Filipino chefs team up to raise funds for Lapu-Lapu Day victims

When tragedy struck Vancouver’s Filipino community during the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy that killed 11 people, Janice Quinto decided to help by doing what she does best: cook.

Quinto, head chef at Ono Vancouver, has teamed up with other Filipino chefs for a fundraiser in the form of a culinary experience.

“Food is everything to the collective at Ono Vancouver and also at home,” she said. “That is the way we express our love. How do we help people who are going through the roughest stuff right now?”

Rafael Racela, executive chef at Como Taperia, is part of the team.

“As someone who grew up in East Van, it felt a little too close to home,” Racela said.

“There are many families out there who are in need, struggling, and may not have the time to feed themselves, and that’s part of our job to help out with that.”

Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the Vancouver Filipino Chef Meal Train, which delivers meals to grieving families and residents impacted by the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy.

More than 2,000 meals have been delivered since the incident.

“A Night of Too Many Chefs” will be held at the Museum of Vancouver on July 3.