Filipino Night celebrates culture with sold-out event in St. John's after 7-year hiatus

After a seven-year hiatus, hundreds came together once again to celebrate their culture and heritage during Filipino Night 2024.

The event was organized by the Filipino Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and held in the gym of East Point Elementary in St. John's.

Association director Romel Maligaya says after months of hard work, it was great to see so many attend.

"A lot of us are excited because we have a lot more newcomers nowadays, so they have not witnessed any of this," said Maligaya.

"Most of us have seen this a few times, but a good number of us have not seen this, so they're excited also."

While the first Filipinos arrived in the province in the 1950s, said Romel, the association wasn't formed until 1967. Its annual Filipino Night was celebrated until the group's 50th anniversary in 2017 but paused ever since — until now.

Featuring dances, songs, and educational short films about the Philippines, as well as food and games, it is held to coincide with Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

For Filipinos in the province, said Romel, it crucial in providing a sense of togetherness.

"I'm pretty sure most Newfoundlanders will do the same thing also when they are away," he said.

"When the newcomers come here and then hear about this event, they're quite excited because now, they will experience, at least even for one night, how to feel at home again, with their folks, seeing people in our traditional costume, eating our own food and hearing our music."

Eric Elli has been a member of the association since 1993, when he moved to St. John's. As its former president, who's still involved as adviser today, he has seen its mission change.

"Initially, the goal of the people forming the association is just for camaraderie because ... when you're away from your home, you tend to gravitate toward each other with the same culture," he said.