A street party spanning five blocks in south Vancouver in the Sunset neighborhood is set for next week in celebration of Lapu-Lapu Day.

The group Filipino BC has partnered with MYX Global and the business group “Sunset on Fraser Association” for the day-long cultural block party on April 27.

ABS-CBN’s music platform MYX Global has put together an exciting group of headliners.

They include Juno-nominated Vancouver R&B duo Manila Grey, two-time Grammy R&B artist John Concepcion from Winnipeg, as well as Ruby Ibarra, Russell!, Jeremy Passion, and Gabe Bondoc.

Provincial lawmaker Mable Elmore said the block party is mostly led by young Filipinos who hope to attract other Fil-Canadian youths to join.

"What's great about the block party is there's so many youth and young people getting involved," she said, "and participating and wanting to connect to their culture. I think it's positive."

The British Columbia provincial government is expected to once more proclaim April 27 this year as Lapu-Lapu Day.

This seeks to honor the chieftain, considered the first Filipino hero, for his victory against the Spaniards in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

"[This recognizes] the leadership of indigenous Filipinos and also that spirit of resistance against colonization," Elmore added.

Multicultural restaurants and businesses dotting the length of Fraser Street near the block party will be open to serve the festival-goers.

Jollibee, of the Philippine fast-food giant ramping up its global expansion, will also be making a special appearance at the block party.            

A two-day basketball tournament will also be held at the John Oliver Secondary School. The winner will represent BC in the National Filipino Heritage Tournament in Toronto in June.

Elmore said about a hundred other groups will also join in the festivity that celebrates not just Filipinos but also other cultures.