Brandon N. Obenza

This research investigated whether cultural intelligence (CQ) mediates the relationship between language learning strategies (LLS) and intercultural communicative competence (ICC). It employed a non-experimental correlational design and a mediation analysis to ascertain the relationships among variables. Using a stratified random sampling procedure, 258 pre-service teachers participated in this research. Adapted questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The hypothesized mediation model was assessed using standard algorithm bootstrapping in SmartPLS 4.0. Findings revealed that the pre-service teachers demonstrated high levels of LLS use, particularly the metacognitive strategy. Results also show high CQ and ICC. Among the domains, the respondents demonstrated the highest levels of metacognitive CQ and ICC attitudes. Finally, the mediation analysis suggests that CQ mediates the relationship between LLS and ICC, suggesting that language learning activities should facilitate improvements in cultural knowledge, behavior, and motivation among pre-service teachers.

Several studies have found that many students in Junior High School struggle with their writing skills, more specifically, with the use of punctuation. This quasi-experimental research design tested the efficacy of dictogloss in developing the punctuation accuracy of grade 8 students. Two sections were designated as control and experimental groups using a quasi-experimental approach, and they were given a writing test on punctuation accuracy in paragraph writing both before and after the test. The pretest scores revealed that the control and experimental groups had the same level of punctuation accuracy performance prior to the intervention. In the posttest, however, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, with the experimental group obtaining higher punctuation accuracy and greater mean gain scores than the control group. This indicates the efficacy of the intervention in enhancing Grade 8 students’ punctuation accuracy. Also, based on the responses from students and the cooperating teacher further indicated that the activity promoted collaboration, active participation, and deeper reflection on punctuation use in context. Thus, this study recommends that teachers may adopt dictogloss-based activities to make punctuation lessons more engaging, meaningful, and effective based on the results.

Head teachers in the Philippine public school system are increasingly burdened with ancillary responsibilities that extend far beyond their instructional leadership roles posing risks to their effectiveness and well-being. This qualitative case study explores the lived experiences of three (3) head teachers in Davao City, Philippines, as they navigate the demands of multiple ancillary functions beyond their core instructional leadership roles. The study gathered rich, detailed narratives of their challenges and coping mechanisms using purposive sampling. Anchored in Role Strain Theory, Transformational Leadership, and Experiential Learning Theory, the findings reveal role conflict, emotional fatigue, and systematic support gaps. Despite these pressures, the head teachers demonstrate remarkable resilience through structured planning, emotional regulation, spiritual grounding, and collaboration. Cross-case analysis revealed shared adaptive strategies and a purpose-driven mindset, highlighting the potential of informal learning for professional growth. The study recommends institutional reforms, including formal training, task delineation, and well-being programs to support sustainable school leadership.

The relationship between students’ self-regulation and their academic satisfaction is somewhat complex and subjective, thus hard to analyze. The central aim of the study is to examine the relationship between self-regulation strategies and academic satisfaction among students at the University of Mindanao. This study used a quantitative method, especially a non-experimental correlational approach. The data were collected through Google Forms using adapted scale and validated instruments. The 205 respondents of the main campus of the University of Mindanao were selected through a stratified random sampling method to ensure representation across programs and year levels. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through Jamovi software. The findings revealed that self-regulation and academic satisfaction has an excellent internal consistency making the findings robust and reliable for interpretation. The findings underline the importance of self-directed learning in molding students’ academic experiences. Students who actively plan, monitor, and manage their learning are more likely to be satisfied with their academic environment, demonstrating the value of teaching and promoting these skills in educational environments. The study has important implications for educators, politicians, and academics interested in improving self-regulation and academic satisfaction.

