Vancouver Bandits Unveil New Logo and Jersey Ahead of 2025 Filipino Celebration Game

Bandits Staff • June 24, 2025

The Vancouver Bandits proudly unveiled Monday a new logo and alternate jersey celebrating Filipino culture, designed in collaboration with fashion designer Edmond Santelices and Filipino BC.


The custom, hand-drawn jersey and logo will be worn for the first time during the club's second-annual Filipino Celebration Game, presented by Westland Insurance, Guildford Town Centre and Fix Auto, which will be hosted on Saturday, June 28, when the Bandits host the Saskatchewan Rattlers at Langley Events Centre.


A percentage of proceeds of each jersey and logo t-shirt sold will be donated to the United Way BC KAPWA STRONG Fund and Canadian Red Cross 2025 Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Appeal. Adult and youth sizes of the jersey and logo t-shirt are available exclusively online or in-store at ATO Basketball Merchants in Langley.

SHOP JERSEYS SHOP T-SHIRT

“The jersey and logo celebrates community and shows that Filipino people are strong. It creates a sense of belonging,” said Santelices, who is the founder of Vancouver-based apparel manufacturing company ES Fashion Design Studio and fashion brand Varsant. “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.”


“When it came to designing the jersey and logo, I really wanted to go back to our roots. 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.”


Santelices’ hand drawn logo conveys cultural significance and features depictions of prominent animals in Filipino folklore, including crocodile teeth, snake tongues, and scorpions. Additional cultural references incorporated within the logo include imagery of a "Vinta," a traditional Philippine sailing vessel, and a red bandana emblazoned across the emblem which serves as a homage to Filipino folk hero, Lapu Lapu.


The reimagined jersey utilizes a colourway of red, yellow and blue, the national colours of the Philippines, and features a distinct side panel design. Continuing to draw inspiration from Indigenous Filipino tattoo motifs, the detailed pattern embodies themes of love, family and unity. Furthermore, the country's iconic sun symbol is prominently showcased in a repeating pattern around the uniform.


“This jersey and logo is more than just a uniform - it is a celebration of culture, community and connection. 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,” said Dylan Kular, team president of Vancouver Bandits. “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.”


The jersey will also honour the victims and those affected by the tragic events that occurred following the Lapu-vLapu Day Festival, which took place in Vancouver on April 26, 2025. A black stripe will be worn across the top left shoulder of the jersey and feature the word “KAPWA” displayed prominently, a term that describes the Filipino experience of community, interconnectedness and shared humanity.


“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,” said RJ Aquino, Chair of Filipino BC. “We are grateful to the Vancouver Bandits for honouring those we’ve lost and for making space for those affected to gather and heal.”


Back by popular demand, the highly anticipated June 28th game will include various  in-game entertainment and production activations designed to showcase the music, fashion, culture and cuisine of the Philippines, including a pre-game buffet featuring a Filipino-inspired menu, a pregame dance performance by PhilCAS of BC and halftime performance by Filipino-Canadian R&B artist Mikey Jose. Tickets for the game are on sale now at this link.

LATEST NEWS

Bandits Guard Jarkel Joiner Signs Exhibit 10 Contract With Charlotte Hornets

By Bandits Staff • September 4, 2026
Vancouver Bandits guard Jarkel Joiner has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media . During his time with the Bandits in the 2026 season, Joiner made 21 appearances, including 13 starts, and finished with 16.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.0 steals per games. Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Former Bandits Guard Kyle Mangas Signs Exhibit 10 Contract with Charlotte Hornets

By Bandits Staff • September 3, 2026
Former Vancouver Bandits guard Kyle Mangas has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The news was announced by the Hornets on social media. Mangas is expected to practice and compete with the Hornets during the 2026-27 Training Camp and preseason from October 3rd to 12th. During his time with the Bandits in the 2025 season, Mangas finished top five on the team in points (15.3), rebounds (4.6), assists (3.3) and steals (1.3). Introduced in the NBA’s 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement, Exhibit 10 contracts are one-year deals. They can include a potential bonus if the player spends time with the team’s G League affiliate.

