Lapu-Lapu Block Party headliners include Manila Grey and John Concepcion

by Mike Usinger on April 11th, 2024 at 12:42 PM

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Juno-nominated R&B up-and-comers Manila Grey and Grammy-nominated songwriter John Concepcion have been announced as headliners of this year’s first-ever Lapu-Lapu Block Party, taking place April 27 at John Oliver Secondary in Vancouver.

Also taking to the stage over the course of the day will be Mikey Jose, Mar Emanuel, KeeMajore, Julie Rae, Jaenna Cali, Kaya Ko, Nikkaela, Finest Summer, and Kardias Quing.

Drag performers will include Canada’s Drag Race star Kimmy Couture and local luminaries Margaux Rita, Bongganisa, and Pia Little.

A celebration of Filipino heritage in Vancouver, Lapu-Lapu Block Party will also spotlight traditional dances, artists, and food.

An Indigenous warrior and chieftain of Mactan island, Lapu-Lapu led resistance against Spanish forces in the early 1500s, delaying colonization of the islands for decades.

According to the 2021 census, there are over 174,000 people of Filipino descent in BC, with most located in Metro Vancouver. That’s the second-largest Pinoy diaspora in Canada, behind only Toronto.

The Lapu-Lapu Block Party kicks off at 11am and runs until 8pm.