Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture Studies

Volume 7, Issue 2, Page 330-343, 2024; Article no.AJL2C.118794

Beyond Cultural Boundaries: A

Cultural Theory Analysis of Identity
Construction in Contemporary
Philippine Short Stories
Vanessa Sacurom a*, Marie Angelie Joy Lim a++
and Ariel San Jose a
a Holy Cross of Davao College, Davao City, Philippines.

Authors’ contributions

This work was carried out in collaboration among all authors. Author VS managed the literature
searched, wrote the first drafted of the introduction and compiled the parts of the paper, proofread and
edited the manuscript. Author MAJL performed the thematic analysis, wrote the objectives, research
question, theoretical lens, result and discussion, and managed the analyses of the study. Author ASJ
provided guidance and supplemental knowledge in the constructed of the manuscript. All authors read
and approved the final manuscript.

Article Information
Open Peer Review History:
This journal follows the Advanced Open Peer Review policy. Identity of the Reviewers, Editor(s) and additional Reviewers, peer
review comments, different versions of the manuscript, comments of the editors, etc are available here:
https://www.sdiarticle5.com/review-history/118794

Received: 24/04/2024
Original Research Article Accepted: 25/06/2024
Published: 29/06/2024

ABSTRACT
This paper used cultural theory as a lens to examine how identity is constructed in contemporary
short stories. The study examined how characters traversed cultural borders in their interactions and
identities by analyzing a variety of narratives. Social identity theory provided a framework for
understanding communication dynamics and group behavior, especially in situations including bias
and conflict. The analysis focused on how these short stories illustrated the processes of
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
++
Consultant;
*Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected];

Cite as: Sacurom, Vanessa, Marie Angelie Joy Lim, and Ariel San Jose. 2024. “Beyond Cultural Boundaries: A Cultural Theory
Analysis of Identity Construction in Contemporary Philippine Short Stories”. Asian Journal of Language, Literature and Culture
Studies 7 (2):330-43. https://journalajl2c.com/index.php/AJL2C/article/view/188.
 Sacurom et al.; Asian J. Lang. Lit. Cul. Stud., vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 330-343, 2024; Article no.AJL2C.118794

negotiation, resistance, and adaptation that the characters have gone through in creating their
identities in an increasingly interconnected world. Results emphasized instances of stereotyping and
labeling and the characters' struggles with assimilation. There was additional emphasis on the
importance of empathy and understanding in bridging cultural divides. Overall, this study highlighted
the understanding of literary portrayals of identity, providing insights into how stories can bridge
cultural divides and foster a deeper appreciation of human diversity.

Keywords: Identity construction; cultural theory; contemporary short stories; cultural, boundaries;
cultural contexts; cultural identity.