Bandits Unveil Newly Refurbished Basketball Court in South Vancouver

By Bandits Staff • September 1, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits have partnered with the Vancouver Park Board, Bandits Community Foundation and Little Legends Foundation to unveil a newly renovated outdoor basketball court at Grays Park in South Vancouver. Part of the Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative, the team officially unveiled the refurbished court on Saturday (August 30). The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a free youth basketball clinic led by local coaches. Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary BBQ lunch, free haircuts and massages, and free backpacks and school supplies distributed for local youth. “The Bandits Community Foundation’s Court Projects initiative was designed to build and enhance public outdoor courts,” said Vancouver Bandits team president Dylan Kular. “The love for the game grows in spaces like Grays Park. This project would not have been possible without the support of our community partners. We will continue to enhance outdoor public courts, make them more inviting, and create stronger communities through basketball.” “Over the past few years, we have been trying to build one of the nicest courts here in South Vancouver for the community,” said community leader Spensir Sangara. “We recognized that Grays Park was one of the few neighbourhood parks without a quality basketball court for the community. Thank you to our businesses and donors who came together to make our vision a reality. This court is filled with a rich basketball culture and this is a legendary day for our community.” “When the Vancouver Bandits approached the Vancouver Park Board with the idea to upgrade this park, it seemed like the right fit and partner to help renew an important asset in a community where basketball plays such an important role,” said Vancouver Park Board Director of Business Services John Brodie. “Thank you to the Bandits and our partners for their generous contributions, and for being examples of what having a strong, community-oriented mission looks like.” The court refurbishment at Grays Park, located at 4850 St. Catherines Street in Vancouver, includes upgrades to the basketball hoops, playing area resurfacing and seating areas. Grays Park was identified as one of Vancouver’s most active outdoor basketball spaces, and community feedback strongly supported the refurbishment. Established in October 2023, the goal of Court Projects is to enhance outdoor basketball courts across British Columbia, creating productive and safe spaces for individuals to play while enriching local basketball at the community level. To date, this partnered team effort has featured the construction and installation of six brand new outdoor basketball courts and upgrading hundreds of basketball rims in communities across BC.​​

Vancouver Bandits Charity Golf Tournament Raises $130,000

By Bandits Staff • August 25, 2026
The Vancouver Bandits and Bandits Community Foundation have announced that its second-annual Bandits Golf Classic charity tournament raised over $130,000, with all proceeds supporting programs and initiatives that support and empower youth across British Columbia. Presented by BC Spray, the sold-out event brought together over 150 golfers, sponsors and volunteers to The Redwoods Golf Course in Langley on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The record setting total exceeds the $55,000 raised at last year’s tournament by over 136 per cent, with every dollar raised going toward providing vital tools, experiences, and support for youth to thrive. Supported by countless donors and sponsors, and additional funds raised through a 50/50 raffle and live auction, the tournament united local business leaders, community members, and team supporters for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and meaningful impact. "The Bandits Golf Classic has become a day people across this province circle on their calendar," said Dylan Kular, Vancouver Bandits team president. "We are honoured to work alongside the partners, donors and volunteers from every corner of the region who believe a kid's access to basketball should not come down to what their family can afford. We raised $130,000, which will go straight into programs that get young people across BC into the game of basketball who otherwise would not have had the chance." Beyond an enjoyable round of golf, the event featured friendly competitions and activations on the course, including a million dollar hole-in-one, closest-to-the-pin and longest-drive contests, complimentary food and beverage sampling from local businesses, pyrotechnics and performances by internationally-renowned magician Anmoldeep Singh, creating an atmosphere where players were able to unite in support of an important cause. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed valuable networking opportunities while also gaining insight into the Bandits Community Foundation's extensive efforts, programs and key initiatives, including: - Court Projects: Building and refurbishing outdoor basketball courts across BC - Bandits School Tour: Delivering cost-free basketball workshops and practice instruction to high school teams - Community Champion Initiative: Providing youth and families in need with the special experience of a Vancouver Bandits game - Indigenous Basketball Collective: A partnership with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council to foster opportunities for Indigenous players and coaches Established in 2024, the Bandits Community Foundation is a registered charitable organization dedicated to increasing life-time participation in the sport by providing more basketball for more people across British Columbia. The Bandits Community Foundation’s mission is centred on uplifting communities, one bucket at a time. The success of the second-annual Bandits Golf Classic would not have been possible without generous contributions from the sponsors, players and volunteers. The Bandits Community Foundation remains committed to giving back to the community and uplifting our youth, with planning already underway for next year’s tournament. Companies, golfers and sponsors interested in being involved can email info@banditsfoundation.ca for more information.

LATEST VIDEO

Full Game Highlights | Bandits at Saskatoon, 05/14/2026

By Bandits Staff • May 15, 2026
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Mamba on May 14, 2026.

A Message from Vancouver Bandits head coach Kyle Julius

By Bandits Staff • August 18, 2025
A message from Vancouver Bandits head coach and general manager Kyle Julius on the 2025 season and thoughts on the CEBL Western Conference Semifinal.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Calgary Surge (08/16/2025)

By Bandits Staff • August 16, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Calgary Surge on August 16th, 2025.

Full Game Highlights | Bandits vs. Winnipeg Sea Bears (08/03/2024)

By Bandits Staff • August 4, 2025
Highlights of the Vancouver Bandits against the Winnipeg Sea Bears on August 3rd, 2025.