This study explores the attitudes of engineering students toward artificial intelligence (AI) systems, addressing a critical gap in understanding how this demographic engages with and adapts to emerging technologies. Rooted in theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Multicomponent Model of Attitudes, the study highlights the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of student engagement with AI. Employing a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected from 254 engineering students using a stratified random sampling technique. A validated questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale was administered online, and the results were analyzed using statistical methods, including reliability tests and structural equation modelling. The findings reveal generally positive attitudes toward AI, with cognitive engagement and self-efficacy improving as students progress academically. However, gender-based disparities in AI literacy and self-efficacy suggest the need for tailored educational interventions. Despite moderate levels of behavioral engagement, students demonstrated significant readiness to adopt AI systems, with AI literacy being the most influential factor shaping attitudes. The study concludes that integrating AI into engineering curricula can enhance student preparedness for technology-driven professions while addressing disparities to promote equitable learning experiences. These findings provide actionable insights for improving AI education in engineering contexts.

This study investigated the predictive influence of academic stress and procrastination on mental well-being among university students in the Philippines, with gender as a covariate. Grounded in the Procrastination Health Model and Self-Determination Theory, the study utilized a non-experimental correlational design involving 378 undergraduate students selected through stratified random sampling. Standardized instruments measured academic stress, procrastination, and mental well-being, and reliability analysis yielded strong internal consistency across all constructs (Cronbach’s α = 0.900 to 0.906; McDonald’s ω = 0.902 to 0.910). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed the construct validity of the scales, with factor loadings ranging from 0.303 to 0.922. Correlation analysis revealed that academic stress and procrastination were both significantly associated with mental well-being, although in nuanced directions. Multiple regression analysis showed that academic stress (β = 0.339, p < .001), procrastination (β = 0.130, p = .031), and gender (β = -0.361, p < .001) significantly predicted mental well-being, accounting for 14.0% of the total variance (R² = 0.140, F = 20.2, p < .001). The findings challenge conventional assumptions by suggesting that moderate academic stress may positively influence well-being and that procrastination, when managed, may not be entirely detrimental. These results highlight the need for differentiated stress management and time regulation programs in higher education. The study offers theoretical contributions to models of academic behavior and underscores the importance of contextual and gender-sensitive approaches to student mental health.

This study explores the linguistic conventions and etiquette used by philanderers—people who commit infidelity and extramarital affairs. Using a multiple case study approach, this study focuses on the language characteristics of philanderers, mainly how they use rhetorical techniques and linguistic strategies to manage various relationships and to conceal and disguise such activity. Through in-depth interviews and analyses of mobile communication, this research demonstrates varied use of language, vocabulary, deceiving tactics, and coded terminology. The study displays a common practice of employing prudent vocabulary choices, the tone used in conversation, politeness in language and communication, and reassuring techniques to manipulate emotion and persuasion. The use of code words, deceiving language, coded terminologies for meeting places and sexual activities, and selective language used inside social circles have been indicated in the results as part of the participants’ linguistic patterns. Furthermore, philanderers use various techniques in preserving and hiding relationships, such as employing intimate and seductive language, adaptive language, creative expression, emotionally appealing expressions, and respectful and polite language. By revealing the adept linguistic strategies and patterns of the philanderers, this study contributes to a broader knowledge of how language and communication are used in dealing with deceit and trust in relationships and provides practical insights into determining linguistically deceiving expressions. This research offers a deeper understanding of how philanderers navigate their lives and manage multiple relationships by carefully and consciously selecting language and communication, which can be valuable in various professional and personal contexts. This study provides new avenues for comprehending the complex dynamics of multiple relationships and the role of linguistics and language

This research explores the experiences of Filipino English teachers overseas, focusing on the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope. The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of Filipino non-native English-speaking teachers in international teaching environments. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, the methodology involves in-depth interviews of five Filipino English teachers in various countries. The findings reveal several key challenges. These include cultural and language barriers, curriculum teaching adjustments, homesickness and isolation, building relationships and integration, cultural sensitivity, and classroom management challenges. These themes reflect the complex realities of teaching in a foreign setting. To address these challenges, the teachers employed a range of coping strategies. These include cultural immersion, peer support and networking, professional development, maintaining connections with family and community, adaptation to teaching methods, self-care practices, seeking and offering help, and embracing flexibility and open-mindedness. These themes show how Filipino NNESTs develop practical and emotional tools to thrive overseas. This study highlights the need for holistic support systems, professional development opportunities, and cultural awareness programs to better prepare and assist Filipino teachers in overcoming the challenges they may face while working in a foreign country. Addressing these challenges could lead to a more positive and fulfilling experience for overseas teachers, which will ultimately benefit the students and the educational system as a whole.

