Global Awareness

Global Awareness 2026: A Focus On Asia

Wednesday, March 25, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

This year’s event will feature the personal and family story of Ian Varquez, whose family comes from the Philippines. Ian works in information technology and serves as the Officer of Business and Sponsorship Development for the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation, or GRAPF.

Since 2017 GRAPF has held a lively festival, which takes place at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids, celebrating Asian-Pacific culture. Taking off from there, GRAPF has grown into a multi-faceted organization to promote its mission to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community where cultural awareness, economic empowerment, individual growth, and community education intersect.

Ian will share his family’s fascinating story of migrating to the U.S. from the Philippines and eventually settling in West Michigan, incorporating his personal experience growing up Filipino and how visiting the islands for family trips over the course his life has shaped his identity and experiences.

To further explore Filipino culture, next comes the fun activity of the day, where guests get to join in on Filipino culture themselves! Ian will first teach the audience members about a popular Filipino group game – then everyone gets to join in and play!

After the day’s event, don’t forget the early summer Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation annual festival, sponsored by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Friday June 12 and Saturday June 13 from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, taking place in Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids!

Also coming up, prior to the Global Awareness event is GRAPF’s NoodleFest 2026, taking place Sunday March 1 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, also in Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. This is a culture-spanning food event featuring noodles from Japanese ramen and Italian pasta to Pad Thai, Vietnamese pho, Caribbean-style noodle dishes, and everything in between, highlighting how one simple ingredient connects so many cultures. Come join for $6 Noodle Bowls from local vendors, vote for your favorite, enter the Spicy Noodle Challenge for a chance to win a prize, and enjoy the live entertainment throughout the event!

Also check out the great new Filipino restaurant affiliated with GRAPF, Adobo Boy, located at 4492 Plainfield Ave NE in the northern area of Grand Rapids!

Global Awareness 2026: A Focus on Asia will start with a panel of international MCC students sharing their experiences and answering your questions. We also feature MCC Instructors presenting on a wide range of Asian culture, art, history, and more.

And Food!

FULL DETAILS AND SCHEDULE COMING SOON!

If you have any questions, please contact Evin Rodkey, MCC Anthropology Instructor, at evin.rodkey@muskegoncc.edu.