VOICES OF SAMARNON TheTHEMESOCIAL MEDIIA , CULTURE AND GENDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN 21TH CENTURYOCTOBER 2, 2026Eco-tourism in the spotlightOff the beaten pathExploring Fort LeBurg

0605081618FEATURES OF STORYHUMAN INTEREST STORYGENDER AND COMMUNICATION SECTORPHOTO STORYOPINION AND EDITORIAL PIECESTABLEcontentsof EDITOR’S NOTECLOSING REFLECTIONSOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL COMMUNICATION SECTOROne important aspect of social media......................0910 Culture............................................ Gender............................................ social Media...........................................

That understanding deepened when we explored gender. We met Kyla and Remark two young Bisexual students whose stories remind us that gender roles in Samar are cultural patterns, not fixed rules. Their courage to be open, despite fear and judgment, calls us to choose respect over tradition.Finally, we faced our own mirror: social media. We realized we are not just talking, we are being talked to by algorithms that love drama more than truth. This magazine is our attempt to communicate more responsibly with respect for culture, sensitivity to gender, and critical thinking online.We began with Samar, where culture beats like a drum that never stops. The brave, straightforward soul of the Waray-Waray lives in the Kuratsa dance, in the whispered novenas of fisherfolk, and in banig mats woven with resilience. That culture shapes how we speak, listen, and respect one another. 3

In Samar, culture beats like a drum that never stops, it is the soul of the Waray-Waray, a people whose name means brave and whose motto lives on "basta ang Waray, hindi uurong sa away" (Waray never backs down from a fight). It is a culture where faith and folklore dance together, where farmers and fisherfolk still whisper prayers to nature spirits and recite novenas for a good harvest and safe voyage , and where resilience is woven literally into century-old banig mats passed down from before the Spanish came. That spirit comes alive in the Kuratsa, the iconic courtship dance of rooster and hen movements performed at weddings and fiestas, where guests shower the couple in gala money tossed not as display of luxury but as a symbol of generosity, community spirit, and blessings.beaten path Off the4

Beyond Labels: The Quiet Courage of Kyla and Remark In a CAS - IT classroom, 18-year-olds Kyla Nicole Ann L. Bacarra and Remark Grabrino share what quiet courage looks like as bisexual students in Samar State University. Kyla, the only girl among brothers, feels most comfortable in boyish outfits and is open with friends but hides her identity from her religious family, finding relief that having a boyfriend eases her parents' worries while they slowly accept her self-expression without bullying, while Remark, who is attracted to both sexes but mostly to boys, faced a harder childhood where he was called "bakla" in elementary despite explaining he is bisexual, yet he refused to hide,today both lean on friends who accept them for who they are, proving that in a culture built on family and faith, bravery is not always loud protest but the simple, daily choice to live honestly and ask for a little more room to be respected.A locally owned stay opens onto a quiet landscape beyond the samar 5

• Respectful Address: Conversation heavily relies on hierarchy and age. People use specific respectful markers when talking to older family members or community leaders, maintaining social order and politeness. Write to Purpose Communication | Group 2Cultural Foundations of Samar • Language and Tone: The people of Samar speak Waray-Waray, a melodic yet direct language. Samareños have a reputation for being brave, straightforward, and resilient. Write to Purpose Communication | Group 2Core Values: Respect, courtesy, and strong family ties form the backbone of social interactions. Elders are addressed with high honorifics, and community life centers heavily on religious traditions and communal cooperation, or bayanihan. Write to Purpose Communication | Group 2Culture and Communication Section 6

spotlightSamarin theCultural Foundations of Samar • Language and Tone: The people of Samar speak Waray-Waray, a melodic yet direct language. Samareños have a reputation for being brave, straightforward, and resilient. ComposeCulture plays an important role in communication because it influences how people speak, listen, behave, and understand messages. Different cultures have different languages, traditions, values, beliefs, gestures, and ways of expressing emotions. Understanding these cultural differences helps people communicate more effectively and prevents misunderstandings. For example, certain gestures, facial expressions, or ways of speaking may have different meanings in different cultures.7