1. INTRODUCTION Guardian Seeker” introduces us to a man chosen

by his tribe to capture a spirit guardian.
Cultural criticism examined how different These stories not only entertain us but also
religions, ethnicities, class identification, political challenge our views and deepen our
beliefs, and views affected the ways in which understanding of the diverse cultural landscape
literary texts were created and interpreted [1]. of the Philippines.
Despite being a unique type of literary criticism,
cultural theory still needed to improve in the field In his journal article, Understanding Theory,
of contemporary literary studies concerning its Literary Theory, and Literary Criticism, Bhagat [3]
practical applications and the dilemma of explained that Cultural theory looked at how the
recognizing its significance in literature [2]. story either challenged or reflected the social and
Cultural theory also examined how the story political climate of the period in which it was
portrayed various identities, such as gender, situated or was written. The said theory helped
color, and class, and how these portrayals either analyze how colonialism has influenced
upheld or contradicted cultural norms. In short, Philippine literature, language, identity, and
cultural theory helped us understand the social, societal norms of the Philippines, a Southeast
political, and ideological processes that defined a Asian country in the western Pacific Ocean.
given culture by using short stories as a window Cultural theory has also shed light on the
[3]. Our Western influences used a specific production and consumption of literature in the
history to associate particular individual Philippines, including issues of access,
identities, e.g., the East is backward, and the representation, and power dynamics within the
West is civilized. In creating cultural identity, literary field [10-12]. Filipinos, the people who are
history produced an imaginary effect on people's native to or identified with the country of the
minds and contributed significantly to the Philippines, must consider cultural diversity,
structure of cultural identity [4-6]. including race, ethnicity, religion, language,
economic status, and sexual orientation, which
Philippine contemporary stories offered windows can influence someone's insights, outlook, and
into experiences and cultures different from our behaviors to foster cultural awareness [4].
own, challenged pre-conceived notions and
broadened our worldview, providing a space for The related literature published by Bhagat [4]
self-discovery, especially for people from inspired us to approach literary short stories
marginalized cultures [7]. Stories such as “The through the cultural lens by asking if the story is
Pregnant Woman from Zamboanga” by Elizabeth a critique of power disparities or if it serves to
Joy Serrano-Quijano is a chilling tale about a uphold the status quo. What did the story reveal
crime that won’t leave a local’s mind, published about society's attitudes, morality, religion, and
in Spring 2020 by World Literature Today. Then families? In his book, "The Problem of Cultural
we have “Some Days You Can’t Save Them All” Identity," Hall [13] mainly focused on the dynamic
by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon, a collection of heartfelt of cultural identity, i.e., how cultural identity is still
essays and stories that take us along his journey being constructed and not fully understood,
of becoming a neurosurgeon, brought to us by leading many to believe that cultural identity is
the University of the Philippines Press [8,9]. Jude produced rather than discovered. This persona is
Ortega gives us two intriguing stories, “The imagined and fictitious; people should break it
Talisman” and “The Last Guardian Seeker”, both [3]. Research indicated that when people create
part of the “Seekers of Spirits” collection a multicultural identity, they should focus on two
published by UP Press in 2018. “The Talisman” key issues: (a) intercultural contact, or how much
tells us about a man who gives up his father’s people believe they should interact with people
hunting talisman for love, while “The Last from different cultures, and (b) cultural

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maintenance, or the extent to which people value and uncertainty, Timuk is driven by the
and preserve their cultural identity and its responsibility to save his people and
supplemental characteristics. the counsel of the chieftains who believe in his
abilities.
Literary subtexts and hidden meanings can be
found through cultural critique, exposing the A young man from a Filipino ethnic group begs
social and political messages writers are trying to his father to give him an amulet that makes the
get through. Briones [4] also indicated that the wearer not only a skilled hunter but also a stud in
government, schools, institutions, and agencies order for him to marry a Catholic lady. The man
are non-stop promoting cultural diversity and marries the woman, but they have a miserable
inclusiveness through their programs and life together: at night, he makes her a sex slave
policies to build a better community with a mutual while during the day, the wife eats birth control
and shared understanding of one another. pills, which keeps her from having children with
Because of this, we need to improve our someone from the same ethnic group. The
approach and consciousness of cultural diversity. story's subject of taking pride in one's lineage is
Cultural criticism considered the larger cultural undermined by the gloomy portrayal and the
environment in which a work is produced and character's eventual death. The Talisman"
appreciated; it went beyond traditional literary demonstrated how Filipinos may adapt while
criticism. It used a range of academic fields, maintaining their cultural identity.
including history, psychology, and anthropology,
to understand the cultural patterns "The Pregnant Woman from Zamboanga" by
found in literary works [3,14-17]. Educators can Elizabeth Joy Serrano-Quijano follows the
help Filipino learners develop their cultural journey of a young pregnant woman who flees
thinking skills through intercultural engagement, her conflict-ridden hometown in search of a safer
cultural understanding, and intercultural life. Her resilience and determination are tested
communication. as she navigates through physical and emotional
challenges to secure a better future for her
The short story "Daddy's Shoes" is written by unborn child.
Margot Marfori. It was published on April 17,
2011, in the Literary Journal of the Davao Writers
1.1 Objectives of the Study
Guild. "Daddy's Shoes" follows a woman who
reflects on her deceased father's life and his The objective of this study was to analyze
cherished black leather shoes, which she identity construction in contemporary short
ultimately tries to sell to a disinterested shop stories through the lens of cultural theory.
clerk to make ends meet. Through her memories Specifically, it aimed to explore how cultural
and present struggles, she contemplates the contexts influence the portrayal of identities,
disconnect and longing she felt for her father's including race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class,
attention and the poignant realities of her current and nationality, in a diverse range of
life. contemporary short stories.
"Some Days You Can’t Save Them All" by
Ronnie E. Baticulon, published by the University 1.2 Theoretical Lens
of the Philippines Press in 2023, tells the story of
a neurosurgery resident at the Philippine General The framework provided by social identity theory
Hospital who faces the emotional and ethical helped explain intergroup behavior and
challenges of treating patients from impoverished communication based on people's natural desire
backgrounds. The narrative revolves around a to positively see themselves and their particular
young boy with a brain tumor and a girl with social groups and the intrinsic value they place
severe head trauma, highlighting the difficult on belonging to them [18]. Furthermore,
decisions and heartbreaking realities of medical Harwood [18] stated that conflict and prejudice
practice in a resource-limited setting. between groups might result from this desire.
Thus, social identity theory can be applied to the
Jude Ortega's "The Last Guardian Seeker" was literary media domain to understand better the
published by Dagmay in 2013. In the story, relationships between literature and media
Timuk embarks on a dangerous quest to capture ownership and content, the types of group
the akaw, a spirit-guardian, to protect his village representations founded in them owned by
from armed intruders who have been taking their dominant groups, the selective consumption of
land and destroying their homes. Despite his fear particular media and literary messages by

