Date of Publication

3-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts

Subject Categories

Communication

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Communication

Thesis Advisor

Jeremy Tan Tintiangko

Defense Panel Member

Julia Maria Louise F. De Armas
Ruepert Jiel D. Cao
Ma. Angela S. Labador

Abstract (English)

Ate’s Archives is a multimedia thesis project that examines sexual harassment in the Philippines through a hypernarrative format. The project challenges the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence by offering an immersive, interactive storytelling experience that raises awareness, encourages empathy, and informs audiences on survivor experiences and the systemic issues surrounding sexual harassment. Through non-linear storytelling, Ate’s Archives provides a digital platform where users can navigate survivor narratives and access resources for support.

The project centers on a visual novel-style game in which players assume the role of the youngest sibling uncovering their older sister’s untold story of sexual assault. Through diary entries, multimedia elements, and interactive choices, users gain insight into the survivor’s trauma while also experiencing the emotional responses of their loved ones. This format builds a deeper connection with the viewer, reflecting the fragmented and complex nature of trauma.

Grounded in Radical Feminist Theory and hypernarratives as a medium, Ate’s Archives leverages digital interactivity to engage audiences in ways traditional media cannot. Hypernarratives, with their non-linear and interactive structure, are an effective medium for exploring trauma by reflecting its fragmented and often disorienting nature. Ate’s Archives uses this format to create an immersive and participatory experience, where users actively piece together survivor narratives through interactive choices, multimedia elements, and branching storylines. This structure disrupts rigid, linear narratives that often simplify or silence survivor experiences, instead offering a space where multiple perspectives coexist, challenging societal misconceptions about sexual harassment.

During the pre-production phase, extensive interviews were conducted with both survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones to ensure a multifaceted perspective in writing the screenplay. These firsthand accounts served as the foundation for the project, allowing for an authentic and sensitive portrayal of the subject matter. The project was developed as a web-based interactive experience, accessible across desktop and mobile devices with a better immersive experience on desktop. To enhance viewer engagement, visual subtitles were incorporated in dialogue-heavy scenes. The language used throughout the project is a mix of Tagalog and English, reflecting the natural conversational tone of the subjects.

All video clips and photographs used in the project were captured in person by the production team, ensuring complete creativity. Post-production editing was executed using Adobe Premiere Pro, with final outputs exported in MP4 (for video with embedded audio) and JPEG (for images) formats. Any additional graphic or audio elements integrated into the website were sourced exclusively from royalty-free libraries, adhering to fair use guidelines. The interactive hypernarrative website was built using Carrd.co, chosen for its lightweight and responsive framework that allowed for autoplay of videos and multiple-page interaction. The website structure and navigation were designed to create an immersive storytelling experience.

Given the sensitive nature of the project, the well-being of the cast and crew was a top priority. All participants involved in the production process, including actors and interviewees, were provided with detailed consent forms and underwent wellness checks before, during, and after filming to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

This hypernarrative experience is available online at: https://ates-archives.carrd.co

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Sexual harassment--Philippines; Women—Violence against--Philippines

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Embargo Period

3-30-2025

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