Publisher: Journal for Nation Building Foundation, Manila, 2013 Publication Date: 2013 Language: English ISBN 13: 9789719568902 Aries C. Rufo’s Altar of Secrets is an investigative work that exposes the systemic moral and institutional failings of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. The book presents a profoundly unsettling narrative of Cleric’s/Priest’s misconduct, financial corruption, and political collusion, challenging the moral and theological authority of one of the most influential institutions in the Philippines. An experienced journalist, Rufo navigates the Church’s impenetrable walls of secrecy to reveal its contradictions: an institution that preaches morality while often failing to hold itself accountable for transgressions within its ranks and by giving light consequences to the violators. Rufo opens the book with a searing critique of the Catholic Church’s handling of clerical sexual misconduct, highlighting cases involving high-ranking clergy. From bishops fathering children to priests engaging in illicit relationships, Rufo paints a vivid picture of an institution riddled with scandal. He highlights the Church’s practice of quietly reassigning offending priests to other dioceses or encouraging them to retire, thereby avoiding public scrutiny. One of the most shocking revelations is the Church’s tacit acceptance of a “quota system,” which permits priests to remain in ministry after fathering a single child but mandates their removal if they have more than one. Rufo’s documentation of these practices underscores a systemic disregard for accountability and victim welfare, particularly in the context of abuse cases. The code of silence, or omertà, perpetuates a culture where transgressions are normalized, as Church leaders prioritize institutional reputation over justice for victims (Rufo, 2013). This raises profound questions about the Church’s claim to moral authority. As Rufo notes, the Church demands high moral standards from the laity while excusing its clergy from similar accountability, eroding trust in its moral leadership. This is particularly troubling given the priestly vow of celibacy, which symbolizes complete devotion to God, and the understanding of priesthood as the Alter Christus (Other Christ), a sacred calling rather than merely a profession. Such inconsistencies undermine the very essence of the priesthood’s spiritual and moral exemplariness. The book also delves into the Church’s financial affairs, revealing mismanagement, embezzlement, and opaque handling of donations. Rufo characterizes diocesan hierarchies as modern-day feudal estates, where bishops wield unchecked authority over Church finances. He recounts the collapse of Church-run banks, such as Monte de Piedad, due to financial mismanagement and details how donations meant for charitable purposes were siphoned off for personal gain. Rufo’s analysis demonstrates how these practices contradict the Church’s professed mission to serve the poor. By exposing the lack of financial accountability, he challenges the Church’s credibility in demanding transparency and ethical conduct from political leaders. This hypocrisy undermines the Church’s prophetic role in advocating social justice and its theological commitment to the “preferential option for the poor” (Rufo, 2013). These contradictions echo the realities of the Catholic Church in the time of Rizal, as vividly portrayed in his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. While not considered strictly factual, these works highlight abuses of power, corruption, and moral decadence within the Church hierarchy, which remain common knowledge and resonate with modern critiques. Such parallels deepen the gravity of Rufo’s argument, illustrating how historical and systemic inconsistencies continue to erode trust in the Church’s moral authority. In perhaps the book’s most controversial section, Rufo examines the Church’s deep involvement in Philippine politics. He describes how Church leaders maintained close relationships with political figures, often receiving material favors in exchange for their support. For example, Rufo recounts how former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cultivated relationships with bishops by providing financial largesse, even amid corruption scandals that plagued her administration. Rufo’s critique is particularly sharp in discussing the Church’s opposition to the Reproductive Health Bill. The Church’s vehement campaign against the bill exemplifies its willingness to impose its moral views on state policies, often disregarding the secular nature of governance. Rufo argues that this overreach into political affairs not only undermines democracy but also alienates segments of the population who feel the Church prioritizes its institutional interests over the common good (Rufo, 2013). Rufo’s exposé invites reflection on the nature of institutional power and its capacity to corrupt. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s theory of power, the book illustrates how the Church’s hierarchical structure enables a concentration of authority that is resistant to external scrutiny. This unchecked power fosters an environment where abuse and corruption can thrive. The Church’s reliance on secrecy and its resistance to reform reflect what Foucault might describe as a strategy to maintain control over its members and public image (Foucault, 1977). Further, by shielding errant clergy from scrutiny, the Church prioritizes self-preservation over moral integrity, which undermines its claims to spiritual leadership (Foucault, 1977). This hypocrisy resonates with Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of moral institutions. Nietzsche argues that such entities often cloak their will to power in the guise of virtue, wielding moral authority as a tool of domination. Rufo’s critique exemplifies this dynamic, exposing an institution that demands moral rigor from others while excusing its own transgressions. The synthesis of Foucault’s and Nietzsche’s philosophies offers a sobering view of the Church as an institution where power and morality are in constant tension, often to the detriment of its mission. However, the Local Church seems to have failed to learn from its past, as vividly chronicled in the works of Jose Rizal. Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed the abuses of power, hypocrisy, and corruption in the Church during the colonial period – issues that were instrumental in igniting revolutionary fervor in the Philippines. The fact that similar dynamics persist today raises troubling questions: Why has the Church not internalized the lessons of its historical failings? Why does it continue to repeat the patterns that alienated the faithful in Rizal’s time? From a theological perspective, Rufo’s revelations compel a reassessment of the Church’s understanding of sin and grace. The Church’s reluctance to publicly address clerical misconduct reflects an institutional failure to embody the Christian call to repentance and renewal. By shielding errant clergy from accountability, the Church undermines its mission to be a witness to Christ’s transformative grace. The book challenges the Church to embrace a model of humility and transparency, as Christ exemplifies. This involves addressing individual failures and undertaking structural reforms to prevent future abuses. Rufo’s work thus aligns with liberation theology’s emphasis on institutional transformation as a necessary dimension of salvation (Gutierrez, 1973). As a member of the Catholic Church, reading the Altar of Secrets evokes a mix of sorrow, anger, and hope. The book’s revelations challenge me to confront the dissonance between the Church’s divine mission and the human failures of its leadership. The institution that has shaped my faith and values now stands accused of betraying the very principles it professes to uphold. This dissonance compels a reexamination of my relationship with the Church, not as an unquestioning follower but as an engaged member who seeks accountability and reform. The Catholic priesthood, understood as the Alter Christus (Other Christ), is a sacred vocation rooted in the eternal words Psalm 110:4, “You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek.” These words remind us of the divine calling of priests to embody Christ’s love, humility, and sacrificial service. It is this profound spiritual identity that makes the moral failures of some clergy even more disheartening. The breach of trust not only undermines the Church’s moral authority but also distorts the image of the priesthood as a reflection of Christ’s eternal priesthood. Despite the pain of these revelations, faith remains anchored in the Gospel’s core teachings rather than its messengers’ fallibility. Like all human institutions, the Church is susceptible to sin but also possesses the capacity for renewal. Rufo’s work is a reminder that the path to redemption requires confronting uncomfortable truths and working toward systemic change. As members of the Pilgrim Church – the Militant Church – believers are called to actively participate in its journey toward holiness. This means demanding transparency from Church leaders, supporting initiatives that align its actions with its spiritual mission, and ensuring that the priesthood truly reflects its divine calling. Ultimately, the mission of the Pilgrim Church is to uphold the Gospel’s call to love, justice, and humility, embodying Christ’s eternal presence in a world that desperately needs His light. Altar of Secrets is more than an exposé of the Philippine Catholic Church; it is a call to action for both the clergy and the laity. Rufo underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the Church. He challenges the institution to align its practices with its professed values, thereby restoring its credibility and moral authority. Philosophically, the book compels a reconsideration of the relationship between power and morality in religious instituti

