Date of Publication

11-29-2023

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Literature major in Creative Writing

Subject Categories

Creative Writing

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Literature, Department of

Thesis Advisor

Shirley O. Lua

Defense Panel Chair

Clarissa V. Militante

Defense Panel Member

Timothy R. Montes

Abstract (English)

A Cup for Mrs. President is an undergraduate creative writing thesis exploring the possibilities of a change in governance, particularly sparked by one of last year's biggest and most controversial events— the 2022 Philippine elections. This novella follows one central character—Arlene, a young, first-time voter who initially finds herself indifferent toward political issues. But after being transported to an alternate reality and bearing witness to the lives of her townsfolk under a different government, she starts to question her own beliefs and sense of purpose.

Given this, A Cup for Mrs. President tackles the aforementioned themes, including several sub-genres under speculative fiction. The entire novella will include fantasy, lore, and absurdist fiction undertones while taking place within an alternate history setting. With such as Arlene goes through her adventure in an alternate reality, it aims to reflect a common question the whole country seemed to ask themselves: where would our country be headed if Leni ended up winning the 2022 elections?

This novella will have a total of five chapters, excluding the prologue and epilogue— focusing on different people and showing how politics have affected their mundane lives in great ways. And through these short story-like chapters, the author also aims to provide personal commentary through dystopian, fantastical, and satirical elements on possible outcomes of Leni’s win, all based on the platforms she presented and criticisms raised during her campaign.

Lastly, it is important to clarify that this creative work does not aim to uproot and promote Leni Robredo specifically. Rather, it aims to remind its readers of the importance of valuing our history and promoting a general hope for change for the future. These are, in turn, principles that she would also promote and campaign for.

Although the stories were inspired by her ‘People’s campaign’ in last year’s elections– hence referencing her in the work’s title, this novella positions itself to highlight Filipino people more than the politicians themselves. More than anything, it pursues the value of the youth’s involvement in politics and how important it is for the people today and the future generations to come are always to acknowledge the past so that they can equip themselves enough to deal with what is to come.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

"-"

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Speculative fiction, Philippine (English)

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Embargo Period

12-10-2024

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