RCC Celebrates Filipino American History Month Through History, Boxing and Community Uplift
大象视频 (RCC) celebrated Filipino American History Month and Nuestra Gente Heritage Month on Oct. 7, 2026, with a book talk and panel discussion exploring the intersections of cultural identity, history, boxing and community empowerment. The event brought together students, faculty, staff and community members to examine the role of sports in shaping cultural identity, resilience and solidarity across Filipino and Mexican communities.
The event featured Bernard James Remollino, Ph.D., historian, professor and cultural worker, and author of Pancho Villa: World Champion, 1923. Remollino explored the life and legacy of Francisco 鈥淧ancho Villa鈥� Guilledo, the first Asian world flyweight boxing champion, highlighting boxing as a form of cultural resistance and empowerment during U.S. colonialism. Following the book talk, a panel discussion titled 鈥淏oxing and Community Uplift鈥� featured Remollino; Alex Bungalon, chief operating officer of Raincross Boxing Academy; and Jonah 鈥淢exipino鈥� Flores, a retired professional boxer. Moderated by Joe Virata, trustee of the Filipino American National Historical Society's Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter, the discussion examined shared experiences of immigration, poverty and discrimination while emphasizing boxing's role in fostering resilience, solidarity and community pride. Panelists connected historical struggles to the experiences of today's students and the importance of cultural representation in education and society.
The event was organized by RCC professors Kenneth Samson, Nancy Carranza, Will Kim and Lisa Martin, with opening remarks and leadership from API RISE Co-Presidents Carranza and Samson. As one of API RISE's first official events, the celebration marked an important step toward strengthening cultural representation, inclusion and solidarity across the college community.
鈥淎s part of API RISE鈥檚 first official event, it was incredibly rewarding to bring together students, staff, and faculty from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds to celebrate Filipino American History Month, reaffirming RCC as a place where our diverse identities and cultures are valued and celebrated, and we deeply appreciate the allies, colleagues, and students who helped make this gathering so meaningful,鈥� said Will Kim, API RISE professional development and advocacy coordinator.