Bandits Honor Filipino Community With Heritage Jerseys

The Vancouver Bandits basketball team unveiled a special jersey and logo on Monday that celebrates Filipino culture while raising money for families affected by tragedy.

The new design will make its debut this Saturday when the Bandits host the Saskatchewan Rattlers at Langley Events Centre. The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm.

The colorful jerseys feature red, yellow and blue — the national colors of the Philippines — along with traditional symbols and patterns. A portion of sales from the jerseys and T-shirts will go to support those impacted by the tragic events at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival in April.

For basketball fans in Langley, where the Filipino community has grown significantly in recent years, the initiative represents a meaningful way to show support for their neighbors while enjoying professional basketball at the Langley Events Centre.

The special Filipino Celebration Game on June 28 will include cultural performances, Filipino food, and entertainment that brings together sports and community in a powerful way.

A Jersey That Tells a Story

Local fashion designer Edmond Santelices created the eye-catching design by hand, drawing inspiration from his childhood in the Philippines and the deep cultural traditions of his homeland.

The Vancouver-based designer, who runs ES Fashion Design Studio and the fashion brand Varsant, spent hours researching indigenous Filipino tattoo patterns and folklore to create something truly special.

"The jersey and logo celebrates community and shows that Filipino people are strong. It creates a sense of belonging," Santelices explained. "When I grew up in the Philippines, people would just play around the basketball court; it is all about family gathering together, enjoying their time and playing a sport that we all love."

The logo transforms the Bandits' familiar fox mascot with elements from Filipino folklore.

Look closely and you'll spot crocodile teeth, snake tongues, and scorpions — all important animals in traditional Filipino stories.

A traditional sailing vessel called a vinta appears in the design, along with a red bandana that honors Lapu-Lapu, a Filipino folk hero who defended his people against colonial forces centuries ago.

"When it came to designing the jersey and logo, I really wanted to go back to our roots," Santelices said. "I wanted to know the original people of the Philippines and how we used to classify ourselves. Many of the details are inspired by the different types of indigenous Filipino tattoos."

The side panels of the jersey feature intricate patterns that represent love, family and unity — values that resonate deeply in Filipino culture. The country's iconic sun symbol appears throughout the uniform in a repeating pattern, creating a design that's both beautiful and meaningful.

More Than Just a Game

For the Bandits, this isn't just about basketball or selling merchandise.

The organization recognizes the important role that the Filipino community plays in the region's cultural and economic life. Team president Dylan Kular emphasized that the jersey represents a deeper commitment to inclusion and community building.

"This jersey and logo is more than just a uniform — it is a celebration of culture, community and connection," Kular said. "The Filipino community has played a major role in shaping the energy and heartbeat of Bandits Basketball and this jersey is a tribute to their passion, pride and love for the game."

The timing of this initiative is especially significant.

The jerseys include a black stripe on the left shoulder with the word "KAPWA" — a Filipino term that describes the experience of community, interconnectedness and shared humanity. This serves as a tribute to victims of the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival in Vancouver this past April.

RJ Aquino, Chair of Filipino BC, expressed gratitude for the gesture. "Our love of basketball extends beyond just the game, this sport has had the power to bring us closer to our community through celebrations, losses and even now in times of grief," Aquino said.

"We are grateful to the Vancouver Bandits for honouring those we've lost and for making space for those affected to gather and heal."

Supporting the Community Through Sports

The fundraising aspect of this initiative will make a real difference for families in need. Money raised through jersey and T-shirt sales will be split between the United Way BC KAPWA STRONG Fund and the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Appeal.

Both organizations are providing crucial support to those affected by April's tragedy.

Fans can purchase the special jerseys and logo T-shirts in adult and youth sizes online or at ATO Basketball Merchants in Langley.

By buying these items, supporters aren't just getting team merchandise — they're contributing to community healing and support.

The Filipino Celebration Game has become an annual tradition for the Bandits, drawing large crowds and creating an atmosphere that goes beyond typical basketball entertainment.

Last year's inaugural event was so successful that the team expanded this year's celebration to include even more cultural elements.

A Night of Culture and Basketball

Saturday's game promises to be a feast for all the senses.

Before tip-off at 7 p.m., fans can enjoy a pre-game buffet featuring Filipino-inspired dishes. The entertainment lineup includes a dance performance by PhilCAS of BC before the game and a halftime show featuring Filipino-Canadian R&B artist Mikey Jose.

These cultural celebrations matter deeply to the thousands of Filipino families who call the Lower Mainland home.

Many work in healthcare, hospitality, and other essential services that keep our communities running. The basketball court becomes a gathering place where different generations can come together, just as Santelices remembered from his youth.

The game is presented by Westland Insurance, Guildford Town Centre and Fix Auto, showing that local businesses also recognize the importance of supporting cultural diversity and community initiatives.

Building Bridges Through Basketball

Professional sports teams have unique power to bring communities together and shine a spotlight on important causes. The Bandits' Filipino Celebration Game does both, creating a space where cultural pride meets athletic excellence.

For the Filipino community, seeing their flag's colors on a professional team's jersey sends a powerful message of belonging and recognition. For other fans, it's an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes the region special.

"We're proud to wear the colours not only as a symbol of representation, but as a commitment to creating space and opportunity for Filipino youth, families and leaders to feel seen, celebrated and empowered," Kular added.

The initiative also highlights how sports can help communities heal from tragedy. By dedicating proceeds to support those affected by the Lapu Lapu Day Festival events, the Bandits are using their platform to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

As Saturday's game approaches, the new jerseys serve as a reminder that basketball is about more than points and victories.

It's about community, culture, and coming together to support one another through good times and bad. When the Bandits take the court in their special Filipino heritage jerseys, they'll be wearing the hopes and dreams of an entire community on their backs.

Tickets for the Filipino Celebration Game are still available for those who want to be part of this special evening where sports, culture, and community support come together under one roof.