This descriptive-comparative study examined the self-perceived entrepreneurship competencies of 282 university students across four core domains defined by the entrepreneurship competence framework: ideas and opportunities, personal resources, specific knowledge, and into action. Utilizing both descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (t-tests and Welch’s ANOVA), the study revealed that students generally reported moderately high levels of entrepreneurial competence, particularly in opportunity recognition, resilience, and adaptability. Notably, female students scored significantly higher in the personal resources domain, highlighting a gender-based strength in intrapersonal and interpersonal capacities. Furthermore, significant differences in specific knowledge and overall entrepreneurship competence emerged across household income groups, with students from higher economic backgrounds exhibiting stronger domain-specific knowledge, affirming the influence of socioeconomic status on entrepreneurial development. These findings were interpreted through the theoretical lenses of the Theory of Planned Behavior, Human Capital Theory, and Effectuation Theory. The results suggest that attitudes and perceived behavioral control influence competence perceptions, economic resources shape access to knowledge, and adaptive learning fosters entrepreneurial resilience. Practical implications underscore the need for equity-oriented interventions that scaffold entrepreneurial skills, especially for economically disadvantaged students. This study contributes to the growing literature on entrepreneurship education by offering empirical insights into competence disparities and by proposing inclusive pedagogical strategies.

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder with significant implications for both physical and mental health and is often associated with various chronic conditions. This study examines the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between internet addiction and insomnia among college students. Utilizing a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 372 participants using validated instruments, including the Perceived Stress Scale, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Insomnia Severity Index. The results indicated a significant direct effect of internet addiction on insomnia, as well as a strong predictive relationship between internet addiction and perceived stress. Notably, perceived stress emerged as a significant mediator, exacerbating insomnia symptoms. These findings are consistent with the Diathesis–Stress Model, suggesting that internet addiction may act as a vulnerability factor, with stress functioning as a critical environmental trigger for sleep disturbances. The study underscores the importance of addressing both internet addiction and stress in interventions aimed at mitigating insomnia among college students. Further longitudinal research is warranted to explore these dynamics, considering additional psychological variables that may influence these relationships.

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of academic procrastination in the relationship between academic stress and burnout among college students in Regions XI and XII, Philippines. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative, non-experimental correlational design. Data were collected through an online survey consisting of 64 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. A sample of 250 college students was selected using stratified random sampling, and data were analyzed using SmartPLS 4.0 and bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples. Main Findings: The results showed that academic stress significantly predicts burnout (β = 0.394, p &lt; 0.001), while procrastination mediates this relationship by amplifying stress and increasing emotional exhaustion (β = 0.411, p &lt; 0.001). These findings highlight stress as a critical factor in driving burnout and demonstrate the importance of addressing procrastination to improve student well-being. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study advances knowledge by exploring the mediating role of procrastination in the stress-burnout relationship, which has been underexplored in the literature. It highlights practical implications for community-based education policies and strategies to enhance student resilience and mitigate burnout in academic settings.

This research explores the lived experiences of male sex workers with a focus on understanding the challenges they face, the coping strategies they employ, as well as the language they usually use when interacting with clients. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, the methodology involves in-depth interviews of five male sex workers whose age ranges from 19-21 years old and natives of San Juan, Southern Leyte, Philippines. This approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, coping mechanisms, and the vocabulary they employ when communicating with clients. The key results reveal that these informants encounter significant challenges, including financial difficulties, thus resulting in engaging in this profession, moreover, they also face discrimination, social exclusion, and safety risks. Despite these challenges, these male sex workers navigate their lives as sex workers by using coping strategies such as discrimination acceptance, socializing and enjoyment with peers, and self-confidence and resiliency. A total of forty-eight (48) expressions emerged from the collected data. These expressions were categorized into: Introductory Signals, Name Substitution, and Sexual Services.

