Danton Remoto’s Text as a Counter-Discourse Against Homophobic Consciousness (Teksto ni Danton Remoto bilang Kontra-Diskurso Laban sa Homopobikong Kamalayan)

Danton Remoto is known as one of the prominent writers who greatly contributed to Philippine gay literature. His texts may be considered as effective instruments for challenging and dismantling repressive homophobic consciousness that has been deeply rooted in our culture and society. Thus, selected texts by Remoto were examined as gay literature and as counter-discourse that presents metanarratives vis-à-vis the condemnation of prevailing homophobic consciousness in the Philippines. Using thematic and close reading approach in 16 selected essays from his three collections – Buhay Bading (2004), Rampa: Mga Sanaysay (2008) and Bright, Catholic, and – Gay (2011), four counter-discursive strategies were identified: 1) Hegemonic Oppressive Homophobic Ideology; 2) Humanization, and Strategy of Subverting Dominant Narratives; 3) Social Function and Competencies of Gays in Various Field; and 4) Reconceptualization of Gay Identity. This essay contributes to the expanding discourse on gay literature within cultural studies, queer studies, and Philippine Studies.   Kilala si Danton Remoto bilang isa sa mga tanyag na manunulat na may malaking ambag sa larang ng panitikang bakla sa Pilipinas. Maituturing ang kanyang mga teksto bilang mabisang kasangkapan upang hamunin, baligtarin, at buwagin ang mapanupil na homopobikong kamalayan na malalim nang naka-ugat sa ating kultura at lipunan. Kaya dinalumat ng papel na ito ang mga piling teksto ni Remoto bilang panitikang bakla at anyo ng kontra-diskurso na naglalahad ng mga metanaratibo hinggil sa pagkondena sa umiiral na homopobikong kamalayan sa Pilipinas. Sa tematikong dulog at malapitang pagbasa sa piling 16 teksto mula sa tatlong kalipunan ng sanaysay – Buhay Bading (2004), Rampa: Mga Sanaysay (2008) at Bright, Catholic, and – Gay (2011), nakabuo ng apat na kontra-diskursibong estratehiya ng manunulat: 1) Hegemonya ng Mapanupil na Homopobikong Ideolohiya; 2) Humanisasyon at Estratehiya ng Pagbaligtad sa Dominanteng Naratibo; 3) Panlipunang Gampanin at Kakayahan ng mga Bakla sa Iba’t Ibang Larangan; at 4) Rekonseptwalisasyon sa Identidad ng mga Bakla

bell hooks’ Sisterhood Model: An Integration of Religious Congregations and Women’s Advocacy in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Catholic religious sisters serve their communities as teachers, nurses, leaders, and companions, as a commitment to their chosen vocations. While their acts of service and charity is a sincere commitment to Gospel, their identities continue to be veiled and shaped by the enduring image of a Madonna: a symbol of womanhood inspired in the figure of Mary characterized by purity, chastity, obedience, and maternal devotion. This image, although revered, also places expectations on how sisters are seen and see themselves creating tension between ecclesial identity and public advocacy. This study explores how Filipino Catholic sisters reconcile traditional Marian ideas with emerging forms of feminist agency. Through the lens of bell hooks’ Sisterhood Model, and Luce Irigaray’s Strategic Essentialism, this research explores how religious sisters engage in this negotiation without fully abandoning their ecclesial identity. By employing a feminist power analysis, the study examines how power—expressed through formation systems, religious vows, and authority structures—shapes their roles and spiritual practices. The study utilizes qualitative interviews with two women from active religious congregations, centered in their lived experience as sites of institutional negotiation and feminist transformation. Findings show that these women viewed religious life as an awakening of consciousness with social concerns grounded on traditional symbols and doctrines, rather than as a life in seclusion

Design, Control and Implementation of Robotic Shoulder Girdle Using Electro Pneumatic System

