PUP-CORE Fronts First F2F Event; DCR Propels with CommRes Month
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Department of Communication Research (PUP-DCR) presented three events spearheaded by the PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts (PUP-CORE) to celebrate Communication Research (CommRes) Month in a face-to-face setup at the College of Communication (COC) from May 9, 2023, to June 9, 2023.
The celebration kickstarted with the first event entitled “Sayutsot: Lekturang Rustica Carpio” to honor the memory of Dr. Rustica Carpio and to impart fresh insights and learnings to DCR students.
Next is “CommRes Land: The True Dimension of Fun” that was filled with interactive games and activities spread throughout the corridors of COC which gave a chance for students to take a break from academic works.
Finally, featuring the first ever short film of PUP CORE under C23 Productions entitled “Pagkatapos ng Takipsilim” that highlighted the bright future that awaits in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Research (BACR) program.
Sayutsot: Lekturang Rustica Carpio
Sayutsot was named after Dr. Carpio for her contributions to the field of media, film, and television. Carpio was the first dean and advocate of PUP-COC, formerly known as the College of Languages and Mass Communication.
Led by the professors and students of DCR, Sayutsot aimed to develop a culture of research among students by tackling the pressing topics and issues that are circulating in our society. With last year’s Sayutsot highlighting the image of women in horror films, this year’s event focused on poverty represented in films.
Piloting Sayutsot for this year is Assoc. Prof. Kriztine Viray, adviser of PUP-CORE, who discussed her paper entitled “Representation of Poverty in Selected Films of Brocka and Mendoza: A Semiotic Reading,” at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) of COC last May 9.
Viray began her talk by briefly introducing the history of films in the Philippine setting, then compared the two film directors present in her study: Lino Brocka and Brillante Mendoza. She tackled different movies like “Insiang” and “Lola” including their elements that depict poverty by presenting trailers and a few clips from the films. Furthermore, she emphasized that the era of Brocka and Mendoza was a golden age for the Philippine film industry.
Camille Fernando, a junior student shared her overall experience with Sayutsot and how she felt about the topics discussed:
“Binigyang pansin ‘yung movies nila Brocka and Mendoza wherein na-tackle yung representation ng poverty. Very comprehensive ‘yung naging discussion ni Ma’am, magkakaroon ka talaga ng malawak na perspektibo patungkol doon sa topic at ma-apply mo rin in reality– wherein ma-po-point out mo ‘yung difference ng approach dun sa films ng dalawang directors,” Fernando said.
[“Brocka and Mendoza’s films were highlighted in a way that the representation of poverty was tackled well. The discussion of the speaker was very comprehensive, you will really have a wide perspective about the topic and you can apply it in real life– wherein you can point out the different approaches in the films of the two directors.”]
The talk ended with a question and answer portion where Viray shared how she felt when conducting her research. She also underscored how society needed more films like these as they serve as eye-openers for people who watch and discuss them.
CommRes Land: The True Dimension of Fun
To take a break from academic life, DCR students gathered and celebrated CommRes Land which was held at the PUP-COC lobby last May 12.
The activities were called ‘chapters’, representing the 5 chapters of a research paper. In each chapter, teams would receive a flag with a word on it.
A traditional game of sack race was the focus of chapter one, followed by answering a series of bugtong questions while playing Chinese garter in chapter two. Meanwhile, chapter three involved a game of tumbang preso.
Correspondingly, chapter four included a game of hopscotch or piko; and in chapter five, the team arranged the flags with words on them and uttered the phrase they had formed aloud. Therefore, the chapter’s conclusion emphasized the importance of teamwork among students.
Throughout the event, students from different sections and year levels shared their overall experiences. The event served as an opportunity for the students to meet new people, interact with them, and develop friendships.
Daryn Rivera, the event project head, and Aez Almarines, one of the event’s organizers, expressed their joy as they saw how the students enjoyed the activities they prepared.
Moreover, the event also served as a memory lane for some as to how Kirsten Danika Gelacio, one of the organizers, shared how she thought of her younger self as she observed the students have fun.
Maria Ronneth de Ocampo, on the other hand, a senior student and one of the facilitators of the event, highlighted CommRes students’ creativity and the value of camaraderie.
“These young minds, brimming with curiosity and boundless potential, formed connections and bonds with one another, reminding us all of the vibrant spirits of our program. It was a testament to the enduring nature of human connection and the resilience of youth. Witnessing such wholesomeness and witnessing these young individuals come together was a truly remarkable experience,” de Ocampo expressed.
Pagkatapos ng Takipsilim
Concluding the CommRes month with a blast, PUP-CORE presented its first-ever short film under C23 Productions entitled Pagkatapos ng Takipsilim at PUP-COC AVR last June 9.
The short film was directed by Bea Sevilla, produced by Rovicheds Lejano, and written by Lauren Manglicmot, Nicole Miraflor, and John Michael Alaman.
Starring Ulrica Salivio as Leila; Gianne Macatangay as Ms. Mendoza; Louise Dukay as Ashley; Alessie Alanes as Sidney; Michael Alaman as Khai; Brent Yuri Jurado as Nate; Marko Sarmiento as Renz; Althea Agustin as Tricia; and Danika Gelacio as Harriette, the short film narrated the story of Leila, a senior high school student who is unsure of her college program preferences.
Leila had several programs and career paths in her mind. Yet with the help of other people and numerous signs around her, she eventually saw herself in a program where she would progress — the BACR program offered in PUP-COC.
Through the short film, students were expected to gain a thorough understanding of what BACR has to offer.
Lemuel Pineda, a freshman, shared how the short film emphasized the significance of considering BACR as one of the program options for upcoming college students who will enroll in PUP.
“The short film does a great job of conveying its message effectively, allowing viewers to relate to the experiences and gain a better understanding of what they can expect in this field,” Pineda stated.
Meanwhile, Gianne Macatangay expressed how talented CommRes students are as she desires to see more events like this in the future.
“Overall, I am beyond proud of the team for producing the film and sharing it not just with the DCR community but also with those interested in pursuing a degree in Communication Research. I hope that this kind of event will be sustained throughout the years and encourage more future Iskolars to join and grow in CommRes,” Macatangay said.
Concurrently, Sevilla felt a sense of accomplishment after the event’s tremendous success since this was a brand-new initiative by the department which promoted the skills and talents of CommRes students.
“This event literally falls outside the ‘usual’ event setup of the organization since we are comfortable conducting webinars, research conferences, workshops, and such. It was empowering to embark on a new journey in the organization that can be made use for future endeavors,” Sevilla shared.
Additionally, Sevilla highlighted the excellence and value of DCR and how it stands out from other collegiate programs.
“CommRes is all about bringing progress and organizations (PUP CORE and UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR) from our department have been taking part and leading that move. Hence, the students, faculty members, and leaders of DCR are all in this together to bring progress and always choose CommRes,” Sevilla said.
This face-to-face CommRes Month has been a fruitful celebration whereas students gained meaningful insights, made acquaintances, and showcased their talents.
Since matters are now returning to normal, it is anticipated that there will be more worthwhile events that display the potentials of communication research and promote the pride of the DCR community.
As the DCR community would say: In CommRes, there’s always Progress!
The CommRes Month was in partnership with: PUP-COC Student Council, Teatro Komunikado, Av1Ds, Seaque, Dag1Tab, Bal1ntataw, Quantwom, Wanwan Productions, 1Nquirers, Bi2in, and Tala; with UNDERSCORE PUP-DCR as the official media partner.
