FICS Student Papers

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https://repository.upou.edu.ph/handle/20.500.13073/11
Research outputs by graduate students and selected Capstone Project Reports by undergraduate students of the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.

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    A Digital Platform for the Documentation and Exploration of Drag Culture and Artistry in the Philippines
    ( 2025) Bacanes, John Victor R.
    Makulay: A Digital Platform Prototype for the Documentation and Exploration of Drag Culture and Artistry in the Philippines is a project addressing the need for structured, inclusive, and accessible digital spaces for Filipino drag. Filipino drag remains underdocumented even though drag has gained visibility through popular culture and media. To address this gap, Makulay is designed as a digital platform that functions as a cultural archive, educational resource, and community hub dedicated to preserving and amplifying drag artistry in the Philippines. As informed by Queer Theory, Performance Theory, and the Queer Speculative Design for Cultural Empowerment (QSDCE) framework, this study employs a User-Centered Design (UCD) methodology. These perspectives guide both the conceptual grounding and design process, hence it ensures that the platform is inclusive, responsive, and culturally empowering. With that, the prototype integrates features such as drag artist profiles, an interactive historical timeline, a drag culture dictionary, a multimedia repository, and virtual interactive community hub. The data collection involved in this study were interviews, surveys, and user evaluations, which were analyzed thematically to identify user needs and challenges. Findings highlight four recurring themes: the urgency of archiving drag culture, the demand for representation and visibility, structural challenges faced by drag communities, and the potential of digital platforms to provide spaces of preservation, education, and empowerment. By situating Filipino drag within a digital framework, Makulay contributes to cultural preservation, queer representation, and multimedia design practices. The project demonstrates the role of digital platforms in legitimizing drag artistry and sustaining community engagement.
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    A Home for Psychotic Depression: Building a Personal Knowledge Base for Meaning-Making in Obsidian
    ( 2025) Velo, Christian Paul R.
    This project outlines the creation of a multimedia prototype for an interactive digital environment that supports meaning-making, particularly in the context of psychotic depression, where meaning-making is severely compromised. The prototype comes in the form of a personal knowledge base (PKB) that captures and explores situational meanings and facilitates assisted meaning-making. The PKB was produced through techniques adapted from personal knowledge management — such as Johnny.Decimal, the Slip-box Method, and Maps of Content — and insights formed from my lived experience with psychotic depression, including a private dataset containing my firsthand account of the condition and other personal information. The methodology employed for the project is an iterative design approach that employs Obsidian third-party plugins, CSS, JavaScript, and Python to extend the functionality of the default Obsidian vault into a PKB optimized for meaning-making. Each iteration was documented using a changelog with semantic versioning. The methodology is rooted in the proposed Multimedia Meaning-making Model for Psychotic Depression (M4PD), a novel integrative framework derived from Hyper-meaning (van Os, 2014), Kegan’s Theory of Meaning-making (Kegan et al., 1982; Kegan, 1994), and the Meaning Making Model (Park, 2022). The project spanned an estimated 1 year, with the latest version of the PKB at Version 2.2.0. The PKB has multiple features that collectively enable the streamlined capture and exploration of situational meanings — which are excessive in states of psychosis — and facilitate assisted meaning-making, which addresses the disruptions to global meaning caused by depression. It is to be noted that the PKB successfully produced a topological network of over 12,000 nodes, comprised of entries about psychotic depression and my personal life from 2018 to 2025, suggesting an emergent yet unrefined map of my meaning-making. The results presented in this project are part of an ongoing, larger effort to develop an interactive digital environment for supporting meaning-making. The project concludes with a call for a future product, unique enough to warrant its own designation — the Personal Meaning Base or PMB.
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    A Narrative Inquiry into the Meaning of Smoking among Farmworkers in Southern Philippines
    (Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development, 2024-09-14) Malinda, Reymark P. ; Flor, Benjamina Paula G.
    Cigarette smoking is recognized as a global health threat. By the same token, it remains highly prevalent in low and middle-income families like farmworkers, despite efforts by the government and private health agencies to prevent smoking. Thus, this study explored the meaning of smoking among farmworkers and how the meanings reproduced their tenets while living in a farming community. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that qualitatively investigated the smoking phenomenon among farmworkers in a rural area in Southern Philippines— a topic that has not been treated in much detail in the literature. The research framework used in this work is the socio-cultural tradition (SCT) of communication theory, which theorizes communication as the (re)production of the social order. Using narrative inquiry, the study delved into the seven narratives of farmworker participants about the meaning of smoking. Individual open interviews were conducted among the participants to elicit stories relative to their experience with smoking. The data were analyzed through re-storying and narrative thematic analysis, yielding five themes constituting their meaning of smoking that reproduced a new social order. Results showed that smoking is (1) a parent and peer influence, (2) a means to manage negative feelings and emotions, (3) a thought-provoker and organizer, (4) a culture among friends, and (5) an integral part of life. All these meanings consequently formed and reinforced a new social order, seemingly an indestructible barrier to smoking cessation. Anchored on SCT, it can be surmised that farmworkers’ tenets, while living in their community, were reproduced by these meanings of smoking that governed their lives.