The proponents used the concept of pneumatic actuators such as cylinders and rotary actuators to represent the muscles of human shoulder girdle. The pneumatic system is ideal in carrying heavy loads which need a great force to sustain. The proponents also used the directional solenoid valve to drive the pneumatic actuator’s motion. The valve has the ability to hold the air inside the cylinder because it traps the air from escaping the cylinder; thus, the proponents can maintain the position of the pneumatic actuator to achieve the desired angle of the robotic shoulder girdle. A wearable controller is also designed to measure the angle of DOF for the human movement. Through this the robot can mimic the different DOF movement of humans as well as providing enough force to carry the weight

Anatomy of Recto University: The Spatialization of Labor Production within the Document Forgery Industry (Anatomiya ng Recto University: Ang Pagsasaespasyo ng Produksyong Paggawa sa Industriya ng Document Forgery)

This paper examines the anatomy of the so-called “Recto University,” the informal and illegal industry of document forgery thriving along Recto Avenue in Manila. Using Henri Lefebvre’s Production of Space and his Spatial Triad spatial practice, conceived space, and lived space—the study analyzes how this space is produced, utilized, and imbued with meaning. It describes the dynamic operations among runners, masters, operators, clients, and even government actors to reveal the tensions between formal and informal, legal and illegal spaces. The paper further illustrates how Recto University emerges as a mechanism for survival amid limited economic opportunities and within a system that demands documented identity for employment and access to services. Ultimately, the analysis argues that Recto University is not merely a hub of illegality but a space produced through unequal power relations, marginalized economies, and social capital that binds together actors striving for livelihood and existence within the city.   Sinusuri ng papel na ito ang anatomiya ng tinaguriang “Recto University,” ang di-pormal at ilegal na industriyang nakasentro sa pamemeke ng mga dokumento sa kahabaan ng Recto Avenue sa Maynila. Gamit ang lente ni Henri Lefebvre sa Production of Space at ang kanyang Spatial Triad—espasyong hayag (spatial practice), representasyon ng espasyo (conceived space), at kahulugan ng espasyo (lived space)—tinalakay ang paraan ng paglikha, paggamit, at pagbibigay-kahulugan sa espasyong ito. Inilarawan ang dinamikong kalakaran sa pagitan ng mga “runner,” “master,” operator, kliyente, at maging ng mga aktor mula sa pamahalaan upang maipakita ang tensyon sa pagitan ng pormal at di pormal, legal at ilegal na espasyo. Ipinakita rin kung paanong nalilikha ang Recto University bilang mekanismo ng pagsasalba o survival sa gitna ng kawalan ng oportunidad at istrukturang humihingi ng dokumentadong identidad para sa pagpasok sa trabaho at akses sa mga serbisyo. Sa huli, ipinapakita ng pag-aaral na ang Recto University ay hindi simpleng pugad ng ilegalidad, kundi isang espasyong produkto ng hindi pantay na kapangyarihan, marhinalisadong ekonomiya, at social capital na bumubuklod sa mga aktor na patuloy na nagnanasa ng kabuhayan at pag-iral sa lungsod

Winnowing: Doing Filipino Philosophy (Pagtatahip: Doing Filipino Philosophy)

This paper explains that the way Filipinos were molded cause paradoxes and ambiguities in the way we philosophize. It is then necessary to do pagtatahip (to winnow, as a way of nuancing) for a Filipino Philosophy. This is evident in the philosophical elucidation in the concept of loob by Fr. Alejo In this kind of nuancing, it is evident that Filipino concepts are not outrightly contradictory and not just deliberate acceptance of contradictories. The concept winnowed allows constructing a liberating Philosophy appropriate for a Filipino Philosophy.   Pinapaliwanag sa papel na ito na ang pagkakahubog ng mga Pilipino ang nagdudulot ng kabalintunaan at kalabuan sa ating pamimilosopiya. Kaya naman dapat magtahip para sa isang Pilosopiyang Pilipino. Nakita ito sa pilosopikong pagpapaliwanag sa konsepto ng loob ni Pr. Alejo. Sa pagtatahip, makikitang hindi naman tahasang magkasalungat ang mga konsepto ng mga Pilipino at hindi rin naman pagtanggap lamang ng magkasalungat

Learning Spaces, Others and Self: The “I—Learning” Experience of Philosophy Students in Achieving Learning Competencies in a Pandemic

