A student presents one of the studies screened at the 2025 Communication Research Student Colloquium.
The 2025 Research Colloquium of the Department of Communication showcased 10 undergraduate research projects tackling contemporary issues in media, culture, and technology.
“Behind the Lens: Exploring the Role of ENHYPEN Fancams on Participatory Culture Among Filipino ENGENEs,” a study by Janna Grace Arbolario, Essiel Danielle Baculo, Floyd Cyrus Clemente, Josephine Martha Felicien, Roschel Mae Reyes, and Yvan James D. Sacro, was this year’s Best Thesis. The research highlighted the intersection of fandom and participatory culture, emphasizing how digital fan practices shape cultural discourse.
“SEE THE SEA: A Textual Analysis on the Constructed Super Hybridized Cultural Identities of Southeast Asia from the Korean Film Remakes of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam” by Lorraiza Jill Anne Labis, Jayra Faith Nadado, Erika Marie Ramos, Lorraine Salamanca, and Leizette Sazon examined the evolving cultural narratives in Korean film remakes and their impact on Southeast Asian identity. This was given the first runner-up award.
Taking the second runner-up award was “AI Wanna Know: The Perceived Credibility of Filipino Generation Z and Millennials Towards the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Philippine Online News Media” by Krizel Anne Castillo, Armi Jean De Leon, Jordana Ariane Raine Martirez, Christmer Roland Ordanes, and Angelica Lyn Sanchez. The researchers explored the trustworthiness of AI-generated news in the digital landscape.
“Ultimately, the goal of generating new ideas is to find solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Research is also an opportunity to demonstrate the following three things that are very relevant to the arts—creativity, critical thinking, and commitment to advancing knowledge in your field of study. In simpler words, if in creative works we express our artistry, in research, we express our knowledge on a particular topic, but also with room for individuality,” said Institute of Arts and Sciences Dean Diego Jose Abad in his opening remarks.
A panel of jurors evaluated the research presentations, including Dr. Gene Pamittan (FEU Senior High School Executive Director), Joeven Castro (Vice President for Continuing Education), and Dr. Juanito Anot (University Research Center Director). Their expertise in communication and research provided valuable insights as they assessed the depth, originality, and impact of each thesis.
