This free, family-friendly celebration reflected Filipino-Canadian holiday traditions through stories, crafts and cuisine. This event was an offshoot of the Filipino Canadian Book Festival.
One book was about migrating from one country to another – perfect for Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM) to promote! In It’s Okay, Just Ask (2024) by Monique Leonardo Carlos, a young family move to a new country (from Philippines to Vancouver?). Children’s questions like “Will we ever come back?” and “what if I don’t make any friends?” are answered lovingly and honestly by the parents. “It’s okay, just ask” is often repeated and the child / narrator is reassured and has gained confidence to always ask. Illustrator Salini Perera’s pictures are engaging, suitable and communicate as much as the words.
A Roof! by Stephanie Ellen Sy (2024) integrates the concept of bayanihan, working together to achieve a common goal. A young girl, her Tatay, and others that they meet along the way collectively seek (and find!) the owner of a roof that lands in their yard after a strong typhoon. Some Filipino words, e.g., anak, sapatero, are integrated into the text. Daniel Tingcungco’s illustrations well represent the post storm setting in the Philippines, people and community spirit. After Stephanie read the book aloud, children collectively and earnestly enacted transporting a cardboard roof from one side of the room to the other demonstrating what the bayanihan spirit of unity can do (see photo).
Pacific Canada’s Desolation Sound is the setting of Adventures in Desolation Sound (2024) by Grant Lawrence. In this story young Grant and his sister think going outdoors is AWFUL! After a summer in a cabin at Desolation Sound, the kids learn to love the outdoors, outdoor activities, and their neighbours who initially seem a little weird. Philippine-born Ginger Ngo humourously and expressively illustrates the Pacific Canada settings, activities, and emotional transition from misery to love of the outdoors.
These books can easily become bedtime story favourites for both children (of all ages!) and adults, as they are not only good stories, but because they can help generate discussion to understand difficult topics, make predictions, and develop critical thinking skills.
Attendees also had the opportunity to create Kutitap Christmas Crafts with Paulina Constancia and could select free books and parol kits from Summit Kids. All 32 children were gifted a Charity Bear of Hope distributed by Bert and Pat Parungao, representing the Rotary Club of Vancouver Mountainview.
The following marketplace vendors were onsite: Bellie Bake (@belliebake): Homemade baked goods and sweet treats; Eunoia Naturale (@eunoianaturaleca): Natural, handcrafted skincare and wellness products; Treats by Ube (@treats_by_ube): Delicious ube-based treats; Sago To Go (@sagotogo): Refreshing sago drinks; Saffi Squirrel (@saffisquirrel): Art and adorable gifts.
Thank you to Nathalie De Los Santos, Ginger Ngo, Paulina Constancia, Monique Leonardo Carlos, Stephanie Sy and Eliza Ong for coordinating this successful community event.
By Pat Parungao