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groups, and the consequences of media The term "code" was used to refer to the various
exposure for members of subordinate and levels of abstraction as a critical component of
dominant groups [19]. the methodology proposed by Hsieh and
Shannon [20]. Furthermore, this related literature
Social identity theory (SIT) used psychological stated that uncoded data are identified and
processes related to social identity—a person's subsequently evaluated to ascertain whether
perception of belonging to a group and the they belong in a new category or as a
feelings they link with that membership- to subcategory of an already-existing code.
explain relationships between large social Deductive or directed content analysis were used
groups. Underrepresentation and negative to test and corroborate the pertinence of the
representation are the two main ways theory guiding the study or to extend the
marginalization had traditionally been application of the theory to contexts/ cultures
implemented [19]. Certain groups, like [21]. The Directed Content Analysis approach,
indigenous peoples, were comparatively when combined with cultural theory, allows for a
represented in far fewer numbers than the overall systematic and theory-driven exploration of
population. For groups with a critical mass of cultural dimensions in literature, facilitating a
depictions, negative representations were deeper understanding of how cultural contexts
analyzed in terms of stereotype representations influence and are influenced by literary works.
and generally negative portrayals (Dixon, 2017).
3. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
People actively sought for literary content that
fitted their interests and requirements. Social The study aimed to examine how the chosen
identification motives accounted for some of this narratives portrayed and interacted with cultural
practice [19]; [Knobloch-Westerwick & Hastall, theory concepts like hegemony, resistance,
2010]. Individuals who actively sought out representation, and symbolism. Specifically, it
content with a particular group they identify with urged to answer the question:
are more likely to enjoy it and derive identity- • How did characters in contemporary
related satisfaction from it [9]. However, it can stories deal with complex identities, and
also be selectively consumed by members of what did this reveal about identity
dominant groups in ways that limited exposure to construction?
representations of marginalized groups. • How did contemporary stories help break
down cultural barriers and foster
2. METHODOLOGY understanding among diverse identities?
• How did contemporary stories reflect
This study employed the "Directed Content changing ideas about identity in our
Analysis Approach. The application of conceptual interconnected world, and did they
categories to a new context is known as directed challenge traditional notions of identity and
content analysis [20]. In the context of cultural belonging?
theory, directed content analysis can validate or
conceptually extend the theoretical framework. 4. THEMATIC ANALYSIS
Directed content analysis should be used with
existing theory or prior research about an 4.1 Marginalization and Stereotyping
incomplete phenomenon to validate or
conceptually extend a theoretical framework or In "Some Days You Can't Save Them All," the
theory [21] In 2005, Hsieh and Shannon [21] line "They were a family of scavengers"
created two methods for carrying out directed exemplified how characters were often
Content Analysis. The first strategy was to read marginalized and stereotyped based on societal
textual material and mark passages that initially perceptions. Similarly, "The Talisman" echoed
seem connected to the preset codes specified by this theme as characters were judged and
a theory or previous study findings. The labeled as "intruders," reinforcing marginalized
highlighted passages would then be coded using individuals' challenges in asserting their identities
the preset codes. Following the initial coding amidst societal prejudices. Through these
procedure, the researcher should revisit and portrayals, the stories unveiled the pervasive
reanalyze the text using both strategies [20]. By impact of marginalization and stereotype
using DCA with cultural theory, researchers can representations on identity construction,
validate the presence and influence of specific prompting critical reflection on societal norms
cultural themes in literature. and biases.

