Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance-Vancouver | Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada
Press Release

Filipino youth to tackle issues of violence, racism and migration through cultural performances

May 24, 2007

While recent local news has been focusing on youth violence in Vancouver schools after the tragic stabbing death of a 13-year old boy, a local Filipino youth group will host a showcase of performances of song, dance and poetry, dealing with the issues of violence, racism, economic exploitation and migration. East Vancouver's Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School, 419 East 24th Ave. will open its doors to the community and come alive with performances tomorrow night, Friday May 25 at 6:30 p.m. as a part of Roots, Rhymes and Resistance X: Our Beautiful Struggle (RRR). Established in 1999, RRR is Vancouver's only progressive Filipino cultural showcase organized by Filipino-Canadian youth.

Vancouver's Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance / Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada (UKPC/FCYA) has organized RRR during Asian Heritage Month, not just as a platform for upcoming Filipino talent, but also as a political platform on which to discuss contemporary Filipino issues.

“This year's theme, ‘Our Beautiful Struggle,’ is a testament to the hard work being done in the Filipino community,” explains Carlo Sayo of UKPC. “UKPC has been organizing Filipino youth for twelve years now around the issues of racism, economic exploitation, violence and migration. There will always be challenges, but we’re working to empower the community. That’s why it’s a beautiful thing,” says Sayo.

This is the first year the event will be held at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School, the cite of the 2004 killing of 17-year old Filipino youth Jomar Lanot.

According to the group, as the title suggests, RRR also examines the roots of Filipino migration to Canada. “We always link our struggle here in Canada back to the Philippines,” says Rain De Guzman. “We know the reality of life in the Philippines: a country lacking opportunities, and with economic turmoil and political repression that forces thousands of Filipinos to leave their home country every day.” De Guzman points out the fact that during the recent national elections, two volunteers for the Kabataan Partylist, (a partylist group that advocates for the rights of children, youth and students) aged 16 and 27 were abducted and killed.

According to the human rights watch group KARAPATAN, there have been 858 politically-motivated killings recorded since current Philippine President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo came into power in 2001. “This is the situation in the Philippines,” says De Guzman, “and it is important as Filipino youth that we understand that, and know that people in the Philippines are standing up against that injustice, so we need to do so as well. Resisting oppression is a strong part of our identities.”

When RRR was first organized, it was part of a campaign centred on the Philippine-American War of 1898-1902, and a celebration of the culture of resistance of the Filipino people against colonization. “Since then, it has evolved,” says Sayo, “but maintains the same principals, continues to inspire youth and provide cultural and political education.”

This year's RRR X will tackle issues such as the escalating violence and human rights abuses being perpetrated against progressive figures in the Philippines, and the need to empower the community for their rights and welfare in Canada.

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Roots, Rhymes and Resistance X: Our Beautiful Struggle
Friday, May 25th, 2007
Doors Open: 6pm at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School
419 East 24th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5V 2A2

For more info please contact Carlo Sayo of UKPC/FCYA at 602-215-1103 or e-mail: ukpc_fcya@kalayaancentre.net

Tickets are available at the door or in advance! Sliding scale of $5-10.