BIBLIOGRAPHY PARAN, JUDY P. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PARAN, JUDY P. APRIL 2007. Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006). Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Maria Luz D. Fang-asan, PhD
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the acceptability of Christian vernacular
movies in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet. The specific objectives were to characterize the
respondents of the study, identify the Christian vernacular movies they watched;
determine their purposes , their perceptions on and attitudes towards Christian vernacular
movies and to solicit their comments and suggestions for the improvement of Christian
vernacular movies. An interview schedule was used in gathering information from 50
respondents who watched at least one Christian vernacular movie.
Majority of the respondents were 11-20 years old, female, single and Ibaloi. All
had formal education and belonged to different religious groups.
There were seven vernacular movies that reached the place of study and most of
these were seen by almost half of the respondents in different places in the community.
The leading purpose for watching the movie was to be educated on the Word of God.
Most of the respondents found all the movies entertaining, satisfying, full of lessons, easy
to understand because they are in the vernaculars, and worth recommending for others to
watch.
Based on the findings, the vernacular movies under study are acceptable and
appealing to people in the locality with different age brackets, sexes, civil statuses,
religious affiliations, occupations, educational backgrounds, and tribal affiliations. The
vernacular movies have not failed in their primary purpose in the locality since most of
the respondents watched in order to be educated on the Word of God. The use of
vernacular languages added to the appeal of the movies as indicated by the respondents’
perceptions and attitudes. But while the movies have been perceived by the respondents
as entertaining and satisfying, the movies can still be improved through training of actors,
among others.
It is recommended that the VVM should continue producing Christian vernacular
movies and that other information campaigns for development should also consider the
use of vernacular movies.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………...
i
Abstract………… ……………………………………………………………......
i
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………
iii
INTRODUCTION
Rationale ……………………………………………………….................
1
Statement of the Problem………………………………………………….
4
Objectives of the Study……………………………………………………
4
Importance of the Study…………………………………………………...
5
Scope and Limitation……………………………………………………...
5
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Films………………………………………………………………………..
6
The Vernacular Language………………………………………………….
6
Socio-demographic Profile of the Respondents……………………………
8
Christian Movies Watched and the Lessons Learned ……………………..
8
Perceptions and Attitudes …………………………………………………
9
Comments on Christian Vernacular Movies………………………………
10
Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………
11
iii
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study…………………………………………….. 12
Respondents of the Study……………………………………………......... 12
Data Collection……………………………………………......................... 12
Data
Gathered……………………………………………………………..
14
Data Analysis……………………………………………………………..
14
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents…………………………...
15
Christian Vernacular Movies
Watched by the Respondents……………………………………………... 17
Places Where the Respondents
Watched Christian Vernacular Movies……………………………………
20
Respondents’ Purposes for Watching
Christian Vernacular Movies……………………………………………...
21
Perceptions on Vernacular
Movies Watched……………………………………….............................
22
Lessons Learned From the
Christian Vernacular Movies…………………………………………….. 27
Perceptions on the Vernacular Language………………………………….
29
Respondents’ Attitude Towards Christian
Vernacular Movies………………………………………………………... 29
Respondents’ Level of Satisfaction
on the Movies They Watched…………………………………………….. 29
Respondents’
Recommendation
for Others to Watched…………………... 31
Respondents’
Comments and Suggestions
on Christian Vernacular Movies…………………………………………..
32
iv
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary………………………………………………………………….. 33
Conclusions……………………………………………………………….. 34
Recommendations…………………………………………………………
34
LITERATURE CITED……………………………………………………………
35
APPENDIX: Interview Schedule………………………………………………… 36
v
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Christian values must be in every person’s heart. These are believed to guide
people in every day living so that they will be motivated to do good to others. One-third
of the world’s population professes Christianity; yet, today’s societies have become so
complicated and beleaguered by a lot of problems. Wars just simply occur between
nations, different kinds of illnesses afflict people, dirty politics is engaged in by many
leaders, and crimes like kidnapping, rape and killing frequently occur anywhere anytime.
The Philippines takes pride as the only Christian country in Asia. More than 90
percent of its population is Christian distributed among several sects with the Roman
Catholic Church leading at 83 percent. All these Christian groups have the same mission
-- to spread the word of God which is mainly about being good to others.