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4.2 Cultural Negotiation and Belonging of cultural and social boundaries. In an

Individuals interconnected world, characters in
contemporary stories were depicted as
Lines like "When I passed by the stream, I would transcending traditional divisions and treating
make the sign of the cross and sing Christian others with empathy and understanding
hymns" reflected the theme of cultural regardless of cultural or social differences.
negotiation and belonging. Characters navigated These narratives challenged the notion of rigid
their identities within diverse cultural contexts, identity categories and promoted a more
reconciling different belief systems and practices inclusive worldview based on shared humanity
to establish a sense of belonging within their and compassion.
communities.
4.6 Adaptation and Resilience in Cultural
4.3 Cultural Resilience and Identity Identity
Preservation of Different Community
- Conversely, lines such as "What the other
The lines "I'll never let anyone take away who we chieftains don't see is that for the people of
are" and "When the people from the plains came, the plateau to survive, we must adapt to
their priests told me spirits were evil, our old the times" and "But Iboh had money,
ways were not pleasing to the man who died on hadn't he? Didn't he learn to farm and raise
the cross. So I drove my akaw away" highlighted livestock?" highlighted the theme of
the theme of cultural resilience and identity adaptation and resilience in cultural
preservation. In the face of external pressures identity. In an interconnected world
and cultural hegemony, characters asserted their characterized by rapid change and
cultural heritage and resisted assimilation. These globalization, characters must adapt to
narratives depicted the importance of cultural new circumstances while preserving their
pride and the preservation of traditional practices cultural heritage. These narratives
as essential components of individual and challenged traditional notions of identity by
collective identity. portraying characters who navigated
complex cultural landscapes with resilience
and creativity, shedding light on the
4.4 Challenges of Assimilation and
dynamic nature of identity in contemporary
Cultural Varieties society.
"This is no longer your home" and "You want to
5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
marry a city girl. You want someone like you"
illuminated the challenges of assimilation and
cultural hybridity. Characters grappled with the 5.1 Social Identity
tension between maintaining their cultural identity
and adapting to societal expectations. These 5.1.1 Marginalization and stereotyping
narratives underscored the complexities of
navigating multiple cultural influences and In contemporary short stories, characters often
highlighted the internal conflicts and external wrestled with the effects of marginalization and
pressures individuals face in reconciling their stereotyping, which greatly shaped their
heritage with contemporary norms. Through identities. In "Some Days You Can't Save Them
these portrayals, modern stories provided All," the depiction of a family as "scavengers"
insight into the complexities of cultural served as a distressing example of how society
negotiation and the quest for belonging in a imposed limiting and negative labels on people
diverse society. based on their socio-economic status. This
characterization reduced the family to a
4.5 Empathy and Compassion Across single, judgmental identity, ignoring the
Boundaries Traditions complexities and humanity of their members. The
label of "scavengers" not only demeaned
them but also confined them to a societal role
The lines "To be heard is a human need. To
that is difficult to escape, thereby hindering
listen is where compassion begins" and "I
their ability to express their full, multifaceted
treated them all the same" underscored the
selves.
theme of empathy and compassion across

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Table 1. Lines which characterize the characters' experiences of social identity

