Daniel Fernando

Purpose of the study: This study assessed the level of social engagement among third-year college students in a Catholic Higher Education institution during the Academic Year 2025-2026. It examined significant differences in social engagement among respondents when grouped by demographic profile. The study sought to contribute to Integrated Social Science Education by determining the extent to which these dimensions represent educational outcomes. Methodology: It utilized a quantitative design, specifically a descriptive-comparative approach. The study was conducted with a clustered, randomly sampled group of 226 third-year students. In gathering the data, a validated,reliability-tested 20-item modified questionnaire was used. In analyzing thedata, descriptive and comparative analyses, specifically mean, standarddeviation, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used. Main Findings: Overall, respondents exhibited high engagement (M=2.74, SD=0.47). The results showed no significant differences in social engagement when grouped by sex [U=5989.000, p=0.441] and program [χ²(16)=25.688,p=0.059]. Meanwhile, there is a significant difference when grouped according to membership in any organization [U=4293.500, p=0.027]. These findingssuggest that Integrated Social Science Education, complemented byorganizational participation, plays a vital role in promoting civic learning, activecitizenship, and the holistic development of socially responsible students inCatholic higher education. Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this study stems from its examination of social engagement through the dimensions of political interest, social analysis, valuing applicability, and self-efficacy as educational outcomes of Integrated Social Science Education in Catholic higher education. The findings provide evidence to inform enhancements to student development programs, co-curricular activities, and community engagement initiatives that support the institution's mission of holistic formation and promote social responsibility and active citizenship among higher education students.

This paper examined Pinoy Pop, especially that of Sound Break 19 (SB19), a Filipino boy band. The phenomenon was assessed using the framework of Theodor W. Adorno, who critically explored how society becomes entrapped within the confines of the culture industry. Using qualitative content analysis guided by Adorno’s concept of the culture industry, this study examines selected SB19 songs, performances, and media texts to explore how Pinoy Pop may negotiate commodification and artistic autonomy. The findings were then organized thematically. The results reveal that SB19 transcends the limitations of the culture industry by embracing artistic independence while simultaneously achieving commercial success. The group defies stereotypes, rises above imposed standards, and presents original, unhampered talent through their music and performances. SB19’s identity as a "sound breaker" resonates with Adorno’s philosophical position, especially in their shared critique of commodified culture. Thus, while not subscribing to post-modernism per se, the parallel lies in their mutual challenge to dominant norms and reified aesthetics. Consequently, this study encourages greater appreciation among Filipinos for our own cultural and musical identity, particularly in supporting the PPOP industry over foreign influences. It also serves as an eye-opener for young Filipino audiences, encouraging them to value artistic substance and national pride beyond the superficial attributes often associated with global pop idols.

Television shows play a significant role in exposing the realities and societal conditions prevalent in our time. Bridgerton is a Netflix series that spans two seasons. It is a story of love, passion, fashion, and family affairs set during the competitive Regency era in London, where marriageable youth and gentry are introduced into society. This philosophical paper employed an intersectional feminist film and television textual analysis to examine the representation of women in the Netflix series Bridgerton. Additionally, the paper integrates critical discourse analysis and narrative analysis as complementary methods. It also employed Bell Hooks' theory of representation that examined how the issue of gender oppression is prevalent in Bridgerton. The content was organized and analyzed through a set of thematic categories. Hence, one noticeable aspect of the show is the way women are groomed and trained to fit into the social strata, so that they can be pleasing in the eyes of the Queen, who approves them. Another is the way women are viewed as a means to save the family's wealth once they are partnered with a noble husband-to-be, disregarding their agency. Applying hooks' views, this paper underscores that women are not mere commodities. They are persons of dignity whose rights and privileges must be given due recognition equal to those of others. This is true not only among women but also to all. Equality builds justice. Justice diminishes oppression. For it is only when we start doing injustice towards others that oppression rises once again.