Academic programs set learning competencies as essential standards to ensure that students acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and values. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) prescribed the competencies for the AB Philosophy Program through CMO No. 26 s. 2017, which includes the ability to demonstrate critical and logical thinking, construct cogent arguments, engage analytically and interpretively with philosophical texts, develop research and academic writing skills, apply philosophical theories to concrete situations, and critically evaluate the essence of philosophical learning in relation to the True, the Good, and the Just. However, the teaching-learning process was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns on students’ capacity to achieve the program mandated learning competencies. Given the limited research, there is a need to understand how philosophy students achieve learning competencies during the pandemic. This study used a phenomenological lens to characterize the lived experiences of Bicol University philosophy students (n=13), aged 21-23, on distance learning during the pandemic. Based on their narratives, this study characterized the “I—Learning” experience, which is composed of a triadic theme: a) I—Learning Spaces, b) I—Thou Learning, and c) I—I (self) Learning. This characterization highlights\ the interdependent and relational act of meaning-making of the “I” (philosophy student) to their learning spaces, others (educators, family, peers), and the “self” that explains how they confront their lived realities to thrive during the pandemic. The findings of this study also provide practical insights for developing a learning system that is both responsive and adaptive during periods of disruption, such as the COVID-19 pandemic

Comparative Analysis of the Aesthetic Experience Offered by Koreanovelas and Filipinovelas According to Filipino Viewers (Komparatibong Analisis sa Estetikong Danas na Hatid ng Koreanobela at Filipinobela ayon sa mga Pilipinong Manonood)

The paper highlights a thorough discussion of the vast influence and prominence of Korean dramas (Koreanobela) in the Philippines, which has become a central focus among critics in the discourse of film and television. Their rise in popularity has fostered an appreciation for both local and foreign spaces that continue to shape and influence Filipino culture. Although the importation of films from Latin American countries—an influence rooted in Spanish colonization—is not new in the Philippines, the unparalleled appeal of Korean dramas in capturing the attention of Filipino audiences cannot be denied. To identify the reasons behind this fascination, the researcher compared the aesthetic qualities of Koreanobela and Filipinobela. The study aimed to examine their similarities and differences in the context of film using Patrick D. Flores’ six elements of cinema: film, screenplay, cinematography and visual design, editing, sound, and performance. These elements bring beauty, vibrancy, and appeal to the viewers. The study employed the Focus Group Discussion method with six (6) participants who have been long-time viewers and avid fans of Korean dramas for over a decade. Findings revealed the deep-seated reasons for the continuous presence and dominance of Koreanobela in the Philippines, categorized as follows: (1) realistic narrative and setting, (2) artistry in scriptwriting, (3) technical and visual design, (4) engaging cliffhangers, (5) use of original soundtracks (OST), and (6) artistry in characterization. This paper seeks to contribute to the field of film and television by broadening the understanding of viewing as a cultural experience.   Tampok sa papel na ito ang masusing pagtalakay sa papalaking espasyo ng Koreanobela sa Pilipinas na siyang tuon ng maraming kritiko sa usapin ng pelikula at/o palabas. Ang kanilang pagsikat sa larangan ng pampanitikang pelikula ay nakalilikha ng panibagong pagpapahalaga sa pagtanaw ng lokal at dayuhang espasyo na kasalukuyang bumabahid sa kultura ng Pilipinas. Bagaman hindi na bago sa Pilipinas ang pag- angkat ng mga pelikula mula sa mga bansang Latino-Amerika na malapit sa mga Pilipino dulot nang matagal na pananakop ng mga Kastila, hindi maitatanggi ang kakaibang lakas ng pagkuha ng Koreanobela sa atensyon ng mga Pilipino. Bilang pagpapatuloy, pinaghambing ng mga mananaliksik ang estetikong taglay ng dalawang teleserye sa bansa, ang Koreanobela at Filipinobela upang malinaw na makita ang pagkakalapit at pagkakalayo ng mga ito sa usaping pelikula. Minabuting gamitin ang salitang Filipinobela upang iakma ito sa Koreanobela. Ang pagsusuri sa estetiko ay nakabatay sa anim na elemento ng sine ni Patrick D. Flores na inilapat sa teleserye; pelikula, dulang pampelikula, sinematograpiya at disenyong biswal, editing, tunog at pagganap. Ang mga elementong ito ang nagbibigay tingkad, ganda, at hikayat sa mga manonood. Ginamit ang metodong Focus Group Discussion sa anim (6) na kalahok na lagpas dekada na ang pagkapanatiko. Natuklasan sa papel ang malalim na dahilan sa pananahan at espasyong Koreanobela sa Pilipinas na naikategorya sa direksyon sa pagkamakatotohanan, sining sa pagkakasulat, kagamitang teknikal at biswal, paghahati ng eksena, musika, at karakterisasyon. Mahalagang makapag-ambag ang papel na ito sa larangan ng pelikula at teleserye

