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AIMS: To describe sources of health information and health-seeking behaviours of adults (aged ≥18) living in medically underserved communities in the Philippines. DESIGN: This is a secondary, quantitative analysis from a cross-sectional parent study. Participants completed a 10-item, self-report survey on their sources of health information, healthcare providers sought for health and wellness and health-seeking behaviours when ill. Responses were evaluated across two age groups (

Darna is a female superhero from the Philippines who first appeared in Pilipino Komiks on May 13, 1950. Her image in Filipino society has evolved from being a role model for young children to an object of desire for cisgender men to an icon of female empowerment to an aspirational figure for the Filipino bakla (gay men). However, through all these roles, she has never resonated with nor connected to Filipino queer women – that is until the Darna 2022 television series. This essay looks at how Filipino female queer fans, known as Darlentina, have queerly read the Darna 2022 TV series and produced queer fan works such as queer fanfiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractHome is a place for relaxation and leisure. Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) employed in Hong Kong households are required by law to live in their employer’s residence. Without a private home/room of their own, many MDWs rest and congregate in public spaces, such as parks and footbridges. On Sundays, public spaces are transformed into transnational social fields during MDWs’ get-togethers with friends. This study aimed to explore the transnational leisure of MDWs, including activity patterns, benefits, and use of public space. On-site observations and in-depth interviews with 39 Filipino and Indonesian MDWs were conducted. Findings revealed the diverse range of MDWs’ transnational activities in public. Leisure benefits were found to be more concentrated on basic needs rather than growth needs, given the strenuous conditions of their work. Public leisure spaces also provide unique functions for MDWs in sustaining transnational ties and creating a heterotopic space of escape, illusion, and compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to describe the lived experiences of Filipino major students in a local college on the between corrective feedback and student engagement and their learning. This study engaged a mixed-methods design, utilizing a parallel convergent approach. The participants of the study were Filipino major students from all grade levels. One hundred ninety students were randomly selected for the quantitative and 10 for the qualitative: five (5) in-depth interviews and five (5) focus group discussions, which were purposefully selected. In the quantitative phase, the results revealed a specific correlation analysis between perceived corrective feedback and student engagement among Filipino majors is high. Additionally, the students’ insights shared fostered a helpful environment for student engagement, and teaching-learning strategies. Moreover,the result of qualitative phase from different participants have diverse perspective especially on their insights and experiences. Lastly, the qualitative data mostly corroborated the qualitative data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations into fostering gender parity in STEM have proliferated, yet the specific situation of Asian American women has been largely overlooked. Harnessing data from the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), the analysis scrutinizes gender disparities in STEM major selections within distinct Asian American ethnic cohorts, accentuating the pivotal role of math self-efficacy. Pronounced gender disparities were discerned among Vietnamese/Thai and Filipino constituencies, as contrasting with their Chinese, Indian/Sri Lankan, and Japanese/Korean counterparts. For Vietnamese/Thai females, the disparity is partly attributable to diminished math self-efficacy, a dynamic not seen in Filipino disparities. These findings necessitate targeted interventions that foster female interest in STEM, while underscoring the imperative of ethnic specificity. It is paramount that strategies bolster the math confidence of Vietnamese/Thai females, thereby mitigating the deleterious effects of stereotypical expectations and ensuring equitable participation and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grieving and mourning in death evolved from traditional to digital and in varying age-groups, the grieving process is expressed in diverse ways. The existing literature shows little digital mourning, especially in the Filipino culture context. Thus, this phenomenological study aims to describe digitalized mourning through social media platforms to process the grief of millennial participants (24–42 years old), from the Philippines. The narratives were analyzed through thematic analysis via a repertory grid and rendered the H.E.R.O. model of social media mourning (Helping and Hurting, Enriching and Encroaching, Relieving and Reliving, and Obtaining and Obscuring) that characterizes online mourning demonstrated by Filipino millennials. The findings have important implications for individuals, families, and communities as they navigate the challenges of grief and loss in the digital age. This research contributes to the growing Filipino research on death and dying, specific in age groups, as most beneficial to gerontological psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to ongoing discussions about the existence of Filipino philosophy, questions remain whether there is indeed a Filipino philosophy of education or not. Several scholars have sought an authentic Filipino philosophy of education that is untouched by colonization, while others have acknowledged that foreign influence cannot be taken away from the different aspects of being Filipino including their philosophy of education. Additionally, some scholars have criticized the coloniality that is evident in the nation-state's perspectives on education, whereas others have recognized the contributions of Western thoughts in shaping the discourse on Philippine education. The general education curriculum recently mandated by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines for undergraduate students, for instance, displays these opposing views. Its emphasis on progressive education and social reconstruction clearly shows the pervading influence of John Dewey on Philippine education. Such articulations on the purpose of Philippine higher education by the nation-state, on the one hand, can be construed as 'un-Filipino.' On the other hand, they can mean 'Filipinization' of the Philippine higher education, which involves appropriating Deweyan philosophy of education to suit the local context and to render the curriculum more responsive to the needs of the Filipino people amidst a rapidly globalizing world. Both viewpoints are relevant in offering a nuanced understanding of the Filipino philosophy of education. The former challenges us to reflect on what constitutes the Filipino identity, whereas the latter urges us to unravel the vestige of coloniality in the prescribed curriculum to bring out its 'Filipino-ness.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study dives into the various experiences of Filipino emerging adults receiving grandparent's kinship care. The researchers aim to answer the recommendation part of the study that was published in the year 2005 by Samia III in his research 'An Exploratory Study of the Lives of Filipino Grandparents Raising their Grandchildren through the research recommendation focusing on the perspective of the Filipino grandchildren raised by grandparents. The researchers have interviewed ten (10) Filipino emerging adults who fits the inclusion criteria of the study from Manggahan, Commonwealth, Quezon City. To gather the data and examine different perspectives, explore the values and beliefs, analyze the challenges faced, and determine the different coping strategies. Thus, highlights the themes: "Autonomy, Being and Courtesy, Dissonance and Endurance, and Freedom.