ASHLE JUDD F. ALON / UV Intern
INSPIRED by Manny Pacquiao and the genuine joy of the Badjao community in Cebu City, Japanese MMA kickboxer Rukiya Anpo plans to support education and sports development for Filipino children.
His resolve stems from witnessing the joy of Filipinos during an outreach feeding program in the Badjao community in Alaska, Mambaling, Cebu City, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
Anpo, currently studying English in Cebu while recovering from a recent injury, shared through an interpreter that seeing the community’s happiness profoundly moved him.
“From today’s activity, I got this idea also from the influence of Manny Pacquiao’s legacy... hopefully in the future I can set up like a training or support facility,” Anpo said.
He believes every child has potential and that education and martial arts, particularly kickboxing, can open doors for the less fortunate.
Anpo draws inspiration from Pacquiao’s rise from humble beginnings, especially after their exhibition match last year. “Feeding the less fortunate is just the beginning. The most important step is education,” he stated, adding that food gives children “the energy to think for themselves and work hard.”
While his plans are evolving, Anpo hopes to establish a sports facility or a martial arts school for underprivileged children. His interest in the Badjao community, a marginalized indigenous group, was sparked by a Japanese YouTuber friend, Mr. Ikup. Seeing Filipino street children’s joy despite poverty affected him deeply.
“It was very different seeing them in person than on YouTube videos because it is something that we do not frequently see in Japan,” Anpo explained. “I got emotional and my heart is full... after seeing so many kids saying, ‘Arigato’ and ‘Thank you’ to me.” He found it a “very rare experience” and expressed deep gratitude to the Philippines.
The outreach was his second charitable activity, an idea he attributes to his 2024 exhibition fight with Pacquiao, which he associated with the Filipino spirit of giving back.
He also provided Jollibee meals, observing how a “simple piece of chicken makes them happy.” Anpo noted, “I really have observed, especially the children, look so happy and very contented with their lives, and that’s rare in Japan.”
Anpo, recovering from surgery, is using this time to improve his English, aiming for better global communication. He plans to resume training in two months and fight internationally.
“I want to go worldwide, just like Manny Pacquiao,” he said. He’s open to all opportunities, even including a fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Reflecting on his fight with Pacquiao last year, Anpo was content with the draw result. “Many people told me I should have won, but I have a lot of respect for Pacquiao,” he said while recalling Pacquiao’s powerful first punch. He called the fight “a wonderful and inspirational experience” that opened doors globally, increasing
his recognition.
While not seeking a rematch, Anpo views Pacquiao as a good friend and hopes to collaborate on future outreach. “I’m aware that Pacquiao is a politician, so I want to make use of that opportunity and connection to ask him if there’s anything else I can do to reach out to more Filipino people,” Anpo concluded, also expressing full support for Pacquiao’s upcoming bout against Mario Barrios.