Lethbridge Filipino Heritage Festival 2025

Posted on July 18, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By S.C. Baysa
Pinoy Hour

A couple of weeks back, the Filipino communities in Southern Alberta hoisted their national flag. It marked a period of celebration and acknowledgment of their cultural heritage, particularly in the areas of Lethbridge and Fort Macleod. In its fifth year, the Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge Alberta (FCALA) organized the Filipino Heritage Festival at Henderson Lake on July 5 & 6 to celebrate the mentioned event with traditional dishes and various forms of entertainment. Even though the weather anticipated a cloudy and rainy weekend, the community was undeterred and proceeded with the festivities.

With the conclusion of its fifth year, the most notable event for the Filipino community in Southern Alberta has occurred, surpassing the splendour of previous years. The event featured special guests, including Luke Mejares, a talented crooner and former lead vocalist of The South Border band. Kuya Jobert, a popular TV personality from the Philippines, hosted the event, delighting the audience with his comedic punchlines. Additionally, a remarkable dance performance was showcased by Jason Zamora from the renowned dance group, The Manoeuvres, which had local performers and audience members joining in for a lively 45-minute groove.

Local artists once again graced the event to entertain the attendees. The Version 2 (formerly the Jam Nuts) led the local bands and performed their popular songs to engage the guests. Not to mention the other performers contributed by singing and dancing, bringing joy to everyone present. In addition to the charming entertainers and celebrities, there were vendors and sponsors providing a variety of delightful foods and products, allowing attendees to experience the flavours of the Philippines during the festival. 

A significant number of delegates from various regions, including Banff, Olds, Fort Macleod, Taber, Sundre, Spruce Grove, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, as well as representatives from the Philippines, were in attendance. Furthermore, youth leaders were also present to showcase their performances at the festival.

Several leaders and community members present at the event conveyed their optimistic and encouraging messages: 

MLA for Lethbridge-West, Rob Miyashiro; “I would like to congratulate the Filipino Canadian Association of Lethbridge for their fifth annual Filipino Festival. There’s a ton of people, lots of food in celebration of Filipino culture. Filipino culture has enhanced Lethbridge, has enhanced Canada, and we’re so happy to now have a large Filipino Community in Lethbridge.”

Lethbridge Chief of Police, Shahin Mehdizadeh; “It’s been great to be here to celebrate with the Filipino Community.”

FCALA President Vic Visitacion; “I would like to thank all of our sponsors, volunteers and participants who entertained us. This event is all for you, see you at our next event!”

Alberta Fil-Can Community Leaders’ Association (AFCLA) President Jun Cacayuran;  “We are here to support the community together with other communities all across Alberta.”

AFCLA adviser, Ida Beltran Lucila; “This is my first time in Lethbridge, everyone is so friendly and having a good time. Thank you very much, looking forward to joining you for the following years.”

With the 5th year now recorded in history, everyone is looking forward to the Lethbridge Filipino Heritage Festival 2026 with heightened expectations.