Cultural Arts

Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA) – Arts and Culture Program: Bayanihan Creative Collective

The Victoria Filipino Canadian Association (VFCA), founded in 1969, has long held arts and culture as central to its mission of preserving and promoting Filipino heritage in Victoria. In response to the growing number of Filipino-Canadian professional artists and to better organize creative work, VFCA, in partnership with Bayanihan Cultural and Housing Society (BCHS), established the Bayanihan Creative Collective (BCC) — an umbrella arts and culture program that unites three artistic strands: dance, music, and theatre.

Through BCC, the VFCA provides structured opportunities to celebrate and share Filipino culture, educate second and third-generation Filipino Canadians, and build bridges with the broader Victoria community.

Key program strands and activities:

Sampaguita Dance

Active since 1976, it offers free weekly folk dance classes to children, youth, and adults every Sunday at the Philippine Bayanihan Community Center, Victoria, BC. Currently, there are two Sampaguita groups:

Sampaguita Dance Troupe, led and taught by Daisy Breuer, focuses on various Philippine folk dances and performs at major events like the annual Mabuhay: Celebrating Philippine Culture festival, Victoria Day Parade, Folktoria, Greek Festival, and community celebrations.

Sampaguita Dance (Advanced),

trains not only in Philippine traditional dances but also in contemporary dances, including dance theatre. Notable performances include the well-acclaimed Balikbayan: Reconnecting with our Filipino Roots, Paghimugso: a Pre-Christmas Gala and Maria Cacao: Ang Pagbawi directed by Jean Graciela Peñola.

Teachers and choreographers of the group are Jean and Geoffrey Peñola, Clarissa Mijares, Kaye Abellana and Arnel Bongcasan.

Sampaguita Kids Dancers

A special segment of VFCA Sampaguita Dance, the Sampaguita Kids Dancers, focuses on children aged 5–12. Through fun and engaging sessions, young dancers learn traditional Filipino dances, develop rhythm and coordination, and gain confidence performing in front of audiences. They regularly showcase their skills at community events alongside the senior dance troupe, nurturing early appreciation for Filipino culture and arts. Clarissa “Issa” Mijares teaches Sampaguita Kids.

Himig Filipino Choir

Officially formed in 2022 and led by Ruby Tiburcio, it currently holds weekly rehearsals and performs Filipino folk and contemporary music. The group’s first concert was in December 2023, Himig Pasko at the Bayanihan Cultural Arts Studio.
Featured in Balikbayan: Reconnecting with our Filipino Roots, Paghimugso: a Pre-Christmas Gala, Mabuhay festival, and seasonal concerts that highlight Filipino musical heritage.

Kalinangan Theatre Group

Conducts theatre arts workshops and produces staged readings of Filipino plays. Past performances include Nicolas Pichay’s Lapu-Lapu and Malou Jacob’s Pepe, both directed by Francis Matheu.

Special Youth and Children’s Programming

Includes the Summer Youth Camp exploring Philippine literature, games, and cooking; seasonal events like Easter egg hunt, Halloween, and Christmas parties featuring crafts, role-playing, and cultural storytelling.
Programs aim to help youth navigate settlement challenges, connect with heritage, and build confidence.

Who? (Participants and beneficiaries)

BCC benefits the Filipino-Canadian community and the wider Victoria public.

Weekly dance, choir, and theatre programs serve about 50–60 active participants (children, youth, adults).
Large stage productions (like Balikbayan: Reconnecting with our Filipino Roots, Paghimugso, and Maria Cacao) involve up to 100 performers and crew, reaching audiences of 200–2,000.
The annual Mabuhay festival alone gathered over 3,000 attendees in 2024.
Children and youth workshops average 30–50 participants.
Program delivery supported by professional artists, volunteer trainers, and parents.

When? (Frequency and schedule)

Weekly: Dance classes every Sunday (kids, youth, adults); choir rehearsals.
Annual: Mabuhay festival (June), Victoria Day parade (May), Summer Youth Camp (August), seasonal concerts and cultural showcases.
Seasonal: Theatre workshops and staged readings.
In the past 12 months, BCC delivered over 50 dance classes, 40 choir sessions, 2 major productions, 1 youth camp, and several workshops and festival performances.

Where? (Location)

Regular training at the Bayanihan Cultural Arts Studio (Philippine Bayanihan Community Centre)
Larger productions are staged at venues like Dave Dunnet Theatre or Belfry Theatre; festivals are typically at Centennial Square.