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While studies about teachers' experiences in US is growing, no study was ever conducted among the rising population of Filipino teachers in the Florida district schools. This study generally aims to demystify and understand the lived experiences of selected Filipino teachers in terms of challenges, opportunities, and coping strategies while teaching in the foreign land. A pure qualitative and case study research design was employed. A total of five (5) Filipino teachers who have stayed in US for at least two years were purposively sampled. Statements and responses are thematically analyzed. Results showed that significantly better compensation and benefits, strong school support, and positive work-life balance are experienced opportunities relative to the previous encounters in the Philippines. On the other note, challenges are also evident in trade to the identified opportunities. Majority of the respondents grappled from emotional, psychological, and physical stress due to tough adjustments from culture and worsened by homesickness. Remarkably, building connections with the Filipino community support and constant communication with families are effective coping strategies that made the respondents succeed in US for at least two (2) years. It is further noted that no respondent has mentioned about Philippine government support inspite of the economic contribution of OFWs. Findings in this paper are significant information for benchmark and are potential inputs for policy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world over, bilingual education is acknowledged as a successful pedagogical strategy for language acquisition. Examining the lived experiences of Filipino instructors working in a bilingual and English program in Thailand was the aim of this phenomenological study. Semi-structured interviews were used in the study to gather data. Thirty-two Filipino teachers who taught English and other courses at government schools in the North Eastern Subregion (ESAN) participated in the study. The participants who had similar experiences teaching in bilingual and English program in ESAN's primary and secondary schools were chosen using the purposive sample technique. For the aim of the research, the interviews were transcribed, recorded, and arranged into different themes. The findings were grouped into five primary themes: (1) positive experience, (2) negative experience, (3) sources of employment information in Thailand, (4) solutions and (5) motivations. The findings showed that individuals working in the Bilingual and English Program held a variety of opinions, most of which had to do with the absence of systematic standards for evaluating students' performance, large class sizes, pay concerns, behavioral and attitude issues with Thai students, language barriers, issues with instructional materials, and issues with teaching pedagogies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental involvement and financial means both play a role in sufficing the needs of children; however, it is common for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to sacrifice one after the other. While several studies have investigated the effects of this on children, the emotional toll of immigration-related separation through the narratives of those affected by this remains an overlooked facet. This study explores the lived experiences of adolescents whose parents are Overseas Filipino Workers to gain perspectives from their personal sentiments on such circumstances. Using a phenomenological approach, six (6) participants were gathered through a purposive-sampling method and interviewed through face-to-face and online modality. The findings revealed that emotional and psychological effects may vary as there are positive outcomes such as acceptance and self-reliance, and negative manifestations like jealousy and feelings of misery. Family expectations, gender roles and relationship dynamics have also influenced them since comparison, societal beliefs and debt of gratitude come into play. Despite this, they are able to cope with their support systems and other avenues such as academics and social media expressions. Based on the findings, evidence indicates that adolescents with OFW parents predominantly experience burdensome effects rather than positive ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gossip culture in the Philippines leads to quarrels and involves unresolved issues concerning people's relationships affected by their various perceptions towards others. This can manifest through spreading false accusations, baseless assumptions, judgments, and misinformation regarding someone's life that will impact their reputation. It may have exhibited positive outcomes but differs in intentions. The study explored the various aspects of this cultural phenomenon, including its origins, digitalization, and impact on individuals and society. Six Filipino Middle-Aged Women from a community possess an enterprising neighborhood that can engage in everyday communication, including gossiping among each other. In this way, their personal experiences, insights, and perspectives will be brought to life to support the nuances of this cultural phenomenon. The study found that Marites culture remains prevalent today, driven by personal satisfaction rather than tangible gain. While it fosters social connections and builds ties, its negative aspects warrant intervention. The lived experiences of Filipino middle-aged women can inform evidence-based discussions to promote a healthier, constructive gossip culture in the country. Understanding the dual nature of Marites culture offers insight into creating initiatives that mitigate its harmful effects while preserving its social benefits. By leveraging the experiences of middle-aged women, more effective strategies can be developed to transform gossip into a positive force for community cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lived experiences of Filipino teachers teaching subjects in English medium are pivotal in understanding the essence of vertical and horizontal articulation of expertise. This study explicated the voices of Filipino teachers teaching subjects in English medium. The various stories behind every classroom discussion are narrated to determine coping strategies and techniques for sustaining the delivery of quality education. This study utilized the Heideggerian Phenomenology research design wherein the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) will be used to understand the meaning of the Filipino Teachers' experience. This study used a purposive sampling technique to establish the inclusion criteria. 