However, despite its being a Christian country, mass media report that wars and
crimes are happening everyday even inside churches where goodness is expected.
Corruption and dirty politics have become a way of life for many leaders who are
expected to pave the way to progress. All these problems contribute to the worsening
development state of the country. Advocates of the values paradigm attribute this
condition to our values as a people, thus, problems of underdevelopment may be solved
by a change in our values.
Most religious groups apparently believe in the values paradigm too, hence, the
persistent conduct of alternative evangelization activities aside from the regular church
services. Some groups have house-to-house bible studies, school-based catechism,
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Sunday school for children and religious concerts. Many groups have taken advantage of
the capabilities of mass media and came up with religious programs aired over the radio
and on television, distribution of free reading materials, and writing of column articles in
local newspapers. These mass media materials are however, in English or Filipino, the
official languages which are not in the heart of the majority of the
Cordillerans.
The Vernacular Video Ministry (VVM), a non-denominational religious entity
addressed this concern by producing movies in the Cordillera vernaculars like
Kankanaey, Kalanguya, Kalinga, Ilokano, Ibaloi and Ifugao. VVM is a Filipino Christian
organization founded by American Don Leonard in 1982. It produces movies about
Christianity and shows these to remote villages using equipment provided by Christian
sponsors in the United States.
These movies contain moral and spiritual values derived from the Bible. Figure 1
shows .pictures of VCDs of the movies “Ti Nangisalakan” (The One Who Saves),
“Adawag Ina” (Mother’s Prayer), “Laton Pay Dedan” (It Will be Alright), “Din Sungbat”
(The Answer), “Nuntala An Imbabale” (Prodigal Son) and “Sabong Di Kada” (Flower in
the Forest). The movies have the local villagers as the actors using their own language.
VVM insiders say the movies are a “…very effective way to communicate Christ’s
message” because many come to watch the movies in the local language and also to see
people they know as actors.
Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet is one place where these movies were shown. Residents
of the barangay originated from different places in the region. They belong to different
churches such as the Protestant and the Roman Catholic. The movies were shown in
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Figure 1. Christian Vernacular movie in VCDs
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
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strategic places in the barangay like in churches and in schools especially during
community gatherings like weddings. Viewings are also done in residential houses for a
smaller group of interested individuals.
There is a need to study the acceptability of these VVM movies in order to
determine the real purpose of people for watching and also to know if it is a viable
endeavor in terms of its objective to evangelize people.
Statement of the Problem
The growing popularity of VVM movies is a new phenomenon and has not been
fully studied. The acceptability of these movies among residents of Taloy Sur was
determined thru the following questions:
1. What are the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents?
2. What Christian vernacular movies have the respondents watched?
3. What are the purposes of the respondents for watching Christian vernacular
movies?
4. What are the respondents’ perceptions on and attitudes towards Christian
vernacular movies?
5. What are the comments and suggestions of the respondents for the
improvement of Christian vernacular movies?
Objectives of the Study
The objectives of the study were to:
1. characterize the respondents of the study;
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2. identify the Christian vernacular movies watched by the respondents;
3. determine the respondents’ purposes for watching Christian vernacular
movies;
4. determine the respondents’ perceptions on and attitudes towards Christian
vernacular
movies;
and,
5. solicit comments and suggestions from the respondents for the improvement
of Christian vernacular movies and other similar activities.
Importance of the Study
The information generated thru the study may be used by the people who are
involved in the production of Christian vernacular movies.
The generated insights may also help communication teachers and practitioners in
terms of subject content and strategies. Results may also be used by communication
students and researchers as reference.
Scope and Limitation
The study was conducted in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet with 50 respondents
chosen using purposive quota sampling. The respondents were identified from the
residents of the barangay who watched at least one Christian vernacular movie. The
evaluation on acceptability was for the movies that have been shown in the locality.
