Vancouver students at John Oliver Secondary School are finding ways to heal after the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy that left 11 people dead and dozens injured. The incident occurred on April 26 when a car drove into a crowd at the Filipino street festival on East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street.
Aether Rocero, a 17-year-old graduate, described witnessing the attack as “terrifying.” He and many students were deeply affected by the event, which left the community struggling with grief and shock.
This fall, students are creating a mural on the walls of the school’s basketball and tennis courts that face East 43rd Avenue. The artwork is meant to reclaim the space and celebrate resilience. “It reminds us that it’s not just bad things that happened on that street. It’s, in a way, reclaiming,” Rocero said.
After volunteering at the festival, Rocero recalls how difficult it was returning to school. “It was really, really sad and just depressing and quiet. I had to quite literally relive that every time I had to go to school,” he said. Painting has become a way for him to process grief and honor community pride. “These are actually my feelings on a page, on a wall. It’s just another way to express that grief, as well as that pride of the community, and how much closer we had gotten after everything happened.”
Local artist Mar Cortez, who has worked with the students since the tragedy, opened her classroom for them to paint when they could not attend regular classes. She is leading the school’s mural project, which will feature flowing ribbons, students playing together, planting seeds, sampaguita blossoms—the Filipino national flower—and a phoenix rising from the ashes. Cortez explained that the mural celebrates Filipino culture, remembers those impacted, and encourages moving forward. “There are times where the grief is real and heavy. I have this ethos of being able to express it is better than holding it in,” she said.
Students are also participating in programs that promote healing and connection. Activities include a run club, friendship speed dating, clothing and food drives, hip-hop dance, basketball, hiking, leadership programs, and mental-health facilitation groups. Grants from local organizations support these initiatives, helping students navigate their grief while continuing to grow and learn.
Alison McKenzie, director of The Landing Youth Centre, said the students are “incredible” in how they cope with tragedy while remaining optimistic about the future.
Rocero, who is helping with the mural, hopes the project will remind the community to celebrate Fraser Street and Filipino culture. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep walking,” he said.
The mural and community programs reflect the resilience and creativity of Vancouver students, demonstrating how art and connection can help heal even in the aftermath of a devastating event. Through these efforts, students are reclaiming their school and streets, creating a lasting tribute to their community and the lives affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy.