6 Filipino teachers served as the research participants. Bracketing was conducted to avoid biases. There were 4 emerging themes captured in understanding the lived experiences of the participants. These are (1) Shift; (2) Scarcity; (3) Standards; and (4) Surreal. These four themes provided a clear picture of the lived experiences of the teachers majoring in Filipino and asked to teach subjects in English medium. It is pivotal to assist these teachers when they are asked to teach English subjects in terms of instructional and pedagogical resources. If it is possible, Filipino teachers should teach Filipino subjects to have vertical and horizontal articulation of their expertise so that quality education can be forwarded to the learners. If misalignment is inevitable, the upper management can at least provide instructional resources and relevant training and seminars to augment this gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LGBTQ+ media representations that uphold heteronormativity, negativity, and homophobia can lead to perceptions of media as threatening. Drawing on intergroup threat theory, this study measured perceived media threats (in-person/group, realistic/symbolic) among English-speaking LGBTQ+ Filipinos (N = 817). The Perceived Media Threat Scale, developed for this study, showed a unidimensional structure with sound psychometric properties. LGBTQ+ identity challenges were found to be associated with an increased perception of threat from the media. However, perceived media threat was not associated with psychological well-being. The Perceived Media Threat Scale appears to be a sound measure of LGBTQ+ perceptions of media in the Philippines. Results suggest that perceived media threat may impact identity processes such as coming out but does not appear to be related to well-being in the LGBTQ + community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grit, defined as passion and perseverance to achieve long‐term goals, has been associated with adolescents' optimal academic and psychological functioning. However, the role of grit in adolescents' positive youth development (PYD)—characterized by the 5Cs known as competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring—remains unknown. Using latent cross‐lagged panel modeling, this study examined the longitudinal relations between the triarchic model of grit (TMG) dimensions (i.e., perseverance of effort, consistency of interest, and adaptability to situations), and the 5Cs of PYD while controlling for specific socio‐demographic covariates (gender, age, SES, and school type). Data were obtained from 1620 Filipino adolescents (Mage = 17.15; SDage = 1.00) in November 2021 and May 2022. Results show that grit dimensions predicted subsequent PYD dimensions, but not vice versa. Specifically, while perseverance and adaptability were linked to higher levels of competence, confidence, and character, consistency was associated with lower levels of competence and confidence six months later. Results highlight the importance of grit's dimensions in facilitating PYD characteristics among adolescents, especially efficacy‐related Cs (competence and confidence). Theoretical and practical implications in promoting adolescent thriving and well‐being are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article contends that the United States has insufficiently acknowledged the extent of the Philippines' vulnerability and its importance in preserving the balance of power. While many scholars have focused on Taiwan's strategic importance, few have considered the state of the Philippines' military capabilities in maintaining the region's status quo. This article traces the modern history of the Philippines' military and defense capabilities and examines the current state of the country's defenses and the likely outcomes of different military scenarios. It concludes by providing practical recommendations on how the United States can help the Philippines within the constraints of its existing commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2020, the Philippines' largest mobile network provider Smart Communications launched a year-long campaign with South Korean actor Hyun Bin, who gained high popularity among Filipino audiences through the Korean TV drama Crash Landing on You (TvN 2019-2020) aired through Netflix. This article analyzes media texts, government plans, corporate narratives, and infrastructure data to examines two ways that transnational media, such as K-dramas, function as cultural interfaces to disseminate and operationalize the infrastructural desires in the Philippines. First, Philippine internet service providers (ISPs) co-opt Netflix's language of internet speed as a criterion of infrastructural quality, trying to secure the country's public and economic recognition in Southeast Asia. Second, through the collaboration, local ISPs successfully translate K-drama's cultural power into a public campaign presenting high-speed internet as not merely desirable, but a predestined future for digital consumers and the developing nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The dominant literature on wounded healers assumes that the healer must be healed of one's wounds to be an effective therapist and that countertransference, moments in therapy when a healer's wounds are activated, must be successfully managed. Lacking in the literature is an understanding of the internal dynamics of wounded healers as they navigate moments of countertransference. Veering away from a unitary and static view of the self, we argue for a shift in how we understand wounded healers using the lens of a multiple and dynamic self. Through Herman's dialogical self‐theory, we conceptualise the wounded healer as having multiple selves—the wounded self (WS) and the therapist self (TS). Each self is an I‐position with its own unique voices and narratives. Method: Through in‐depth interviews with Filipino self‐identified wounded healers, we examine the internal voices of the WS and TS during moments of countertransference, as the WS meets the client's wounded self. Findings: Results show that the participants' characterisation of their WS, or where they are in their journey of healing or recovery, shapes their countertransference experience. Participants with recovered WS channelled the voices of calm recognition and differentiation. Voices of identification, re‐experiencing and differentiation surfaced among participants with recovering WS. Participants with emerging WS transitioned from a voice of not knowing to a voice of identification. Conclusion: Being aware of and listening to the voices of the WS alongside the TS is key in navigating countertransference. The implications of a dialogical understanding of wounded healers in clinical practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five Pilipina American (PA) social work MotherScholars, from a doctoral student to an interim dean, used kuwentuhan (Pilipinx methodology) to amplify their survivance and thrivance despite attempted exclusion, reduction, and distortion as Pilipinos by coloniality/modernity. Grounded in decolonial feminism (the view that oppressions such as sexism and racism co-constitute coloniality and that unsettling oppressions disrupts hegemony) and Pinayism (an integrated framework revaluing the labor, intellect, and nurturance of mothering through a cultural lens), the authors work coalitionally across their PA diversity to re-center ginhawa (aliveness or sense of ease and wellness). Together, they embarked on an iterative self-study process of data generation and analysis that included presenting, recording, and transcribing two panel presentations at a premier social work conference, writing reflections and hay(na)ku poems about their experiences and processes, reading and rereading the data, and meeting and discussing the data, their process, and past and current events pertinent to the content. The stories highlight how the authors are living and enlivening decoloniality, and that, in so doing, they continue a lineage of those who have resisted coloniality/modernity and promoted thrivance. Collectively, these kuwentos (stories), reflections, hay(na)ku, and their weaving together, are memory, resistance, counter-storytelling, and healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Queer subjectivity invites discussions around gender performativity, culture, narratives of "coming out," and identity politics. Postcolonial queer subjects—like those emerging from the Philippines—require additional layers of critique attending to language, practice, and resistance. This brief reflection will explore the place of camp, rampa, and posthuman worldviews in the constitution of Filipino queer bodies. It argues that as queer narratives become global—and normalized— camp and rampa offer a place where queerness can both expand critical theology and imaginations of the human. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, Asian Americans express greater stigma toward those with mental disorders and report lower rates of seeking mental health treatment than do White Americans. However, research on these topics in Filipino cultural groups, especially Filipinos living in the Philippines (i.e., Filipino nationals), is sparse. To support the design of interventions to decrease stigma and improve rates of seeking treatment, we assessed attitudes toward mental disorders and help-seeking in Filipinos. U.S. national (i.e., American) and Filipino national participants completed an online survey containing the Mental Illness Stigma Scale, a Theory of Planned Behavior questionnaire measuring attitudes toward seeking treatment, and queries regarding demographic and psychosocial factors. Filipinos expressed significantly more stigma regarding relationship disruption, interpersonal anxiety, and poor hygiene, alongside increased perceived subjective norms opposing seeking treatment and decreased perceived behavioral control over getting treatment if necessary. We ran a linear mixed effects regression on each nationality separately to identify relationships between stigma and psychosocial factors. For Filipinos, increased parental education predicted decreased perceived relationship disruption and interpersonal anxiety; urbanization was associated with greater trust in mental health professionals, and having a close relative with a disorder led to decreased belief in patient recoverability. For Americans, increased participant education predicted decreased interpersonal anxiety, increased perceived recoverability, and improved perceived behavioral control over getting treatment if necessary, and having a close relative with a disorder predicted improved perceived treatability. The results guide programs for decreasing stigma and increasing treatment-seeking behavior. Limitations, future research directions, and possible interventions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a more nuanced understanding of the impacts of patriarchy by exploring its complexities and effects beyond commonly held beliefs about gender roles. Using an inductive thematic analysis grounded in Braun and Clarke's framework, five Filipino literary works were examined to identify themes related to male struggles within a patriarchal society. The analysis revealed that men who fail to conform to patriarchal norms of masculinity find themselves at odds with the rigid standards of hegemonic masculinity. Their struggles against conformity and the limitations patriarchy imposes extend far beyond personal lives, gradually affecting society at large. These findings suggest that it is imperative for individuals of all genders to unite in collective efforts to dismantle a system that disproportionately privileges only those men narrowly defined as "true." Ultimately, such a system disadvantages those who fail to meet patriarchal standards of masculinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By discussing the multinational labor migration trajectories of Indonesian and Filipino women to Chile, this article proposes the term "patchwork infrastructures" to examine the improvised coordination between multiple persons and institutions that facilitate and enable such uncommon migration pathways. Drawing on ethnographic research and 41 semi-structured interviews conducted between 2018–2022 with migrant women, employers, and relevant state actors in Chile, I focus on two such journeys that occurred partially due to instances of infrastructural failures in Southeast Asia and the absence of a coherent migration infrastructure connecting Southeast Asia and Latin America. Patchwork infrastructure highlights the creative practices and complex relations that were forged and maintained to ensure the eventual migration and emplacement of women whose journeys had been disrupted, prevented, or delayed. A focus on such processes of "patchworking" highlights the high level of human discretion, arbitrary decision, and action in interactions among diverse actors involved in migration. Patchwork infrastructure calls for attention to the micro- and personal level of infrastructuring migration in contexts where relevant institutions fail or are absent; these processes demonstrate the generative and expansive nature of infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I examine how Malaka Gharib's I Was Their American Dream and It Won't Always Be Like This frame, embody, and reimagine girlhood through a multicultural transnational lens. Born in California, Gharib grew up with Filipino and Egyptian heritage. Taking advantage of the formal properties of comics, her work situates her memories and experiences at the intersection of ethnicity, gender, and transnational encounters. I interrogate how these books visualize the connection between girlhood and mixed heritage through the artist-narrator's interactions with and observation of her Filipino mother and relatives in the United States and her father, stepmother, half-siblings, and neighbors in Egypt. I also examine how the multimodality of comics draws on tropes of girlhood to enable representation through the depiction and layering of different selves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In literary criticism, the semiotics of Roland Barthes, a widely used approach in popular culture, is rarely applied to short stories, particularly in Philippine diaspora literature, as evident in the dearth of studies conducted in the field. To fill this gap, this study aims to unveil the ideological underpinnings in Bienvenido N. Santos's (BNS) four selected short stories by conducting a two-level semiotic analysis of their representation of Filipino-American experiences of exile. For the first level of analysis, the short stories' intrinsic elements, such as images, characters, characterization, setting, figures of speech, and dialogues, were examined to demystify the signifier-signified relationship. For the second level of analysis, the ideological functions behind the myths were discussed. The Filipino-American exile is a Filipino with a sense of pride in fulfilling the American Dream, a pursuit of a better life, and who aspires for financial stability, social mobility, and greater opportunities for one's self and family. In realizing this American Dream, there is a hegemonic group that imposes its norms on the citizens of one of its former colonies. This study, anchored on Barthes's semiologies, proves that literature, like popular culture artefacts, may entrench colonial beliefs instead of playing the ideal role in decolonial resistance if not closely read. Future researchers may apply the Barthesian framework to Philippine literary texts, other BNS's anthologies, other authors, and 21st-century diaspora literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The WHO-5 well-being index is a brief rating scale extensively used to evaluate well-being symptoms. Despite the increasing number of studies validating this instrument across different samples from different countries, its psychometric properties remain unexplored in the Philippine context. Bridging this gap, the present study assessed the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 in Filipinos amid the pandemic. Methods In study one, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was conducted using a sample of Filipinos (N = 2,521) from the general population and a unidimensional model of well-being was extracted. In study two, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to examine the one-factor model in 1,289 Filipino government workers. In study three, nomological validity was examined by performing a mediation analysis using 407 Filipino left-behind emerging adult children with dysfunctionality as mediator, pandemic-related adversities as independent variable, and well-being as the dependent variable. Results The results of ESEM and CFA provided support for the WHO-5 one-factor model. Moreover, the negative relationship of well-being to anxiety, depression, and distress lend evidence to the scale’s criterion validity. The results of the mediation analysis performed in study three implied that those who experienced pandemic-related adversities tended to have greater dysfunctionality, and in turn, had lower levels of well-being. Conclusions Overall, the findings suggest that the WHO-5 well-being index is a psychometrically sound tool for measuring Filipinos’ well-being.