Research Some Days You Can’t The Last Guardian The Talisman Daddy’s Shoes The Pregnant Women
Problems Save Them All from Zamboanga
Social Identity 1. "They were a 1. "Your children and I 1. "Tefu is here," 1. "Daddy had to 1. "When I passed by
family of will be waiting for Fedawdaw said. be buried the stream, I would
scavengers." you." "That is special. I without his make the sign of
2. "Nagtatanim lang 2. "I’m the man of the rarely see him, shoes." the cross and sing
po ng mais at house now." Amung. He is 2. "He wore his Christian hymns."
kamoteng kahoy." 3. "We people of the always busy with black cotton 2. "But since dusk had
3. "Dok, wala po plateau found out his work in socks, they fallen, we passed
kaming kakilala that with money, we Cotabato." said, but his by the stream
dito sa Maynila." no longer needed to 2. "But Mesila, shoes just without making a
4. "Eh kasi Dok, wala gather fruits and Amung, doesn’t couldn’t fit in sound."
ho talaga kaming hunt game in the know how to read anymore." 3. "Stomach pains
pera." forest." and write. He did 3. "Daddy were caused by
5. "I saw the greasy 4. "This quest is for all not go to school. He referred to microbes in drinking
hands, the the Manobo people." doesn’t know how them as his water."
mismatched 5. "The gall of these to drive a vehicle. 'dress shoes.' 4. "Maybe it wasn’t the
slippers, the old intruders." Don’t compare him 4. "He knew children or the
stab wound, the to Tefu." what he engkantos’s fault
faux eyelashes, the 3. "You want to marry wanted, the that they had
eagle tattoo, the a city girl. You want soft black stomachaches
forearm track someone like you." leather shoes 5. "That night, my
marks, the plastic 4. "Tefu studied in were sweat was as cold
rosary, the torn t- Notre Dame High obviously as the stream when
shirt, the fancy School, as a made for it flooded."
dress, the mobile scholar of a priest, him."
phone kept intact and he’s working in 5. "He was very
by a rubber band, Cotabato now as particular
the Saudi gold, and the driver of the about the way
the Rolex, and I bishop." his shoes
treated them all the looked."
same."

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Table 2. Lines which characterize the characters' experiences of cultural barriers

Research Some Days You Can’t The Last Guardian The Talisman Daddy’s Shoes The Pregnant
Problems Save Them All Women from
Zamboanga
Cultural 1. "In a hospital where 1. "I’ll never let anyone take 1. "But Mesila, 1. "Daddy had to be 1. "Who could she
Barriers everyone always away who we are." Amung, doesn’t buried without his be? was the
seemed to be in a 2. "When the people from the know how to shoes." question in my
hurry to do plains came, their priests read and write. 2. "He held a tea-colored mind."
something or go told me spirits were evil, He "This is no drink in one hand, 2. "I kept quiet since
somewhere else, I our old ways were not longer your mine in the other, both it was hard to
made it a point to sit pleasing to the man who home." not go of us not knowing if he argue over
down and greet my died on the cross. So I to school even knew we were something they
patients with the drove my akaw away." 2. "He doesn’t there." themselves had
most important 3. "I won’t teach you any care about his 3. "The large mole not seen."
question in clinic: fighting techniques. In fact, tribe. I bet he moved only a fraction. 3. "You still believe
'Anong kuwento mo I won’t teach you anything. doesn’t tell His eyes finally in ghosts?"
sa akin ngayon?'" Advices from other people people in noticed the pair of
2. "The impulse is to won’t be much of a help. Cotabato that dark leather on the
study out of fear: fear Everything you need to he’s a Teduray, glass counter. Both
of being humiliated, know is already in you." that his family eyebrows now rose
looked down upon, 4. "The old man is a traitor. lives in the with undisguised
punished with He’d rather be a servant of mountains." pleasure."
Sunday duties, the enemy and enjoy 3. "The men your 4. "He wore his black
banned from the temporary benefits than age here cotton socks, they
operating room, or stand up with his tribe." already has said, but his shoes
removed from the 5. "That Wot! He has children." just couldn’t fit in
program too soon." poisoned your mind 4. "You want to anymore."
3. "As a clinical clerk against the people from marry a city girl. 5. "Daddy had to be
and a medical intern, the plains." You want buried without his
I saw how my PGH someone like shoes."
residents then you."
struggled to provide
the best possible
care to patients

