Balagtasan
A celebration of Filipino community spirit through arts and culture since 2015.
Thank you for celebrating with us!
See you next year for the 12th Balagtasan!
Our Supporters
Balagtasan 2025 could not have been possible without our partners and supporters
On August 29, 2025, the UPAABC, with support from the United Way Kapwa Strong Fund, successfully hosted “Balagtasan: A Celebration of Community Spirit through Arts and Culture” at Praise International Church in Surrey.
The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Philippine Consul General Dr. Gina Jamoralin, and councillors from Surrey and Burnaby. It was a vibrant showcase of Filipino heritage, resilience, and creativity, featuring traditional dances from BIBAK, soul-stirring performances by Argel and Dr. Veronica Caparas, and a nostalgic musical journey led by Dave Dagta, FAM and Himig Kabataan Cultural Society.
The evening celebrated both tradition and transformation, with Filipino-Canadian youth reimagining the iconic Tinikling through a modern hip-hop lens. A thought-provoking Balagtasan piece exploring dual citizenship sparked reflection and dialogue, while the community honoured victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy through a healing music session by Niniane. From solemn tributes to joyful celebration, the event embodied the enduring spirit of bayanihan and the evolving cultural identity of Filipino Canadians.
Write-up by Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua, Deniece Liza, & Jelda Jayne Miranda. Photos by Ezra Borlagdatan and Arnell Gilbert Bercero. Live stream and recording by Praise International Church.
AUGUST 29, 2025 (FRIDAY)
Balagtasan:
Ika-11 na Yugto
- 6 - 9 PM
- Praise International Church, Surrey
Join us on August 29 for a celebration of Filipino community spirit through arts and culture, brought to you by UPAABC through the United Way BC Kapwa Strong Fund.
- Balagtasan
- Sayaw
- Harana
- ...at iba pa!