In multi-ethnic Singapore, the immigration bureaucracy calibrates Permanent Resident (PR) intake to maintain racial proportions in the Chinese-majority country. Transnational migrants like Filipino Chinese, therefore, possess a higher chance of attaining PR status than other foreigners. But the written documents that Filipino Chinese submit to Singapore authorities can call their self-identification into question. Based on sixteen months of ethnographic engagement with Filipino Chinese in Singapore, this paper describes this phenomenon as an example of bureaucratic racialization, a process in which written documents—as the central element and tool of bureaucracy—produce meaning to construct migrant racial identity for the state. This paper conceives of bureaucratic racialization as a state-driven act of translation—a semiotic process that effaces contexts behind the written signifiers in documents to establish migrant racial identities. Ultimately, this paper shows that the anthropological study of documents enables scholars to make better sense of the racial politics central to transnational migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study intended to provide additional information in order to widen the perspective and knowledge as a child-free. This study will help society gain insight into why Filipino millennials choose to not have children, as well as their social advantages and disadvantages. Child-free is a social issue that is not often discussed and has not received much attention in society. There are negative and positive reactions whenever other people know someone who's voluntarily not wanting to have a child in the future. In order to know the factors that are causing Filipino millennials to be childfree, the researchers used descriptive research design and made an open-ended questionnaire, which involved 10 Filipino child-free millennials in Metro Manila. After gathering the data, the researchers utilized thematic analysis to thematize themes and codes needed for the study. The results indicate the reasons why Filipino millennials are reluctant to have children, with the most common answers being their childhood upbringing, experiences, financial ability to have children, and their desired life satisfaction. Along with the results, it also revealed the concerns of the participants and the stereotyping they experienced, they received criticisms from their family, workplace, and their surroundings wherein they opened up their decision and was not accepted by the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Kutob" is a complex sensation that is rooted in Filipino culture that goes beyond the perspective of intuition. "Kutob" is essentially described as an intense feeling or awareness of one's inner knowledge that goes beyond just a hunch and involves a person's inner self, emotions, and intuition that defies logical reasoning. This paper utilizes information from a variety of sources, primarily online articles, and studies, to describe and explore the relationship of "Kutob" in Filipino culture. This study was able to expound the four components that can help understand "Kutob", which are psychological, biological, social or the biopsychosocial model, and cultural factors. This study also related how "Kutob" is applied in the levels of Filipino core value: Kapwa. Highlighting the influence of "Kutob" influence on Filipino decision-making and where it was rooted are some of the main ideas of the study. This research findings suggests that a person's "Kutob" does not generally comes from nothing or tacit, but rather is rotted from our own experiences from the past, biological influences, social understanding, one's culture, and unconscious mind that this paper also elaborated. Moreover, this paper also has possible recommendations for future researchers and to Filipinos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative research highlighted the lived experiences of individuals transitioning from believers to atheists in the Philippines, a country deeply influenced by religious perspectives. The study employed a phenomenological approach and had six participants who were residents of Quezon City, Rizal, Cavite, Pasig City, Cavite, and Makati City. The study identified 10 superordinate Themes using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), highlighting the intricate nuances of the participants' experiences. These themes included: Religious Influences of Schooling, Family, and Personal Curiosity; Influence on Personal Morality and Skepticism; Experiencing Dissonant Texts, Actions, and Conversations; Inward Dilemmas due to Social Fear, Rationality, and Moral Ambiguity; Intersecting Influences from Local, Global, and Digital Environments; Sexuality, Hypocrisy, and Personal Beliefs; Contradictions in Religious Teachings Lead to Atheism; Shared Viewpoints Affirmed Personal Views; Disputations in Shared Circles Lead to Personal Discovery; Unfolding of Identity through Personal and Social Dynamics. The process of moving away from religious beliefs and embracing atheism was a multifaceted journey that involved numerous factors. One's upbringing in a particular religion, combined with personal exploration, societal pressures, and exposure to a variety of viewpoints, all played a role in shaping individual convictions. The study explored the process of how Filipino atheists converted from believers to atheism, and what factors influenced their journey towards atheism. The study emphasized the role of cognitive dissonance, interpersonal contacts, societal support, and social dynamics in shaping individuals' belief systems. The study also highlighted the challenges faced by Filipino atheists, including those related to sexuality and hypocrisy within religious contexts. Overall, the study shed light on the complexities of religious conversion and de-conversion and the importance of social support in shaping individuals' beliefs and identities. Ultimately, becoming an atheist required a thorough introspection that was shaped by internal and external variables, resulting in a redefinition of one's identity and a change in beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino special education (SPED) teachers in the USA, focusing on how they navigate cultural differences. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study engaged 15 participants in in-depth interviews to gather nuanced insights into their experiences. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis method, involving systematic clustering, coding, and examination of responses to unearth key themes. The findings illuminated that these Filipino SPED teachers primarily grapple with differences in educational philosophy and practices, communication styles, and interpersonal dynamics. These aspects profoundly influence their teaching methods, shaping classroom communication, interaction styles, pedagogical approaches, and curriculum adaptation strategies. The study also highlighted the various challenges these educators face, including adapting to new cultural and language norms, adjusting teaching methodologies, and managing emotional and social transitions. In addressing these challenges, the study uncovered the coping strategies these teachers employ. Feedback from school administrators and peers shed light on how Filipino teachers are integrated and accepted within the school community. Their pedagogical contributions and expertise, particularly in handling cultural sensitivity and inclusivity challenges, were also noted. Significantly, the study revealed diverse understandings, experiences, and challenges among Filipino SPED teachers, offering a deeper perspective on the cultural variances between the Philippines and the USA. This research contributes to the broader teaching-learning discourse by elucidating the intricate nature of cultural differences and their impact on educational practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies offer evidence on the psychometric properties of the somatic symptom disorder (SSD) scale across different contexts. