A Festival of Regions: Filipino Heritage Day 2025 in Neepawa

The vibrant spirit of the Filipino community was once again on full display during the Celebration of Filipino Heritage in Neepawa, held on June 14, 2025. As in previous years, the festivities began with a colorful Parade of Regional Floats from Riverbend Park, followed by a lively Street Dance near the Yellowhead Hall. The celebration continued at the Yellowhead Arena with opening remarks and cultural performances, highlighting the rich diversity of Filipino traditions.

The floats and street dances represented different regions of the Philippines, showcasing the unique customs and heritage of each area. Among the standout groups was the National Capital Region (NCR), or Metropolitan Manila, one of the newer regional groups that has been gaining momentum in recent years.

Mary Ann Marquez, a lead organizer for the NCR group, shared their journey: “I think compared to the other regions we are the smallest—a couple of years ago, there were just 14 of us. But now, we are more visible and gaining attention. We were the first runner-up in Sports, the winner of Ginoong Filipino Heritage is from NCR, and the second runner-up for Ginang Filipino Heritage is also from our group. More Filipinos are coming together, volunteering, and showing up. That shows we are evolving and really growing.”

Another notable float came from the BIBAK group, representing the Cordillera regions in Northern Philippines. Kathleen Ngolab, their representative, described their float as a replica of the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces. “In Manitoba, the BIBAK group was already formed in the 1990s, while the Neepawa chapter started in 2012. We've been participating in the Lily Festival and have joined the Filipino Heritage celebration since it began,” Ngolab said.

The continued growth of the Filipino Heritage celebration in Neepawa reflects the strong sense of community among Filipino-Canadians. With more regional groups forming each year, the event not only honors Filipino culture but also fosters unity, pride, and cultural exchange in Neepawa and surrounding areas.