Featured image: Filipino-Canadian family celebrating together across generations.
Celebrating the Heart of Filipino Families
September is a meaningful month for families across Canada. As children return to school and communities welcome the beginning of autumn, it is also a wonderful time to recognize the people who have helped shape our lives—our grandparents.
On September 13, 2026, Canada celebrated Grandparents’ Day, an occasion dedicated to recognizing the love, wisdom, and contributions of grandparents.
For Filipino families, grandparents, affectionately called Lolo and Lola, hold a special place in our hearts. They are more than family elders. They are storytellers, teachers, caregivers, and guardians of the traditions that connect generations.
At the Surrey Filipino Canadian Society of BC (SFCSBC), we recognize the importance of preserving Filipino heritage while strengthening family and community relationships in our adopted home of Canada.
The Important Role of Lolo and Lola in Filipino Culture
In the Philippines, strong family connections are deeply rooted in everyday life. Grandparents often play an important role in raising grandchildren, sharing family stories, teaching traditional values, and passing down cultural knowledge.
Many Filipino children grow up learning the importance of pagmamano, saying po and opo, and showing respect for elders. These simple but meaningful practices reflect values that have been preserved through generations.
For Filipino-Canadian families living in Surrey and throughout British Columbia, continuing these traditions helps younger generations remain connected to their Filipino identity.
Keeping Filipino Traditions Alive in Canada
Living abroad provides opportunities to experience new cultures while keeping our Filipino traditions alive.
Grandparents often help maintain this connection by teaching younger family members about their heritage through everyday activities. Whether preparing traditional dishes such as adobo, sinigang, or pancit, sharing stories about life in the Philippines, or speaking Filipino and other Philippine languages at home, these experiences create lasting memories.
For Canadian-born Filipino children, spending time with their grandparents can be an important way to understand their family history and cultural roots. These moments remind us that Filipino heritage is not only something we remember—it is something we continue to practice and share.
Bridging Generations Through Love and Understanding
Many Filipino families in Canada live across different generations, each with unique experiences. Older family members may have grown up in the Philippines, while younger generations experience life primarily in Canada.
Although lifestyles, languages, and traditions may differ, family connections provide an opportunity for mutual understanding and learning. Grandparents can share stories of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice, while younger generations introduce new ideas, technology, and perspectives.
Through open communication and shared experiences, families can bridge generational differences while maintaining the Filipino values of respect, unity, and compassion.
Celebrating Grandparents in Our Surrey Community
Grandparents’ Day reminds us that appreciating our elders should extend beyond a single occasion. Filipino-Canadian families can celebrate their grandparents in simple but meaningful ways:
- Spend quality time together through family gatherings or shared meals.
- Encourage children to listen to their grandparents’ stories about the Philippines.
- Prepare traditional Filipino dishes together.
- Teach younger generations Filipino words, expressions, and customs.
- Visit or call grandparents who live far away.
- Include seniors in cultural and community activities.
Even small acts of kindness and appreciation can create meaningful connections between generations.
Strengthening Filipino Community Connections
Beyond the family home, community organizations play an important role in bringing generations together.
The Surrey Filipino Canadian Society of BC is dedicated to connecting Filipino-Canadians, supporting newcomers, promoting cultural heritage, and strengthening relationships within the community.
By encouraging participation in community activities, cultural celebrations, and volunteer opportunities, we can help preserve the values that make Filipino culture unique. When younger and older generations come together, they create opportunities to share experiences, celebrate achievements, and build a stronger Filipino-Canadian community.
Moving Forward Together
As we reflect on September 2026, may we remember the invaluable contributions of our grandparents and elders. Their sacrifices, guidance, and unconditional love have helped shape countless Filipino families, both in the Philippines and abroad.
By respecting our elders, sharing our traditions, and strengthening family relationships, we ensure that future generations remain proud of their Filipino heritage.
At the Surrey Filipino Canadian Society of BC, we believe that our cultural identity grows stronger when generations stay connected.
Mabuhay ang ating mga Lolo at Lola! Mabuhay ang pamilyang Pilipino!
Together, let us continue celebrating the values of love, respect, unity, and bayanihan that make our Filipino community strong.