Date of Publication

11-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts

Subject Categories

Film and Media Studies

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Marie Luz D. Mamawal

Defense Panel Member

Kristoffer G. Brugada
Ruepert D. Cao
Noel C. Galvez

Abstract (English)

In a society long dominated by patriarchy, Firsts presents the perspective of Athena, a Gen Z Filipina eager to embrace her many “firsts” and carve out her place in the world. Through her journey, the film captures the tension between youthful ambition and the lingering societal limitations placed upon women. It explores themes of womanhood, empowerment, and coming of age, emphasizing that gender-based discrimination remains deeply ingrained despite modern progress.

Grounded in descriptive quantitative research, the study surveyed 50 Gen Z women from diverse backgrounds using Elisa Miyake’s Female Microaggressions Scale. It examined their experiences with workplace inequities, subtle sexism, and the social pressures they encounter both professionally and personally. By drawing from participants across different social and cultural contexts, the study offered a holistic understanding of how female microaggressions persist and impact women’s confidence, opportunities, and well-being in varying environments.

Firsts creatively incorporates vlogging and vibrant visuals to reflect Gen Z’s distinct voice and storytelling style. These elements capture how young women today document their lives, navigate challenges, and confront gender norms in a digital age. More than just a narrative, the film serves as a social commentary—illuminating the quiet struggles women continue to face while celebrating their strength, resilience, and agency. Ultimately, Firsts encourages viewers to recognize the unseen barriers that persist and inspires women to reclaim their stories, turning every “first” into a declaration of empowerment and change.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Sa isang lipunang matagal nang pinangingibabawan ng patriyarka, ipinakikita ng Firsts ang kwento ni Athena, isang Pilipinang Gen Z na sabik maranasan ang kaniyang maraming “firsts” at lumilok ng kaniyang lugar sa mundo. Sa kaniyang kwento, ipinapakita ng pelikula ang banggaan ng mga pangarap ng kabataan at ng mga limitasyon sa kababaihan na ipinapataw ng lipunan. Ipinakikita ng pelikula ang mga tema ng pagkababae, empowerment, at coming of age na nagbibigay-diin sa gender-based discrimination na nananatiling nakatanim sa kabila ng panahon ng modernong pagbabago.

Nakaangkla sa descriptive quantitative research, ang pag-aaral na ito ay gumamit ng sarbey sa limampung babaeng Gen Z na may iba’t ibang pinagmulan gamit ang Female Microaggressions Scale ni Elisa Miyake. Pinag-aralan nito ang kanilang karanasanan sa hindi pagkakapantay-pantay na trato sa trabaho, mga banayad na anyo ng sexism, at mga social pressure na nararanasan nila sa propesyunal at personal na buhay. Sa pagpili ng mga kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang kontekstong sosyal at kultural, pinag-aralan ng tesis na ito ang kabuuang pagkaunawa kung paano patuloy na umiiral at nakakaapekto ang karanasang ito sa kumpiyansa, oportunidad, at kabuuang-kalagayan ng mga babae. Gumamit ang Firsts ng vlogging at makukulay na biswal para malikhaing ipakita ang kakaibang paraan ng mga Gen Z sa pagkukuwento at pagharap sa mga hamon. Higit sa lahat, layunin ng pelikula na bigyang-liwanag ang mga tahimik na laban ng mga kababaihan at hikayatin silang muling angkinin ang kanilang mga kuwento—gawing simbolo ng lakas, tapang, at pagbabago ang bawat “first.”

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Young women--Philippines; Short films

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Embargo Period

12-4-2025

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