The Filipino community in Nanaimo is organizing a vigil Saturday for people to come together to mourn after the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy. “Nanaimo has a huge Filipino community,” says co-organizer Michael Soja. “I knew that we required a place and time so we can all grieve and express our feelings on what happened.” The vigil is being held from noon to 2 p.m., in the parking lot of the B.C. General Employees’ Union office at 1650 Terminal Avenue N. There will be a moment of silence and a number of speakers, including members of the community and local government officials. A memorial will also be setup along with a book of condolences people can sign, which will be delivered to Filipino B.C. “No matter what ethnicity you’re from, you’re feeling this one and our community is feeling this one,” says co-organizer Peter Hudson. “I feel times like this we just need arms around each other.” Everyone is welcome at the vigil, and attendees are asked to bring candles or lanterns. Andrew Garland, CTV News Vancouver Island journalist