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Research Some Days You Can’t The Last Guardian The Talisman Daddy’s Shoes The Pregnant
Problems Save Them All Women from
Zamboanga
despite the hospital’s
limited resources."
4. "Nagtatanim lang po
ng mais at kamoteng
kahoy."
5. "Ganyan talaga ang
buhay,"

Table 3. Lines which characterize the characters' experiences of cultural barriers

Research Some Days You Can’t The Pregnant Women

The Last Guardian The Talisman Daddy’s Shoes
Problems Save Them All from Zamboanga
Challenge in 1."We are not here to 1. "It wasn’t muscular 1. "But you know that if 1. "The children ran to 1. "I kept quiet since it
Traditional do what is easy. We strength that enabled an ungit is used to the swings and tried was hard to argue
Notions are here to do what is me to capture my attract a woman, it will to touch the dark over something they
right akaw. I won’t teach lose its power as a sky." themselves had not
2."I treated them all the you any fighting hunting talisman." 2. "I arrived in the seen."
same." techniques. In fact, I 2. "But Iboh had money, large, silent house 2. "The next day, the
3."No longer was I won’t teach you hadn’t he? Didn’t he burdened with a bag road was
responsible just for anything. Advices from learn to farm and raise of the evening’s constructed. We
my actions; I now had other people won’t be livestock?" meal. There was no named it Fatima, the
to look after my junior much of a help. 3. "I’m sorry, Iboh. I am of light. We hadn’t paid pregnant woman
residents as well." Everything you need to no help to you. I no the electric bill in the snatched from
4."To be heard is a know is already in longer know how to last six months." Zamboanga."
human need. To listen you." use spears and 3. "His eyes finally 3. "You still believe in
is where compassion 2. "What the other arrows." noticed the pair of ghosts? Maybe it
begins." chieftains don’t see is 4. "You always prepare a dark leather on the was just Nong
5."Would these words that for the people of feast for him. When he glass counter. Both Karyo’s wife we saw
alleviate her pain, the plateau to survive, finished studying in the eyebrows now rose since until now they
even by a tiny bit? Or we must adapt to the Catholic school, you with undisguised still hadn’t found
was the token apology times." slaughtered a wild pleasure." their goat."
only a means to 3. "I won’t be stingy with boar and two deer." 4. "Outside, along the

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Research Some Days You Can’t The Pregnant Women

The Last Guardian The Talisman Daddy’s Shoes
Problems Save Them All from Zamboanga
exculpate myself?" my praise, Chieftain. 5. "Now, my dear store’s concrete
6."Kahit po operahan You deserve the husband, what are we wall, curious eyes
namin siya ngayon, reputation for having a going to eat try to put a story
wala na pong way with plants. You tomorrow?" behind the leather
mabuting maitutulong use the same 6. "Stop griping, Amung. shoes..."
sa kanya." ingredients as others Tefu may not be my 5. "He told me once
do, but your hand adds eldest or strongest how thick ankles
magic to the quid." child, but he is the looked so 'common.
4. "They are saying the most intelligent. He
tracks of land we lent deserves to be
them are now theirs. honored by his father."
They have what they
call a title, a piece of
paper, from what they
call the government."
5. "It’s just that . . . Oh,
Timuk, it’s too
dangerous. For nine
days, you have to stay
in the lakeg tree
without food, and then
you will fight the spirit-
guardian when it
appears. Do you really
have to do this?"