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the validity and clinical utility of an assessment tool measuring the severity of SSD anchored to COVID-19 pandemic-related experiences. To address this gap, the current study aims to validate the SSD-12 measure by examining its construct and criterion-related evidences of validity. The study, which involved 1,110 Filipino teachers, supports a bi-factor model and a 4-class solution for SSD latent profiles. Additionally, SSD-12 correlates with measures of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, proving its criterion-related validity. Specific socio-demographic characteristics, such as age and gender, as well as pandemic-related experiences, are also found to be closely associated with moderate to profound somatic symptoms. The findings of this study support the validity, reliability, and utility of SSD-12. Furthermore, the current findings provide helpful information in the creation, implementation, and monitoring of appropriate interventions to reduce the potential extent of SSD in tertiary teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of children of Muslim Filipinos in Sabah provides an intriguing case study for understanding "refugeeness" and children's identities in protracted situations of displacement. For complex historical, political and social reasons, these children both are and are not Filipino. Their families assert a cultural citizenship across political borders, while Sabahans stigmatize Filipino and refugee identities. The children themselves foreground their identity as Muslim, allowing them to assert a form of place-belonging that is not recognized by many Sabahans. The article theorizes these assertions and denials through the concept of refusal, arguing that in this context refusal takes multiple, competing forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses experiences of transnational end-of-life care among aging Filipina migrants before and during COVID-19. de Leon addresses the emotional costs associated with loving and losing kin from a distance both before and during the pandemic, drawing on their autobiographical account of distant care by proxy during their aunt's wake and funeral. Blower-Nassiri highlights the exacerbated fears and anxieties around dying, illness, and end-of-life among aging migrants, drawing on two life histories of retired nurses who recalled moments of loss and being absent for end-of-life events, such as funerals, before and during the pandemic. Together, de Leon and Blower-Nassiri provide an intimate portrait of three Filipina migrants' experiences with end-of-life care and loss. They further address the limitations of the life course framework in their consideration of how care carries on, across generations through end-of-life practices and rituals that signal an accrual of loss over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Understanding the relationship between age at smoking initiation and later smoking intensity is crucial for assessing future health consequences of smoking early and informing strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. This study explores the relationship between the two smoking-related behaviors among Filipino daily smokers. METHODS Secondary data analyses from the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey Philippines were performed. This study covers those who were reported to be daily smokers. The outcome of interest was smoking intensity, measured as the number of manufactured cigarettes consumed per day, while the main predictor was age at smoking initiation. Data from 2260 participants were analyzed. Negative binomial regression was used to test for the relationship between age at smoking initiation and smoking intensity while controlling for sociodemographic variables and other smoking-related behaviors. RESULTS The average age at which daily smoking commenced was 20.93 (SD=6.35) years, while the average number of manufactured cigarettes consumed per day was 9.50 (SD=7.26). Age at smoking initiation was a significant predictor of smoking intensity, even after controlling for potential confounders. Each additional year in the age at which smoking was initiated was associated with a 1.55% decrease in smoking intensity in the adjusted model (ß= -0.0155, p<0.0001). Other predictors of smoking intensity were current age (ß=0.0072; 95% CI: 0.0050-0.0094, p<0.0001), sex (ß= -0.1146; 95% CI: -0.2157 - -0.0136, p=0.0262), and smoking rules at home (ß=0.1807; 95% CI: 0.1175-0.2439, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Greater smoking intensity may be linked to early smoking initiation among Filipino adult daily smokers. The results may support interventions that target younger ages to curb heavy tobacco use at later ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to assess the skill level of research writing in Filipino of students in the Eleventh Grade of the Senior High School (SHS) in Mataas Paaralan ng Motiong, Samar Branch, in the Academic Year 2023-2024. This study used a quantitative-descriptive type of research with questionnaires to collect and analyze data. In addition, the attitude towards writing has a significant relationship with the level of research writing skill in Filipino of the student respondents according to the writing of the important parts of the research based on the p value of 0.013 which is lower than the level of significance at 0.05. There is a significant relationship between the level of students' research writing skills in Filipino according to research writing mechanics and the students' home writing materials because the p value was estimated at 0.002 which is less than the significance level at 0.05. There is a significant relationship between the students' level of research writing skills in Filipino according to research writing mechanics and their final grade in the Filipino research subjects because the p value was estimated at 0.039 less than the 0.05 significance level. The findings show that the student respondents are good at writing research in Filipino in the aspect of writing the important parts of the research by choosing the topic, presenting the rationale of the problem, identifying the related literature and related study, presentation of data collection design and methodology, data collation and interpretation, and development of summaries, conclusions, and recommendations; and research writing mechanics through spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure, and vocabulary. However, student respondents often experience problems related to research writing in Filipino. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the level of research writing skill in Filipino of the student respondents in the aspect of writing the important parts of the research and the writing material at home and attitude towards writing. Meanwhile, there is a significant relationship between the level of skill in writing research in Filipino according to the aspect of writing research mechanics and the age, occupation of parents, writing materials at home, and final grade in research subjects in Filipino of the student respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The WHO-5 well-being index is a brief rating scale extensively used to evaluate well-being symptoms. Despite the increasing number of studies validating this instrument across different samples from different countries, its psychometric properties remain unexplored in the Philippine context. Bridging this gap, the present study assessed the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 in Filipinos amid the pandemic. Methods: In study one, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was conducted using a sample of Filipinos (N = 2,521) from the general population and a unidimensional model of well-being was extracted. In study two, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to examine the one-factor model in 1,289 Filipino government workers. In study three, nomological validity was examined by performing a mediation analysis using 407 Filipino left-behind emerging adult children with dysfunctionality as mediator, pandemic-related adversities as independent variable, and well-being as the dependent variable. Results: The results of ESEM and CFA provided support for the WHO-5 one-factor model. Moreover, the negative relationship of well-being to anxiety, depression, and distress lend evidence to the scale's criterion validity. The results of the mediation analysis performed in study three implied that those who experienced pandemic-related adversities tended to have greater dysfunctionality, and in turn, had lower levels of well-being. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that the WHO-5 well-being index is a psychometrically sound tool for measuring Filipinos' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation delves into the phenomena of 'pakikibaka', a term denoting collective struggle, among student activists within the current political context of the Philippines, a landscape marred by misinformation and skewed public perceptions. Despite the initial high trust ratings for the current administration, as reported by the 2022 Pulse Asia Survey, a discernible erosion in public confidence was observed by 2023 and 2024, with the decline largely attributed to the government's perceived failures in addressing critical socio-economic challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on the student population, a demographic significantly impacted by recent budget cuts in the education sector, historical distortion, and widespread oppression and red-tagging, catalyzing a heightened sense of uncertainty and prompting this exploratory inquiry. Employing 'pakikipagkwentuhan', an indigenous qualitative methodology centered on conversational engagement, this research facilitates an unreserved discourse, enabling participants to express freely their insights predicated on their lived experiences. The study encompasses six enrolled student activists, all of whom are integrally affiliated with various mass organizations, are a minimum of 18 years of age, and self-identify as left-wing activists. The research findings demonstrate the perception of the experience of student activists. Central to the study's outcome is the conceptualization of 'pakikibaka' as a tool for recognizing the experiences of the marginalized sectors and advocating for their fundamental rights. Such engagement enhances their empathic understanding of the struggles of their 'kapwa' and articulates their advocacies through multifarious expressive modalities, encompassing writing, visual arts, and music, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the motivation of indigenous students in learning Filipino in public schools. There were 10 participants in this study from Francisco Bangoy High School. After the questionnaire was prepared, interviews were conducted and the responses of the participants were analyzed. The design used in the study was quantitative research. In connection with this, data analysis using the Collaizi method and qualitative phenomenological research were employed by the researcher to describe the lived experiences of a person in an event. The participants in the study were selected indigenous students in public schools. Additionally, the result of the study was to find out the motivation of indigenous students in their studies. Conducting further research about the motivation of indigenous students is recommended to ensure their needs are met. And, to identify the obstacles affecting the learning of Filipino by indigenous students. The study recommended that attention should be given to research concerning the motivation of indigenous students to change the public's perception of indigenous students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reflects on the findings of a study that examined the negotiation strategies employed by Filipino and Indonesian caregivers in addressing the challenges encountered as caregivers in Japan. A total of 20 caregivers have been interviewed, 11 of which were from Indonesia, and the remaining nine were from the Philippines. Results reveal that the challenges these caregivers experienced can be rooted to cultural and linguistic and status differentials. To manage these differences, caregivers employ negotiation strategies. Negotiating differences requires the presentation of the self in a likable manner to achieve relational goals. The cultural underpinnings of caregiving led Filipino and Indonesian caregivers view their work positively, thus, device self-negotiation strategies. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge regarding social work in the context of migration, and how economic disparities between host and sending countries recast caregiving work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the civic capacity of an organisation formed by migrants to act as an intermediary between co-ethnics and the host country. By presenting a case study of a co-ethnic association for Filipino migrants in a regional part of Japan with a qualitative data set, I explore how and why older migrants support co-ethnics while working collaboratively with the local community. This paper shows that the association as an intermediary does not just fill gaps, but engages co-ethnics and Japanese locals in the organisational growth of its volunteer work. The bottom-up work of the association not only exposes but also complements inadequacies in existing structures in the host country to build a constructive interdependence between co-ethnics and the local community. This highlights the pathway-building capacity of a co-ethnic association to effect change to migrants' participation in the host country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional political science literature suggests that the economic and political dislocations that accompany disasters, like pandemics, weaken community resources and disrupt social networks, consequently decreasing civic engagement. This paper examines how discontent, demotivation, and fatigue due to the dragging COVID-19 pandemic provided impetus for offline, interpersonal, and online political participation among younger Filipino citizens especially nearing its 2022 presidential elections. Drawing on an exploratory survey of undergraduate students who were constrained to online classes due to pandemic restrictions, we find that pandemic fatigue motivated the youth to explore online platforms as situ of political articulation. The findings also nuance the impact of well-known predictors such as political knowledge, interest, and efficacy on youth civic engagement. In particular, internal political efficacy was found to be strongly related to the three forms of political participation while external efficacy only stimulates online political participation. The study points to the importance of targeting political attitudes in order to shape political interest among the youth and nurture a politically engaged citizenry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sheds light on the experiences of middling Filipino transnational families in Singapore concerning the intersections of hope and aspiration in constructing their imagined futures. In particular, I examine how middling migrants engage in transnational migration and their children's university education to achieve such futures. Using their case, I explain how hope undergirds and sustains aspired-for familial futures until they come to fruition. I argue that