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    All Kinds of Blue: Exploring the Emotional Effect of Lucy's Blue Album on Selected Filipino Fans' Mental Well-Being
    ( 2024) Bacud, Francelle Joanne C.
    The pandemic has led to increased reports of depression and anxiety worldwide. While research on the emotional and well-being benefits of pop music is gradually increasing and evolving, there remains a gap in understanding the effects of foreign music on an individual's well-being and multimedia experiences. This study specifically analyses the effects of BLUE, an album by the Korean band LUCY, on the mental well-being of their Filipino fanbase. Using a qualitative approach, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with eleven (11) adult Filipino fans. The data collected were analysed through the frameworks of the Social Cognitive and Behavioral Theory as well as the Reception Theory. The study's findings indicate that the album has a positive effect on the fanbase, providing comfort through its ability to uplift, release, reflect, relax, distract, and excite individuals. This suggests that foreign music, including the dynamics of K-Pop or K-Band fandom culture, can serve as a healthy coping mechanism for mood regulation and enhance positive experiences through multimedia art. The study concludes that BLUE is seen as a valuable tool for mental support within the fandom. It is recommended that future research explore the dependent variables and examine similarities and differences among various audience types.
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    Clickstream Mosaic: A Mixed-Methods Study of Photo Dumping's Impact on Laguna College Students' Communication, Lifestyle, and Self-Discovery
    ( 2024) Aguilar, Krystalle Gennise C.
    The popularity of photo/video dumps has captured the attention of many social media users, particularly during the peak of the pandemic wherein in-person interactions were limited or strictly prohibited in order to safeguard everyone's health and well-being. This mode of virtual engagement allowed individuals in the digital sphere to share their moments, memories, and experiences through a curated collection of photos and videos or a combination of both digital mediums. However, there’s an existing debate whether this form of online interaction prioritizes an idealized perception of oneself to follow a trend or gain some public attention. Others argue that its essence lies in authentic and genuine sharing of personal experiences transparently and in an enjoyable manner. Notably, this trend has resonated notably with the Gen Z demographic, particularly among college students, including those in the Filipino college community. As these students navigate post-pandemic challenges with the return to face-to-face learning nvironments, they face a unique set of hurdles and adjustments. The researcher's objective was to explore the influence of photo/video dumps on the lifestyle and self-discovery of college Instagram users, with a focus on students in Laguna, Philippines. Employing a Convergent Parallel design, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study aimed to comprehend user engagement, communication, and behavior related to photo/video dumps. A total of 100 eligible respondents were surveyed, and from these, 10 respondents were selected for Online Interview and Observation to delve deeper into the research. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution and percentages. Transcriptions were also made to further understand the data obtained from the Online Interview and Observation phase.
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    Deceptive by Design: An Interactive Website Exploring, Simulating, and Discussing Dark Patterns
    ( 2025) Hilario, Adrian Colin C.
    Dark patterns are deceptive user interface and user experience techniques that affect consumers into making choices that they usually wouldn't make, and those choices benefit the corporation or developers of the service at the cost of the consumer. This concern has been on the rise in digital platforms, and studies have shown that these practices are effective in influencing consumers. As such, this has led the European Union and the Federal Trade Commission to create legislation to prevent dark patterns from affecting their citizens. At the moment, there is a lack of legislation that protects Filipinos from these deceptive tactics, aside from legislation, there is also a lack of awareness regarding dark patterns in the Philippines. This study seeks to bring awareness to dark patterns through an interactive website that simulates, explains, and provides examples to showcase this problem, and provides an opportunity for individuals to become aware of the presence of dark patterns without being in harm's way. Furthermore, a survey was conducted in order to determine the effectiveness of the website and to see if individuals become aware of dark patterns, and whether they agree that there should be legislation in the country to protect citizens from dark patterns? In the survey where twenty respondents participated, it was found that prior to interacting with the website, there was a significant lack of awareness of the concept of dark patterns, and yet all believed that at one point they faced a situation wherein they felt pressured by a website or program to make a choice they didn't intend to make. After interacting with the website, the majority of the respondents became aware of dark patterns and believe that there is a need for legislation and for corporations to also be fined for the presence of dark patterns on their platforms. Lastly, all participants of the survey said that they are now more confident in future encounters with dark patterns.
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    Exploring Influences of Pet-Related Social Media Content on Perceptions of Pet Adoption
    ( 2025-10-22) Molina, Ciphia May D.