This critical discourse analysis aims to expose the violations of the standards and guidelines of conversation specifically in the context of senate investigations on the matter of People’s Initiative in the Philippines. Moreover, this study delved into the violations of maxims within the premise of cooperative principle conceptualized by Grice. This study utilized a qualitative research design using forensic linguistics through critical discourse analysis, with corpus linguistics of two 4-hour length senate investigation videos which focus on spoken legal language. The findings revealed the frequency of violations of the four maxims within the analyzed corpora as follows: 23% on the maxim of quality, 23% on the maxim of quantity, 34% on the maxim of relevance, and 20% on the maxim of manner. This finding signifies the complexities of linguistic behavior within the analyzed corpora and offers insights into the discourse surrounding People’s Initiative in the Philippines.

Purpose of the study: This study aimed to examine university students’ attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the JESI Interactive Learning Module using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), focusing on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Methodology: A structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire adapted from Davis (1989) was distributed via Google Forms. A total of 269 university students were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0 and descriptive statistics via Jamovi software. Main Findings: The findings revealed that PU (β = 0.495, p &lt; 0.000) has significant direct effects toward attitude, while PEOU (β = 0.117, p &lt; 0.144) has no significant direct effects toward attitude. Additionally, attitude (β = 0.594, p &lt; 0.00) has also been found to have a significant direct effect toward behavioral intention to use. Additionally, the structural model demonstrated a good-fit in all PLS-SEM indices. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is the first to apply TAM to evaluate JESI, a context-specific ILM in Philippine higher education. It advances theoretical understanding of technology acceptance and offers practical insights for improving ILM design and adoption across similar digital platforms in higher education institutions.

The representation of women in literature has long been influenced by patriarchal perspectives, often neglecting their moral experiences and ethical voices. Addressing this gap, the study explores the moral development of female protagonists in selected novels of Sidney Sheldon. The primary objective is to identify the stages of moral development and the distinct voices of the major heroines, using Carol Gilligan’s Feminist Care Ethics as a framework. Employing a descriptive qualitative research design, the study uses close reading and textual analysis to examine two novels: Are You Afraid of the Dark? and The Best Laid Plans. Findings reveal that the heroines progress through various stages of moral development, transitioning from self-interest to responsibility and self-sacrifice. The characters demonstrate interconnectedness, care, concern, and a strong sense of responsibility for others, ultimately embodying empowered women capable of ethical decision-making. The study highlights the complexity of female morality and contributes to broader discussions on gender and ethics in literary analysis.

The disparity in knowledge between AI literacy and digital literacy among students in Region XI is hindering their ability to acquire crucial technology skills. The purpose of this study is to investigate the moderating effect of sex on the relationship between AI literacy and digital literacy. Using a quantitative, non-experimental research design, data were collected through stratified random sampling with surveys and analyzed via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Methodological validity was ensured through statistical tests, confirming high reliability for constructs such as AI learning (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.913) and digital literacy (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.966). The findings indicate that AI literacy significantly improves digital literacy, with a path coefficient of 0.523 and a significance level of p < 0.001. Furthermore, self-efficacy (0.586, p < 0.001) and competency (0.612, p < 0.001) serve as crucial mediators in this process. These findings underline the need to incorporate AI literacy into educational curricula. Incorporating AI education can assist in filling knowledge gaps and improving digital skills. According to the study, activities focusing on artificial intelligence should be included in digital literacy programs to better prepare children for a technologically driven future.

This political discourse analysis aims to unveil the speech acts and FTAs employed by Philippine politicians, their contributions to the persuasive power of political discourse, and their pragmatic implicatures on the People’s Initiative. This study utilized a qualitative research design using forensic linguistics through political discourse analysis, with corpus linguistics of 16 political speeches chosen through purposive sampling. The findings revealed that 18% of the discourse falls under FTAs, 42% for speech acts, 20% for persuasive power contribution, and 20% for pragmatic implicatures. This purports the complex relationships that exist between language, power, and persuasion in the political context.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0785/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

