Muskegon Community College (MCC) in Michigan will host “Global Awareness 2026: A Focus on Asia” on , from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event aims to foster cultural understanding and awareness of the Asian continent, a region of increasing global significance.
A central feature of this year’s program will be the personal story of Ian Varquez, whose family history is rooted in the Philippines. Varquez, who works in information technology, also serves as the Officer of Business and Sponsorship Development for the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation (GRAPF). His presentation will detail his family’s journey of migration from the Philippines to the United States, and their eventual settlement in West Michigan. He will share his experiences growing up as a Filipino-American, and how regular family visits to the islands have shaped his identity.
The GRAPF, established in 2017, initially gained prominence through its vibrant annual festival held at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. The festival celebrates the diverse cultures of the Asian-Pacific region. Over time, the organization has expanded its mission to promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and community education within the region.
Following Varquez’s presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Filipino culture through an interactive activity. Varquez will introduce a traditional Filipino group game, inviting the audience to participate and experience the cultural dynamic firsthand.
The broader “Global Awareness 2026” event will also include a panel discussion featuring international MCC students, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and answer questions from the audience. MCC instructors will present on a range of topics related to Asian culture, art, and history, offering a more academic perspective on the region. Free food will be available to attendees, while supplies last.
The event comes at a time of increasing global focus on Asia. The region is experiencing rapid economic growth, playing an increasingly important role in international trade, and geopolitics. Understanding the diverse cultures and histories of Asian nations is becoming ever more crucial for effective international relations and global citizenship.
The Philippines, in particular, presents a fascinating case study in cultural fusion. As noted by Britannica, Philippine society is a unique blend of diversity and homogeneity, strongly influenced by both its Southeast Asian geographic location and its long history of Euro-American cultural assimilation. Over 300 years of Spanish colonization left a lasting impact, introducing Catholicism and shaping the country’s governmental systems. This historical layering has created a complex cultural landscape, where traditional practices coexist with modern influences.
The future of Filipino culture, as highlighted by Geopinas.com, lies in navigating the challenges of globalization while preserving its unique heritage. Traditional festivals continue to be celebrated, often incorporating modern elements to appeal to younger generations. While Western trends exert influence, core values such as the importance of family and community remain deeply ingrained in Filipino society. The significant Filipino diaspora also plays a role, with overseas workers returning home with new perspectives and contributing to the ongoing cultural evolution.
Research from ResearchGate further emphasizes this dynamic interplay between tradition and change, describing the continuum of Filipino cultural identity as being shaped by both historical influences and contemporary global interactions. Maintaining cultural traditions is not without its economic challenges, making it vital to integrate local customs into the global arena.
The MCC event, offers a valuable opportunity to explore these complexities and gain a deeper understanding of Filipino culture within the broader context of Asia. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cultural awareness in an increasingly interconnected world.
Those with questions about “Global Awareness 2026: A Focus on Asia” are encouraged to contact Evin Rodkey, an Anthropology Instructor at MCC, at evin.rodkey@muskegoncc.edu.
