Food is memory. Food is culture. Food is history. Most importantly, food is care.
We are excited to launch our series of food workshops, a four part, in person series exploring Filipino foodways where food, culture, and history come together as a source of nourishment, pride, and healing. Rooted in an anti racist and decolonial framework, and funded by the Future Arts Network @futureartsnet, this series invites participants to cook together, share stories, and rediscover how traditional dishes carry ancestral knowledge and community values.
The first two workshops in the series will be a culinary gathering featuring Maguindanaon food traditions with Umair Subod @umasubodig!
The Maguindanaoan people are an Indigenous group from Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Their culture is closely tied to Islam, river life (they are known as the “people of the flood plain”), and strong traditions of sharing and community care. Maguindanaoan food is centred around rice, coconut, vegetables, and spices, with dishes often prepared for family meals, gatherings, and religious occasions.
Foods like pastil and balbed (suman) carry everyday meaning, reflecting care, hospitality, and knowledge passed down through generations.
Day 1: Iftar and Pastil Cooking Demonstration
Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00PM)
Location: South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (6470 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3X7)
Registration is REQUIRED. Spots are limited. The link to register will be released via our newsletter on Monday, February 9th at 12 PM PST. Sign up for our newsletter here. Registration is now open here!
In the spirit of equity and due to limited spots, participants will only be able to register for one (1) workshop. If you would like to be added to a waitlist to participate in the second of your choice, please reach out to us at community@filipinobc.com.
All ages welcome. Any children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please provide dietary considerations during registration. One form per participant for dietary needs-tracking purposes.
Have questions or comments? Reach us at community@filipinobc.com.
For more events from Filipino BC, visit https://filipinobc.com/kapwa-centre-events or sign up for our newsletter here.