This study critically examined Taylor Swift's Midnights album's stylistic devices, thematic elements, and audience reception, employing a qualitative research design. The corpus consisted of the album's thirteen (13) songs, analyzed through the lens of Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework, encompassing description, interpretation, and explanation, and supplemented by I. R. Galperin’s theory of stylistic devices. Additionally, focus group discussions with Swifties provided insights into fan reception. The analysis identified 135 stylistic devices in the album's lyrics, including metaphor (61 instances, 45.19%), imagery (22 cases, 16.30%), simile (13 instances, 9.63%), Hyperbole (8 instances, 5.93%), personification (8 cases, 5.93%), allusion (3 instances, 2.22%), juxtaposition (1 instance, 1%), epistrophe (1 instance, 1%), and rhyme (1 instance, 1%). The recurring thematic elements in the album encompassed self-realization, self-empowerment, escape and solitude, regret and loss, vulnerability, control and manipulation, reclaiming independence, social pressure and expectation, emotional resonance, emotional detachment, emotional turmoil, acceptance, and rejecting conformity. Swifties' reception of the album revealed emergent themes, including self-reflection, self-reliance, emotional acceptance, love, vulnerability, relatability, anxiety, and pain. This study highlights the complex interplay between stylistic expression, thematic depth, and audience engagement in contemporary music discourse, offering insights into the cultural and emotional impact of Taylor Swift's Midnights.

The purpose of this hermeneutic analysis was to explore the pain and suffering of Jesus in the Gospel of Mattew using Ricœur’s Hermeneutic Circle. The New International Version of the Bible was used as corpora. This study employed qualitative design, specifically corpus hermeneutic analysis. The Gospel of Matthew presents a comprehensive portrait of Jesus as the fulfillment of divine promises and the savior of mankind. Jesus' life is intricately woven with significant themes that define his identity and mission, including his lineage, roles as a Rabbi and Miracle Worker, and his ultimate identity as the Messiah. The narrative emphasizes Jesus' physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering, challenging preconceptions of a stoic divine figure and inviting reflection on the depth of his sacrifice and love. The arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus depict his submission to God's will, sacrificial love, and the fulfillment of prophecies, inspiring believers to embody humility, obedience, and selflessness. The pain and suffering of Jesus Christ hold profound symbolic richness and theological significance, representing the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind and embodying God's love for humanity.

This quantitative non-experimental study delves into the factors associated with academic procrastination among college students. Using stratified random sampling, the identified and included 409 students from different higher educational institutions in Region XI, Philippines. The study adopted validated measurement scales for the Academic Procrastination, Academic Stress, and Fear of Failure. Using SmartPLS 4.0 software a mediation analysis was conducted on the data. The results revealed that college students manifest moderate levels of academic stress, fear of failure, and academic procrastination. Further, significant direct and indirect effects were found to all hypothesized paths thus supporting the hypothesized mediation model of academic procrastination. The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.433) indicates that fear of failure and academic stress together explain 43.3% of the variance in academic procrastination among college students. Implications and limitations of the study were also provided.

This quantitative study examined how university students perceive and use generative AI technology, specifically ChatGPT, in higher education. The main objective is to explore and describe university students' perception and use of generative AI, particularly ChatGPT, in the context of higher education. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was adopted and used in the study. Five hundred students from various universities in Region XI were surveyed using a stratified random sampling technique. Further, the validity and reliability of the scale used in the study were assessed using Cronbach's Alpha and Factor Analysis and demonstrated acceptable construct validity and reliability indices. The findings revealed that university students demonstrated high levels of understanding, knowledge, perception of the advantages and disadvantages, positive attitude, and strong intention to use generative AI technologies in the context of higher education. Moreover, the respondents showed a moderate level of concern about generative AI.

The central aim of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the efficacy of lyrical and instrumental music in developing the reading comprehension of grade 10 students of Davao City, Philippines using the descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically t-Test significant differences were assessed among groups and scores. The findings revealed that all groups had similar level of reading comprehension at the outset of the experiment. The post experiment revealed that a significant increase of score was evident in the control and experimental group, which utilized instrumental music. On the other hand, the experimental group using lyrical music, had no significant improvement in the reading comprehension scores. Implications for the educational practices and limitations of the study were provided.