Gender is an important part of understanding communication because cultural expectations can influence how people interact with one another. In Samar, as in other Filipino communities, traditional ideas about gender may influence expectations regarding responsibilities, behavior, and relationships within families and communities. For example, men have traditionally been associated with roles involving livelihood and providing for the family, while women have often been associated with household and caregiving responsibilities. However, these roles are cultural patterns rather than fixed rules, and the roles of women and men have changed over time..Effect on Gender Roles • Traditional Expectations: Historically, Samarenos and the broader Waray society practice a patriarchal family structure, where men are traditionally viewed as the primary breadwinners, heads of the household, and protectors. • Shifting Realities: Women have often faced stereotypes of being fragile or less capable, particularly in rural farming and fishing economies. However, women actively drive local initiatives, manage household finances, and lead community work like bayanihan and local church or barangay organizing. Modern social views continue to shift toward recognizing women's substantial economic and social contributions.GenderSection 8

Editor-in-ChiefCarly Ferris9 Social media And DigitalcommunicationSocial media and digital communication have become important parts of everyday communication because they allow people to connect, share information, and express themselves quickly and easily. Through platforms such as Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, Instagram, and other digital tools, people can communicate with family, friends, classmates, and communities even when they are far away. This is especially useful for students because digital platforms can support group discussions, collaboration, and the sharing of educational materials.

One important aspect of social mediaOn social media, we don't just talk we are talked to by an invisible editor, and that editor loves drama more than truth. One of the most dangerous aspects of social media communication is algorithmic amplification, where platforms are not designed to be arbiters of truth but to maximize engagement, prioritizing content that generates strong reactions whether positive or negative. This creates a feedback loop: misinformation that is more novel and emotionally arousing spreads faster and farther than true stories, because false stories trigger stronger sharing impulses. Trapped inside, users build echo chambers where they encounter only beliefs that coincide with their own and dissenting views are absent, while filter bubbles are constructed for them by algorithms that show content based on past clicks and likes without them realizing it. A lie can reach millions in hours, while a careful fact-check takes days. 10

11photo storyofsamar'sCulturethe pictures depict the culture of samar by showing the traditional dance known as the kuratsa, the livelihood of our people here in samar through banig making and fishing,the celebration of the manaragat festival, and last but not the least the famous delicacy the tamalos and

12Photo storyofSAMARGENDER This shows us how gender roles change over time. From women being housewives to being front-liners fighting for our peace. From men being known to being a warrior to being able to take care of the house. Also as time change people bcame more open to other genders, for example Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and many more.

13Photo storyofSAMARSocial mediaThe photos show us how communication evolved as time passed, and technology also evolved, and the internet was introduced, making communication easier and more accessible for people whose friends live on the other side of the contenent

Culture affects communication because people have different languages, traditions, beliefs, values, and customs. It influences how people speak, behave, show respect, and understand messages. For example, people may use different greetings or ways of showing respect depending on their culture.Gender can influence the way people communicate because society may have different expectations about how males and females should express themselves. People may have different ways of sharing emotions, opinions, and ideas. Respecting different communication styles helps people understand each other better. How Communication Happens Through Culture, Gender, and Social MediaSamarInfographicOf 14Social media has changed communication by allowing people to connect quickly with others from different places. People can share their thoughts, experiences, information, and opinions through posts, messages, photos, and videos. It also allows people to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

Lulugayan FallsKandiwata rock formationIs a beautiful natural attraction in Calbiga, Samar. It is known for its wide, flowing waterfalls, green surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a nice place to enjoy nature, relax, and explore with friends or family.A unique name inspired by the Filipino word “diwata,” which refers to a mythical spirit or nature being. It gives a magical, beautiful, and mysterious feeling. The name can represent beauty, culture, strength, and identity, while also giving a modern and creative touch.0201best places to visit in samarThe best journeys leave enough room for curiosity to change the plan. 15

Creating this digital magazine deepened my understanding of social media, culture, gender, and effective communication because we realized that these four aspects are closely connected. We learned that social media is not only a place for sharing information and entertainment but also a platform where culture and different identities are expressed and understood. We also became more aware that gender should not be limited to traditional expectations, and that everyone deserves respect regardless of their gender identity or expression. Most importantly, We learned that effective communication requires understanding, respect, openness, and sensitivity to cultural and gender differences. Creating the magazine taught me to be more careful with the information we share online and to consider how my words and content may affect different people.CLOSINGREFLECTION16

Editor in Chief : Joem U. Brillantes Managing Editor: Jamil Fajardo Writers: Lizamae Lopez Joem Brillantes Researchers/ Fact check Shane Latoja Marian Latoja Dina Mae Labrague Anny Jean Labong Rica Rose Yanga Graphic Designers: Maxcy Roma Shena Mae E. Jabiñar Romeo Alita April Lyn Golvin Moka uy Photo Editors: Ruth Pahanunut Kristina Mae Ayes Aubrey Jane Borca MEMBER'S