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Assigning labels like "scavengers" went beyond colonization and its ongoing interactions with the
disrespect. It revealed underlying societal global community. Literature became a space
prejudices that significantly impacted every where authors can explore how individuals
aspect of these characters' lives. In "Some Days reconcile their native cultural heritage with
You Can't Save Them All," society reduced the external influences, that led to a more nuanced
family's identity solely to their poverty and means understanding of identity.
of survival. This limited view confined them to a
marginalized position, neglecting their potential The negotiation of culture in literature highlighted
and individual qualities. It highlighted the ongoing the tension between preserving traditional
challenge faced by marginalized groups as they practices and embracing new, often
asserted their identities in a setting marked by Westernized, ways of life [22]. Authors depicted
prejudice and discrimination. The narratives not characters who strived to maintain their cultural
only preserved the unique cultural landscapes of heritage while also adapting to contemporary
the Philippines but also empowered communities realities. This duality showcased the resilience of
by giving voice to their experiences and Filipino culture and its ability to evolve without
aspirations. losing its core essence. With a significant portion
of the Filipino population living and working
Likewise, in "The Talisman," characters were abroad, themes of belonging and alienation were
labeled as "intruders," highlighting their isolation prevalent as characters navigated life in foreign
and exclusion. This label reinforced the societal lands, grappled with homesickness, and
view that these characters were outsiders who attempted to forge new identities while staying
did not fit in. The word "intruder" implied they connected to their roots. These narratives
were unwanted and even dangerous, further reflected broader questions about nationhood
separating them from the mainstream. This type and the fluidity of cultural boundaries. These
of stereotyping was especially harmful because it revealed the ongoing processes of identity
pushed them to the fringes and actively pushed formation, cultural preservation, and adaptation
them away. It strengthened the idea that they in a rapidly changing world.
were different and made it even harder for them
to be accepted and to belong. 6. CULTURAL BARRIERS

Readers can better comprehend the intricacies of 6.1 Cultural Resilience and Identity
Filipino society and the problems of people who Preservation of Different
were frequently disregarded or misunderstood by Communities
using the lens provided by the themes of
marginalization and stereotyping. The narratives In fancy words, this pressure to conform is called
encouraged readers to critically examine their "cultural hegemony," but these stories showed
beliefs and the systems that keep these biases how important it is to hold onto who we are.
alive. Ultimately, the stories advocated for a These stories also showed a deep pride in
more well-rounded understanding of identity, one traditions and where people came from. The
that appreciated each person's unique characters were like keepers of their culture's
experiences instead of resorting to oversimplified history and wisdom like family treasures passed
and potentially harmful stereotypes. down. These stories also reminded us why
having many different cultures was essential, a
5.1.2 Cultural negotiation and belonging of reminder to respect and learn about other
individuals cultures, not just our own. The themes of cultural
resilience and identity preservation highlighted
The themes of cultural negotiation and belonging the strength and adaptability of Filipino
were pivotal, reflecting the complex and dynamic communities in maintaining their cultural heritage
interplay between tradition and modernity, as while facing external influences and internal
well as the diverse cultural influences that transformations [23]. The rich and varied cultural
shaped Filipino identity. As indicated in the histories of numerous communities were
DepEd Module of 2019 entitled “Literary Texts frequently celebrated in contemporary literature.
across the Philippine Regions”, Philippine By showcasing traditional practices, folklore, and
contemporary literature often explored the indigenous knowledge, literature helped to
concept of hybrid identities, where characters preserve these cultural elements for future
negotiated their sense of self amidst a blend of generations. By telling stories rooted in local
indigenous, colonial, and global influences. This traditions and experiences, Filipino authors
hybridity reflected the country's history of asserted the value and relevance of their cultural

