Rising Together: How Two Filipino-Owned Businesses Strengthened Our Community Through Generosity and Resilience
When adversity strikes, a true community must come together to show unity, resilience and support. In Downtown New West we are proud to say that community-spirit isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life, and two Filipino-owned businesses have shown what it means to rise through challenging times, leading with generosity, hope, and solidarity.
To support victims affected by the tragic event that happened at the Lapu Lapu Festival, on April 26, in Vancouver, Cake it Easy and Barkada Hair & Studio set fundraising initiatives that have inspired a movement grounded in compassion, creativity and Filipino pride. These local businesses are proving that even in the most difficult times, community can be the most powerful force of all.
Cake It Easy: Baking for a Cause
At Cake It Easy, founder Diana Silva brings more than just sweetness to the table, she brings soul. Inspired by the rich values of Filipino culture—family, faith, food, and resilience—Diana has poured her heart into both her desserts and her community.
“Food is an important value in Filipino culture. At Cake It Easy, we incorporate our roots by infusing ube in our cakes and desserts. But beyond that, it’s about making people feel like they belong.”
For Diana, being part of a like minded community such as Downtown New West, that works together as opposed to competing, brings a sense of belonging. One of the most important aspects to her is relying on each other's support to continue moving forward, but also to share resources to also enable others to grow.
That spirit of belonging led Cake It Easy to launch a fundraising campaign, in which all the proceeds would go to the victims of the Lapu Lapu Festival. She partnered with La Vie Est Belle Label to create shirts customized with the Filipino flag, collaborated with Gigil Clothing to sell special merchandise, and sold $5 cupcakes at her stores, helping raise nearly $5,000.
Although the shirts and cupcakes campaigns have wrapped, merchandise are still available for purchase at Gigil Clothing. Cake It Easy also continues to donate cupcakes through partnerships like The Meal Train and Tahanan Studio, ensuring their support doesn’t stop when the headlines fade.
“Community is everything. It’s not about how big your contribution is—it’s about showing up for each other.”
Barkada Hair & Studio: More Than Just a Makeover
On Front Street, Carlo Fortin and Jay Gatcho, co-owners of Barkada Hair & Studio, are proving that creativity and community go hand-in-hand. The word Barkada means a close group of friends—and their studio lives up to that name every day.
“If there was only one word to describe Filipinos, we believe it would be: generous. Generosity is the basis of our people’s actions. At Barkada, we practice this by providing a space where people can express their passion and connect. We love to make everybody feel welcome, whether they’re here for a haircut, a photoshoot, or just a place to chill.”
To support Lapu Lapu victims, Barkada has committed 100% of the proceeds from their merchandise, hair products, and photo sessions to the cause. The response has been overwhelming. Not only have they sold nearly all of their merch, but they’ve welcomed a wave of new visitors—many from outside of New Westminster—drawn by their mission.
And this is just the beginning. Carlo and Jay hope to use their studio as a platform for future community events, including potlucks, karaoke nights, and meet-and-greets that celebrate local culture and creativity.
“It doesn’t take much to be a good person. Love one another, listen to each other, grow with each other. That’s the true essence of what it means to be Barkada.”
Resilience in Action: A Community That Cares
Cake It Easy and Barkada Hair & Salon are proof that small businesses can make a massive impact, when they lead with heart. Their efforts reflect the strength of the Filipino spirit and the tight-knit fabric of Downtown New West, where community truly means showing up for one another.
According to Diana, Cake It Easy’s business neighbours wanted to buy her shirts as soon as they heard about the campaign.
“New West is the oldest city in Western Canada. Its roots go deep, and its people are strong. We’re proud to be part of its history—and its future.”
Resilience in Action: A Community That Cares
Resilience is intrinsic to Filipino culture, history, and generations of people who have strived and continue to strive to achieve their goals and a better life. For owners Carlo and Jay, the continuing resilience and dedication, which started with their parents migrating to Canada to give their families a better life, is the fuel that keeps them going.
“The practice of hustle is a never ending journey for us. We overcome challenges by adapting and experimenting while staying true to our beliefs.”
Moving forward, Carlo and Jay hope that the spirit of generosity continues to soar in Downtown New West and other communities. They hope that other people feel inspired and see that the simplest things can make a big impact. Sometimes, it just takes one little tweak in operation or a shift of mindset to help in a big way.
The same feeling is shared by business owner, Diana. She hopes that her campaign has shed a light to the awareness that small businesses can make a big impact when they work together. Because, when we lift each other up, we all grow stronger as a community.
“Resilience isn’t just about getting back up after a fall, it’s about lifting others up with you. The Filipino community will always get back up. We struggle, we fight, we push to the extent of what we can for the people we love and our tribe. Even if we get tired or hurt, WE will keep going.”
For the long-term, Cake It Easy’s goal is to keep working as a bridge to bring people together. Whether it is through charity collaborations, pop-up markets, or cultural events, Diana wants her desserts to be more than just food, but a conversation starter about resilience, culture, and community. She also looks forward to mentoring and partnering with other small businesses. Building these authentic connections is what keeps Cake It Easy’s family motivated and grounded.
How You Can Help
When we talk about Downtown New West, it’s hard not to think about the rich cultural diversity that shapes our community and makes it a special place to live, work and enjoy life at its fullest. It’s up to each one of us, as members of this important neighbourhood, to continue supporting and highlighting local businesses, which are crucial pillars of our community’s continued economic and cultural development.
How can you support Cake it Easy, Barkada Hair & Studio, and all the incredible businesses in Downtown New West?
Choose local: Buy local products and services
Spread the word: Share their stories, mission, and offers with friends and family, follow them on social media, and review them online.
Volunteer and donate: There are many special causes that the businesses in our neighbourhood support. Reach out to them to learn how you can be part of the change.
Simply stop by: Talk to business owners and let them know their efforts matter. Words of kindness go a long way.
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