Cover image: npc3 Instagram