In the Philippines, there’s a term, called bayanihan, that lies at the heart of the Southeast Asian nation’s rich culture. Loosely translating to “a spirit of cooperation,” it’s a concept best exemplified in a particular historical custom: In the past, when a family moved, the entire neighbourhood would band together to, quite literally, lift their house and carry it to its new location.
“In Filipino culture, we help each other to do anything. When we do parties, no one leaves until the place is cleaned up,” said Hannyliz Villafuerte.
It’s that strong sense of community and cooperation that inspired Villafuerte to create Barangay Sea to Sky, the corridor’s first registered Filipino non-profit society. The group’s aim, Villafuerte explained, is to create a deeper sense of belonging and promote Filipino culture and representation locally.
“We want to keep our culture because it’s what makes Filipinos very unique and happy almost all of the time—because we know we belong to somebody,” she said.
Like many tourism destinations around the world, Filipinos have a strong presence in Whistler, making up roughly four per cent of the resort’s population and more than a third of the community’s total visible minorities, according to the 2021 census. Yet, because they frequently work in behind-the-scenes service jobs, local Filipinos’ many contributions to the community can go overlooked, a consequence of being a part of what the Whistler Multicultural Society has called Whistler’s “invisible immigrant” class.
“I’m really hoping that by being very present in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton, and presenting our best selves, we will inform and create awareness for our neighbours that this is who we are,” said Villafuerte. “When people know who you are, they won’t treat you differently. That’s the hope.”
Villafuerte, who organized Whistler’s first Philippines Independence Day celebration in 2023, said Barangay Sea to Sky will host cultural events, social gatherings, and activities that celebrate Filipino heritage and foster camaraderie among its members. The group will also play an advocacy role, with a particular focus on combating racism and nurturing inclusivity in the corridor.
“When we belong, we feel happy and function better. Local Filipinos will be more happy to work and stay here if they feel there is a group they can run to when they need anything.” Villafuerte said.
Another mission for the society is to get a better understanding of just how large the Filipino community is in the Sea to Sky.
“Most of the Filipinos living in Pemberton and Squamish are working in Whistler. That’s why the scope of this society reaches out to those two towns—because we are so interconnected,” Villafuerte said. “That’s also the reason why we are doing this formal organization: We want to keep track of who is where, what they are doing—and also for [job] protection. We want to know they are well taken care of, paid well, all of that stuff.”
Previously, the local Filipino community has organized events under the Whistler Multicultural Society banner. Formalizing as a society “gives us the capacity to raise funds for the community, as well as make more events that can cultivate Filipino culture, especially for those who were born here,” Villafuerte said. “They don’t always get to experience how it is to be a Filipino, that spirit, that vibe.”
The Filipino spirit will be on full display Friday, Jan. 10 when Barangay Sea to Sky hosts its first official fundraising event at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Featuring a prize raffle, dinner, dancing, and live music from The Groove Section, the event will also see the induction of the society’s inaugural members. Tickets are $65 for adults, $35 for kids ages six to 12, and free for anyone under five. RSVP to Arnold Marasigan at [email protected].
Everyone, Fiipino or otherwise, is welcome.
“We would love to show this event to our neighbours,” Villafuerte said.
Learn more on the Barangay Sea to Sky page on Facebook.
