For Filipinos in Shediac, Acadian pride and perseverance are a taste of home

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const gi_content = ` series: true [content] :skip ****** series box ****** :endskip [.slide] type: series [] :skip ****** diptych ****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych mobile-aspect-ratio: 3-2 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 map: [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-1sm.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-1lg.jpg caption-1: credit-1: audio-1: audio-1-label: true audio-1-description: photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-2sm.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-2lg.jpg caption-2: credit-2: audio-2: audio-2-label: true audio-2-description: [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] Sure, it’s a nickname the town gave itself, but “Lobster Capital of the World” has such a nice ring to it, a well-earned title that folks around here hold onto with pride. Tucked along the southeastern shore of New Brunswick, Shediac is an Acadian town that sits on traditional Mi’kmaq territory. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-3sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-3lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-3xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: true fullscreen-desktop: true mobile-aspect-ratio: 2-3 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: Festivalgoers share a feast at La Grande Table, a signature event of the annual Shediac Lobster Festival. credit: audio: audio-label: audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych ****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych mobile-aspect-ratio: 3-2 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 map: [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-4sm.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-4lg.jpg caption-1: The Acadian flag is an emblem of enduring survival at the National Acadian Day parade, also known as "Tintamarre." credit-1: audio-1: audio-1-label: true audio-1-description: photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-5sm.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-5lg.jpg caption-2: credit-2: audio-2: audio-2-label: true audio-2-description: [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] Hearing the local chiac spoken around and seeing the Acadian flags hung from porches for Acadian Day celebrations, you can feel the strong cultural pride. [] [.+paragraphs] “It is a day to celebrate the strength, beauty, resiliency and joy of the Acadian people — and all who want to celebrate that are welcomed!” said participant Claire Kelly. [] [] [] :skip ****** standalone text ****** :endskip [.slide] type: text [.text] [.+paragraphs] After refusing to sign an oath of allegiance to Britain in the 18th century, Acadians were forcefully shipped away from their homes on the east coast, leading to thousands of deaths and a massive diaspora whose survival is celebrated every Aug. 15. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-6sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-6lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-6xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 1-1 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: The 18th-century deportation and escape of the Acadians is rendered in stained glass at Notre Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral, Moncton. credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] I’m not an expert on Acadian history, but I do know what it feels like to hold on to your culture with both hands. To keep speaking your language even when people don’t understand it. To find comfort in the maritime way of life. To be loud and proud of your identity. That’s something all of us Filipinos understand, too. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-7sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-7lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-7xl2.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: true mobile-aspect-ratio: 2-3 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] We’ve carried our culture across oceans and into various unfamiliar places to preserve our identity and keep alive our food, language, noise, and pride. Similar to the Acadians, we know what it means to stay visible, even when the world tries to quiet you down. [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych ****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych mobile-aspect-ratio: 3-2 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 map: [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-8sm.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-8lg.jpg caption-1: Richard Rivera stir-fries beef in the kitchen of Kainan Restaurant, Shediac. credit-1: audio-1: audio-1-label: true audio-1-description: photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-9sm.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-9lg.jpg caption-2: credit-2: audio-2: audio-2-label: true audio-2-description: [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] In Shediac, the Filipino community is a slow but steady-growing presence, from our work at the local fisheries that run the town to the small restaurants we’ve opened for everyone to enjoy. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-10sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-10lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-10xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 1-1 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] “The community has been so welcoming and eager to try our dishes and that’s inspiring,” said Grace Ombao of Kainan, a restaurant whose name in Tagalog means “a shared space to gather and eat.” [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-11sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-11lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-11xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 2-3 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: A child wears a baro't saya (traditional Filpino outfit) on Filipino Independence Day at Pascal-Poirier Park, Shediac. credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-12sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-12lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-12xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 2-3 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] Like many diasporas, most of us didn’t plan to end up here. When I moved to New Brunswick thirteen years ago, I didn’t see many Filipinos around. But we arrived one by one, and somehow this small Acadian town just happened to be the right place where we stayed. Little by little, our community began to come together. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-13sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-13lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-13xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 1-1 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] The Philippines is an archipelago with an abundance of maritime culture, layered with complex diasporic history. Way before our islands had names written by our colonizers, we followed the sea. It defined how we lived, how we reached each other. So, ending up on another coastline, even half a world away, we feel a sense of familiarity. We brought our cultural celebrations, whether it’s Independence Day or simple gatherings that bring people together. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-14sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-14lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-14xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: false mobile-aspect-ratio: 1-1 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] Becoming part of any town takes time. For me, what makes it touching is how the locals have welcomed our presence with openness. I’ve seen a real relationship form over time, built slowly, from a simple willingness to see each other as neighbours rather than strangers. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-15sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-15lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-15xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: true mobile-aspect-ratio: 2-3 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] “Living in Shediac for 15 years, I’ve witnessed rising cultural exchanges that allow us to explore and learn from one another. I’m always moved when locals show curiosity about Filipino culture. It gives me the chance to share my own stories and see how those exchanges leave an influence on the town. When I see that happening, I feel I’ve done my part as a leader of this community,” said Teresa Tugo, president of the Filipino community in Shediac. [] [] [] :skip ****** diptych ****** :endskip [.slide] type: diptych mobile-aspect-ratio: 3-2 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 map: [.diptych] photo-1-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-16sm.jpg photo-1-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-16lg.jpg caption-1: Joe Allain shows his daughter, Shania, and his wife, Teresa Tugo, the world’s first Acadian superhero, Acadieman, during a local Filipino gathering at John Lyons Park in Shediac. credit-1: audio-1: audio-1-label: true audio-1-description: photo-2-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-17sm.jpg photo-2-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-17lg.jpg caption-2: credit-2: audio-2: audio-2-label: true audio-2-description: [] [.text] [.+paragraphs] Cultural differences, instead of creating distance, have made room for both identities to stand side by side and grow something new in between. [] [] [] :skip ****** photo ****** :endskip [.slide] type: photo photo-sm: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-18sm.jpg photo-lg: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-18lg.jpg photo-xl: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-18xl.jpg fullscreen-mobile: false fullscreen-desktop: true mobile-aspect-ratio: 1-1 desktop-aspect-ratio: 3-2 caption: credit: audio: audio-label: true audio-description: [.text] [.+paragraphs] Despite being founded seas apart, Acadian and Filipino cultures are bound by a sense of perseverance, pride, and pakikisama (togetherness). Both are shaped by the sea, anchored by heritage, and carried through generations of music, food, and celebration, all with a certain je ne sais quoi that makes each one stand on its own. [] [.+paragraphs] There’s something defiant about expressing our love for our culture for everyone to see, shouting to the world that we’re here, and we’re not going anywhere. It goes beyond tradition. It’s resistance. [] [] [] :skip ****** photographer bio ****** :endskip [.slide] type: bio label: About the photographer photo: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/files/interactive/canada/features/photo-popup/stories/nb-filipino-acadian/photos/bontogon-bio.jpg photo-credit: Photo by Emma Beardsall bio: A graduate of Mount Allison University’s Fine Arts program, Ranz Bontogon is a documentary photographer born and raised in the narrow backstreets of Taguig City, Philippines. Now based in Moncton, he works on projects that explore the Filipino experience in the Maritimes. His photobook, Sa Pilipinas (In the Philippines), is an ode to Filipino life and the community close to his heart, though his friends and family just sum it up as, “That’s Ranz with a camera again.” [] :skip ****** credits ****** :endskip [.slide] type: credits [.+credits] Photography and story by Ranz Bontogon Editing by Lisan Jutras Photo editing by Solana Cain Digital presentation by Mackenzie Lad Visuals editing by Solana Cain and Liz Sullivan Interactive design and development by Christopher Manza [] [] [] `; !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r