Social: Little Brown Dolls No More—Exhibition Reception

Little Brown Dolls No More: The Rise of Filipino Boxers in the Squared Circle pays reverence to Filipino boxers and their innovation to American boxing, a colonial import turned powerful expression of identity, resilience and resistance. The “little brown doll of the Philippines” was a patronizing nickname used by sports writers in the 1920s and 1930s to refer to Filipino boxers. The boxing ring or “the squared circle,” however, became a platform for these fighters to claim dignity, pride and visibility in the early twentieth century amid racial tensions and American empire expansion.

The opening reception will feature a cultural dance performance by Barangay Dance Company and will be followed by a conversation between Dr. Bernard James Remollino, author of Pancho Villa: World Champion 1923, and Emmanuel Rivera of the Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame, moderated by Mel Reyes, Filipino American Center Librarian.

Barangay Dance Company is a San Francisco-based Filipino folk dance organization, established in August 1987 by the company's late Founder and Artistic Director, Bonifacio Valera, Jr. Barangay's mission is to preserve the rich Filipino cultural heritage through the arts of Philippine folk dance and music. Through presenting, outreach and research, Barangay endeavors to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of Filipino culture and arts. Barangay offers FREE open rehearsals and beginner-friendly Summer Workshops for those who are looking for an introduction to Philippine folk dance. Most recently in 2025, Barangay Dance Company performed in Los Angeles as part of Malaya Filipino-American Dance Arts' KAPWA KALEIDOSCOPE showcase, and at KQED in celebration of Filipino American History Month.

Dr. Bernard James Remollino (He/They/Siya) is a 1.5-generation formerly undocumented immigrant from Makati, Philippines. They are a tenured Associate Professor of Asian American & Pacific American History at San Joaquin Delta College on the unceded ancestral land of the Yokuts, Plains Mi-Wuk, Patwin and Nisenan (Stockton, CA). His research focuses on Filipinx American popular culture, labor and migration during the early twentieth century. They write on Filipinx American histories, Asian American popular cultures and transpacific cultural imaginaries in the Philippine diaspora. Dr. Remollino is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt and also trains with the Bayanihan Boxing program on unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land (San Francisco, CA), where they collaborate with community organizers committed to global liberation through organizing, advocacy and the praxis of kuwentuhan.

The Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame was founded in Mactan, Cebu on April 17, 2020, and launched at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel on March 23, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Manila. It began as something personal — a small collection of curios and forgotten stories from the squared circle: old news clippings, worn gloves, issues of The Ring and scattered photographs. Over time, it grew into a living archive of Filipino boxing history. Guided by the memory and influence of Hermie Rivera and Jack Fiske, the work remains the same at its core — gather these stories, preserve them and tell them with care. To hold the memories and to honor those who came before us. We do this by building a lasting digital archive — with plans for future exhibitions — publishing original research and historical features, preserving and properly attributing photographs and artifacts, recognizing contributors through our Hall of Fame and working with families, historians and institutions to do it right. Through the years, many of the contributions of Filipino boxers have been forgotten. We aim to bring their stories, legends and legacy forward again — with care, respect and proper recognition.

Connect: 

BARANGAY Dance Company - Facebook | BARANGAY Dance Company - Instagram

Bernard James Remollino - Instagram

Philippine Boxing Historical Society and Hall of Fame - Website