    Despite the growing literature on social media use, the online presence of pets, and the increasing rates of pet ownership in the country, only limited studies analyze the effects of social media use on perceptions of pet adoption as a method of pet ownership, especially in the context of the Philippines. The study explored the influence of pet-related social media content on perceptions of pet adoption among past, current, and prospective pet owners in Metro Manila. Guided by the Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT), Focus Theory of Normative Conduct (FTNC), and Cultivation Theory (CT), the research examined how exposure to content, motivations, and social norms interact with practical barriers in shaping adoption perceptions. A descriptive-exploratory design was employed through an online survey administered to 154 respondents. Results of the study revealed that while respondents frequently encountered and engaged with pet-related content for emotional and informational gratifications, this reinforced favorable perceptions of pet adoption rather than direct adoption intent. Normative cues further sustained adoption as a socially desirable practice; however, practical barriers to pet adoption remained the most influential factor among respondents. Overall, the study demonstrated that social media plays a significant role in cultivating positive perceptions and reinforcing pet adoption as a cultural norm, but its capacity to influence adoption intent is limited without external support. These insights contribute to the growing body of literature on Philippine media studies by extending classical media effects theories into contemporary digital contexts.
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    Sailing Across Brackish Waters: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed-Method Study Situating Disaster Resilience through ICT-Based Management in Pamarawan Island, Malolos City
    ( 2025) Corales, Shedorlaomar
    This exploratory sequential mixed-method study investigates disaster resilience through ICT-based management in Pamarawan Island, a coastal barangay in Malolos City. Despite the prevalence of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) research, disaster resilience in geographically isolated coastal communities remains underexplored. The study aimed to understand how residents perceive disasters, utilize strategies to enhance resilience, engage in DRR activities, and employ multimedia and ICT tools in disaster management. Anchored in social justice and resilience theories, data were collected through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions with 15 participants, followed by a quantitative survey of 50 residents. Findings reveal that multimedia tools like cellphones and televisions play a crucial role in disseminating information and encouraging participation in DRRM activities, although access and infrastructure limitations persist. The community perceives itself as resilient and relatively safe during disasters, yet geographic isolation, limited resources, power outages, and scarce emergency equipment constrain their capacity to fully implement DRRM protocols. The study underscores the need for tailored, ICT-enabled interventions, increased budget allocation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive policies that address the unique vulnerabilities of coastal barangays. This study contributes valuable insights into the intersection of disaster resilience, ICT management, and social justice in marginalized coastal settings.
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    Sining Para sa Pagbabago: Examining How Sharing Protest Art Online Shapes the Attitudes and Actions of Young Filipinos Towards Socio-Political Advocacy Groups
    ( 2025) Lariosa, Dasha Elisa
    With the internet’s unrelenting presence in people’s lives today, the distribution, reach, and accessibility of protest art has been changed irrevocably. In the evolving landscape of protest art and its audiences, this study endeavored to identify and discuss the societal implications of sharing digital protest artworks in online spaces, examining how they shape the attitudes and actions of young Filipino audiences towards socio-political advocacy groups. Through semi-structured, open-ended interviews and surveys with organization representatives, local artists, and audiences, the data used in this research were analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach by Glaser and Strauss. This research study culminated in a paradigm entitled “Effect Beyond The Screen” that explains the starting grounded theory, “The ‘Societal Implications of Sharing Digital Protest Art’ is dependent on the consideration of ‘Audience-Influencing Factors’ in the production of the artworks that serve as the ‘Means of Introduction’ which consequently restarts the process.” Even with the overarching positive sentiment on the efficacy of sharing digital protest art in shaping Filipino audiences’ attitudes and actions towards socio-political advocacy groups, this study found that while digital protest art is a valuable tool, it is most effective when integrated into a broader framework that emphasizes subsequent calls to action and offline engagement beyond digital activism. Awareness, engagement, and participation in digital protest artworks do not necessarily equate to actual, productive community engagement and collective action, as the outcome still relies heavily on the individual’s decisions.
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    Wearable Futures Hackathon – Co-creating a Hybrid, Interdisciplinary Learning Experience
    ( 2022-11-24) Vengua, Lucky Angelo P. ; Suplemento, Jerome II ; Maranan, Diego S.
    This paper is a personal reflection and autoethnographic account of the primary author's experience revolving around the participation in the Wearable Futures Hackathon course as a co-creator for the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies program (BAMS). It documents how his perceived participation evolved from being a consultant into co-creator of one of the Multimedia Studies course, the challenges he had to face reconciling the difference between the two, and how co-creation can possibly benefit the academe, the faculty, and the students as participants and as co-creators in developing engaging, innovative, and participatory workshops and classes, not only through online but also offline, first-person perspectives will be employed hereafter.