Celebrating Filipino culture, resilience, and community

The Maples

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/06/2025 (210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Filipino community has been part of Manitoba’s story since the 1950s — bringing with them hard work, a rich cultural heritage, and an incredible spirit. As we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month this June, it’s a chance for all of us to pause and truly appreciate the amazing contributions the community has made to our province.

Here in The Maples, we are fortunate to have many outstanding Filipino-owned businesses that add so much to our local economy and community life. On May 21, I had the honour of recognizing one such business with a member’s statement in the Manitoba legislature — the Supreme Ice Cream Shoppe, owned by two remarkable Filipina women.

This isn’t just a place to enjoy ice cream — it’s a place where stories are shared, cultures are celebrated, and memories are made. Their halo-halo, a classic Filipino dessert, has brought a taste of the Philippines to so many people here, creating a space where culture and community come together.

But this year’s Filipino Heritage Month is also a time of mourning.

On April 26, families gathered in Vancouver to commemorate a national Filipino hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu — a hero who stood up against Spanish colonialism. What should have been a celebration turned into tragedy when a vehicle drove into the crowd, taking 11 lives and injuring many others. The loss is unimaginable.

And yet, the Filipino community did what it always does — it came together.

From vigils held across the country to prayers said in quiet homes, people united in grief and love. Here in Manitoba, MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz organized a touching vigil to honour those lost. Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, along with the Winnipeg Jewish community, launched a fundraising campaign to help support the families affected by this horrific event. The Province of Manitoba is matching donations up to $50,000.

If you wish to help, you can visit www.jewishvancouver.com/filipino-community-emergency-support-fund

I am proud to work alongside strong Filipina women and Filipino community leaders who embody resilience, compassion, and unwavering hope. They remind me every day what true leadership looks like.

This Filipino Heritage Month, let’s celebrate not just the culture and traditions, but the strength, kindness, and resilience of our Filipino neighbours in The Maples and across Manitoba. They make our communities richer and stronger.

If you have any community events you would like me to be a part of or have any questions or concerns, you can call us at 204-417-3486, or email us at mintu.sandhu@yourmanitoba.ca