Profane Language: On the Philosophy of Cursing in the Contemporary Era

Politeness is a foundational virtue, instilled from an early age, that fosters human connections and societal engagement. This virtue underscores the tremendous relationship between language and courtesy, highlighting the values of respect in interaction within the community fabric. Language\u27s nature, as a reflection of culture, community, and identity, is analyzed, revealing its capacity to uphold or erode these societal pillars. Despite its potential as a pillar of politeness, profane language presents an ironical contradiction. Profane language mo, mostly known as cursing, emerges as a cultural taboo, marked by its aggressive and often deemed inappropriate nature. This paper dives into why certain words are considered profane and immoral and how the essence of language intertwines with the act of Cursing. Through a philosophical lens, this analysis ventures into the contemporary discourse on profanity, seeking to unravel its complexities and broader societal implications

Contraceptive Use and Intention Among Educationally Marginalized Women in the Philippines: Evidence from a National Survey

Educationally marginalized women have lower prevalence of contraceptive use in many studies. However, in the Philippines, contraceptive are almost similar across education level By applying descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression on nationally representative data, this study examines the profile of less educated women, variation in their contraceptive use and intention, and its predictors. Results reveal the differences on the distribution of educationally marginalized women in the country. Variation in contraceptive use and intention across socioeconomic and demographic factors is observed. Multinomial regression reveals that intention to use contraceptives are more likely among employed, with three or more children, internet users, poor households, and Catholic women, while older are less likely. Increased likelihood of using traditional contraceptives are associated with migrants, older, married, with three or more children, internet users, rich and richest households, and Catholic women, while living in a female headed household is associated with lower likelihood of traditional contraceptive use. Meanwhile, employed, migrants, older, with fertility desire, married, with three or more children, internet users, and Catholic women are more likely to use modern methods, while those who perceive their health as good, belong to the rich and richest households, and living in a female households are less likely.The findings show that non-users with intent, traditional users, and modern users have unique needs. Targeted family planning strategies that expand access to modern methods, particularly for younger, poorer, and unmarried women, and address cultural and informational barriers sustaining traditional method reliance are recommended

Exploring Political Neutrality and Disengagement: The Experiences of Jehovah’s Witnesses Students in Educational Settings

Schools are tasked with instilling civic and social responsibility values, and such means are achieved through political activities. However, for Jehovah’s Witness (JW) students, participation in such activities can conflict with their religious convictions, presenting a unique challenge as they navigate educational expectations while striving to uphold their beliefs. Hence, this study explores the experiences of JW students regarding their political neutrality and disengagement in educational settings. Utilizing qualitative interviews and document analysis, the research identifies the political activities and challenges JW students face and the coping mechanisms they employ to reconcile their religious commitments with political expectations. Findings reveal that nationalistic ceremonies, student government elections, partisanship, and military-related activities significantly affect JW students\u27 faith. Consequently, they face challenges that lead to psychological distress, peer pressure, academic strain, social stigmatization, and verbal bullying. The study further discusses how Merton\u27s Strain Theory elucidates the coping strategies utilized by these students, including silent observation, respectful withdrawal, and, to some extent, conformity. Overall, this research suggests the necessity for schools to foster an inclusive atmosphere that respects diverse beliefs, addressing the implications of social stigmatization on students’ mental and emotional well-being