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heritage [24]. The preservation of cultural identity everyone the same way" from Ortega’s story,
was often depicted through the interactions showed characters reaching out to others,
between different generations. The chosen despite their differences. These stories
narratives emphasized the importance of family challenged the idea that people must fit into a
and community in sustaining cultural continuity certain box based on their culture or background.
and fostering a sense of belonging. Compassion and empathy allowed readers to
enter the lives of people from diverse origins,
6.2 Challenges of Assimilation and which aided in bridging cultural gaps. By
Cultural Varieties portraying diverse traditions, values, and
experiences, contemporary Philippine literature
Contemporary short stories explored how fostered a deeper understanding of and respect
cultures mixed and changed over time. These for the multifaceted nature of Filipino society.
stories dug deep into people's struggles when This can lead to greater social cohesion and
their cultures mixed. Characters felt lost, unsure mutual respect among various cultural groups.
of where they belong, caught between their old Readers got an understanding of and
ways and the new things around them. Their appreciation for the worth and dignity of every
experiences showed us a smaller version of the person, regardless of background, through
more significant problems societies faced with emphatic storytelling. This nuanced
different cultures living side-by-side. They understanding can lead to more empathetic and
showed the strength that came from having inclusive attitudes.
many different cultures. By showing characters
who held onto their traditions, the stories made Narratives that emphasized empathy and
us think about our ideas of what is "normal" and compassion can play a role in healing and
what it meant to belong in a world with many reconciliation, especially in the context of past
cultures. and ongoing conflicts. This is particularly relevant
Contemporary literature often portrayed in post-colonial societies like the Philippines,
characters who struggled with the conflict where historical traumas continued to impact
between assimilating into a dominant culture and contemporary relationships. These themes
preserving their cultural heritage [25]. This highlighted the interconnectedness of human
identity conflict can lead to personal and experiences, encouraging readers to look
communal challenges, as individuals navigated beyond their own perspectives and engage with
their sense of self in relation to both their native the lives and struggles of others. They facilitated
traditions and the broader societal expectations. conversations about cultural differences and
Literature became a medium through which commonalities, enriching the readers' viewpoint
these struggles were articulated and explored. and fostering a more interconnected world. The
As communities and individuals adapted to stories also encouraged us to look inward and
dominant cultural norms, there was a fear that ask ourselves how kind and compassionate we
unique cultural practices, languages, and can be. They showed how listening and
traditions may be forgotten or diminished. These understanding can improve things. These stories
stories created a sense of continuity and pride in challenged how we think about who we are and
the reader by encouraging them to cherish and how we fit in, and they gave us ideas on how to
preserve their cultural heritage. Older build communities where everyone feels
generations may strive to uphold traditional welcomed.
practices, while younger generations might be
more inclined towards assimilation due to 7.2 Adaptation and Resilience in Cultural
modernization and global influences. This Identity
generational dynamic added depth to the
exploration of cultural identity and continuity. These stories talked about cultures facing new
challenges, like the line "Our people need to
7. CHALLENGE IN TRADITIONAL adapt to survive in these changing times" from
NOTIONS The Last Guardian Seeker. They also showed
that characters were capable of learning new
7.1 Empathy and Compassion Across things and mix their traditions with new practices,
Boundaries Traditions like the line, "He learned new ways of farming
and raising animals, even though it was not what
Lines like "Everyone needs to be heard, and his people traditionally did" from The Talisman.
listening is how you start to care" and "I treated Themes of adaptation and resilience in cultural

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identity highlighted the dynamic and evolving cultures adapt and evolve, our identities remain
nature of Filipino identity amidst various social, fluid, shaped by a continuous interaction
political, and economic changes. Identity was not between traditions and new encounters. These
static; it continually transformed in response to stories inspire us to celebrate our unique
changing circumstances [26]. Literature reflected backgrounds and advocate for a more inclusive
this by portraying characters and communities world where everyone feels a sense of
that adapted to new realities, blending traditional belonging.
and contemporary elements to create a dynamic
cultural identity [27]. This blending of indigenous, DISCLAIMER (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE)
colonial, and global influences illustrated the
resilience of Filipino culture in maintaining its Author(s) hereby declare that NO generative AI
core values while incorporating new elements. technologies such as Large Language Models
(ChatGPT, COPILOT, etc) and text-to-image
In line with this, Filipino culture is known for its generators have been used during writing or
adaptability. Despite changes, it keeps its core editing of manuscripts.
values like Bayanihan, Pakikipagkapwa, and
Kapwa. These values guide the society through
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
time. Stories like “The Last Guardian Seeker”
The authors would like to thank Ariel San Jose,
and “The Talisman” show how Filipinos adapt
consultant for Holy Cross of Davao College,
while staying true to their roots. The resilience of
Davao City, Philippines for his moral support and
Filipino culture is about thriving amidst change,
guidance in the preparation of this manuscript.
combining the old and new to create a dynamic
culture. This resilience is a testament to the COMPETING INTERESTS
Filipino spirit, guiding the path towards the future
while honoring the past. Authors have declared that no competing
interests exist.
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