hope, while futural and uncertain, is felt in the present because it is the scaffold on which the imagined future lives of families rest. Moreover, in investigating the importance of place in the construction of future lives, I show how Singapore provides space for hope to emerge in relation to the future lives imagined by middling Filipino transnational families. Finally, veering away from the normative conception of hope as a constant banner of optimism, I suggest that when entangled with familial aspirations, hope brings to the fore emotions and practices that are not always positive but necessary for the realization of aspired-for familial futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisits the political thought of Filipino statesman Claro M. Recto (1890–1960), with a focus on the idea of nationalism. Upon his return to Congress in 1952, Recto advocated for Filipino nationalism in response to the so-called "special relationship" between the Philippines and the United States in the post-independence period. He claimed that the Philippines, though granted independence in 1946, remained under the disparaging political and economic influence of the United States because of one-sided treaties. In Recto's mind, this "special relationship" was the main reason for the country's retrogression in attaining political and economic growth and development. Throughout his post-independence career in Congress, Recto was consistent in his posture of advocating Filipino nationalism. This article uncovers that Recto's nationalist crusade was anti-imperialist in principle against American neocolonialism thus only protective of the welfare of the Filipinos. This rereading of Recto's political thought hopes to add more nuance understanding about him, but it also deepens our understanding of the essence of nationalism in the postcolonial period in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perceptions of change management strategies were explored among Filipino educational leaders working in multinational institutions in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The views of three leaders were examined through a multiple case study approach. A participant from Thailand emphasized resilience and strict adherence to policy within a challenging cultural context. Contrastingly, another Thailand participant spoke of the need for empathetic leadership and proactive acceptance of change, while the participant from the UAE viewed change management as a comprehensive framework necessitating leadership as its driving force. The findings revealed that while a leader may focus on maintaining consistency amid policy changes, leaders may also advocate for an adaptive and supportive environment. This research indicated the critical need for culturally sensitive leadership and adaptive strategies in managing change, offering new insights into the interplay between leadership styles and change management in diverse educational settings. Furthermore, the findings challenge existing theories by highlighting the success of varied approaches to change management in different cultural contexts. The importance of empathy and flexibility in effective leadership was also accentuated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent scholarship on the Philippines has called into question the degree of colonial control which Spain held over the Philippines from 1521 to 1899. At the same time, scholars of colonial Latin America have been increasingly reaching out across the Pacific to incorporate Philippine materials into comparative analyses of Iberian colonialism in the Atlantic world. This paper examines the blood oaths of Rajah Humabon (1521) and Datu Sikatuna (1565) alongside other episodes from Philippine history to argue for the study of the Iberian colonialisms in former Pacific colonies alongside the Americas. Furthermore, this paper analyzes these materials through the lens of Filomeno Aguilar's 'clash of spirits' to better understand the range of Filipino responses to Spanish power during the colonial period and attempts to recover local agency via Indigenous sincerity, specifically in narratives of local conversion to Catholicism and other various forms of collaboration with Spanish authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism development can put destinations on a more equitable and environmentally friendly path by applying regenerative principles to tourism development. The millennial generation, known as sustainability-conscious consumers, bears much potential to participate in regenerative tourism. This study aimed to determine the awareness, perceived value, and intent to participate in regenerative tourism of the millennial generation in the Philippines in Metropolitan Manila and the surrounding areas such as Bulacan, Cavite, Angeles City, Cavite, Laguna, and others. This type of research is explanatory research, conducted through direct surveys of 190 millennial Filipinos through an online questionnaires (Google Form). Data was analyzed using SEM-PLS Version 3. The results of this study provide insights into the readiness of the millennial generation to participate in regenerative tourism practices. This research intends to contribute theoretically to tourism readiness and recovery post-pandemic. Moreover, it can make a practical contribution to tourism stakeholders to support the regenerative and sustainable development of tourist destinations in the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-harming behavior (SHB) has become a significant health issue among several populations, including adolescents, traumatized individuals, and persons deprived of liberty. Undoubtedly, incarceration takes a toll on inmates' mental health due to several stressful experiences while in custody. These taxing events make them vulnerable to maladaptive coping strategies, such as SHB. To date, many studies on this behavior have focused on high-income countries. Research has not explored much on this behavior among inmates in developing countries such as the Philippines. This phenomenological inquiry aims to characterize the experiences of select older male Filipino detainees engaged in SHB. Through vertical and horizontal analyses of the narratives shared, this study conceptualized the Self-Harming Behavior of Older Filipino Detainees as Tension and Compression. This model shows the forces that either pull or push the detainees to engage in self-injurious acts. Specifically, the seven themes surfaced: life dispositions, jail ecology, emotional baggage, physically and chemically-induced self-harming behavior, consequences, coping strategies, and cognizance. Findings from this inquiry may necessitate the provision of adequate and comprehensive prevention and intervention services for the self-harmers in jail, which are geared toward implementing a thorough psychological evaluation and promoting sound psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most widely acknowledged Filipino cultural values is utang na loob. Sometimes translated as "debt of gratitude," it refers to an informal form of reciprocal social obligation that arises when a person is significantly assisted by another during a difficult time. As it touches on the Filipino sense of human dignity and social responsibility, utang na loob is one critical theme in most research investigating the characteristics of the Filipino psyche, culture, and social behavior. Explaining the nature and occurrence of utang na loob, however, has its challenges, foremost of which is how to appropriately account for its negative or morally problematic instantiations. This essay examines how some approaches that regard utang na loob as a moral virtue handle this challenge. After identifying several difficulties with these approaches, the essay argues for an alternative approach that maintains the status of utang na loob as a cultural value whose instantiating actions are subject to moral evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]