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Films
Film is one of the contributions which modern science has made to humanity. It
can exert a lot of influence on human life and personality. The film can be an instrument
of goodness (Andres, 1987). The motion picture is and always has been more than mere
entertainment. It is one of the most effective forms of communication yet devised by
human kind. It is also a significant medium for the communication of ideas. However, if
movies can help bring about positive changes in beliefs, lifestyles and behavior, they can
also help bring about a full range of less-desirable negative changes. Sometimes, movies
can actually bring out pivotal changes in people’s lives (Cones, 1998).
Cones (1998) even explained that logic proves that movies influence people’s
conduct. Simply stated as a valid proposition, movies communicate ideas, ideas influence
human behavior, therefore movies must also influence some human behavior. Surely, no
one would take the position that ideas communicated through books (such as children's
books, novels, the Torah, Koran or Bible), or ideas communicated through magazines,
newspapers, radio, television or the internet cannot influence human behavior. Thus, it
would be disingenuous indeed for anyone to pretend that ideas communicated through
film would have any less potential for influence on human conduct.
The Vernacular Language
The earliest documents that are subject to vernacular studies date back as far as
1450 and mainly consist of grammars of various national languages as well as teaching
materials for spoken languages. They show that in the Middle Ages, vernaculars grew
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more important and were looked at from a new perspective, because previously Latin was
the only language considered worth documenting and teaching.
Throughout Europe, Latin was the language that intellectuals, clergy and leading
members of society spoke. It distinguished them from plain people to whom it was
largely unintelligible. It was in every case a second language that served as a register for
special purposes and marked members of its speech community as educated, not only
because it was a language acquired through teaching in formal settings, but also because
it was the only medium for academic and theological studies that were thus open to its
speakers (Anonymous, n.d).
The clergy were also strong advocates of using the vernacular languages as the
medium of instruction in primary education. However, one should not assume that such a
position was held because of a desire to help preserve the vernacular languages and
cultures of the colonized people. Instead, the use of vernaculars was seen as a more
effective way to transmit Christian religious ideas and principles and concepts. Indeed,
the missions used the local languages widely throughout this early colonial period. By
1936, many gospels have been translated into vernacular languages like other materials
such as readers and history and geography texts (Henry, n.d.).
According to Labov (1972) as cited by Christian (1997), negative attitudes about
speech start with the belief that vernacular dialects are linguistically inferior to standard
versions of the language. In fact language systems of various groups of speakers may
differ, but no one system is inherently better than any other. Research clearly supports the
position that variation in language is a natural reflection of cultural and community
differences.
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Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Sagpa-ey (2006) found out in her study titled “Cultural Transformation Through
Vernacular Video Ministry in Bauko, Mt. Province” that the respondents’ understanding
of the movies they have watched is not affected by age, sex, occupation, educational
attainment and even church affiliation.
Christian Movies Watched and the Lessons Learned
The Jesus Film. This is the most famous Christian film of all time. The complete,
full-length, uncut version of the most accurate film ever made about the life of Christ and
the most widely translated film in history. Missionary teams traveling on every continent
have used this film to present the message of Jesus Christ. Originally released by Warner
Brothers, no other film has been seen by more than 4.9 billion people, translated into 766
languages, and shown in 236 countries (Campus Crusade for Christ, n.d.).
Result of the study of Sagpa-ey (2006) shows that “Adawag Ina”, “Sabong Di
Kada”, and “Ti Sungbat” are the movies mostly watched by the respondents. From these
movies, the respondents learned to be strong during trials, to pray, to be faithful, to value
something, to handle and value family relationship and prioritize their needs, to work
harder, to have contentment, to communicate with other people, to give and forgive, to
cultivate nationalism, to have determination, to be thoughtful and humble, and to help
and respect one another.
Few viewers of VVM movies as stated in the study of Sagpa-ey (2006) can recall
the story from the beginning to the end. Most of them are applying the lessons they have
learned leaving an impact to the spiritual, moral, social, and even economic part of their
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lives. They do not just see it as plain stories; most of them relate their experiences with
what the movie character feels. They also expect more movies to be produced to inspire
them more.
Perceptions and Attitudes
Perception. It is the process by which we observe and find meaning in the objects,
events, and people around us (The World Book Encyclopedia). It refers to the way in
which we interpret or understand the messages our sensory systems have processed. By
knowing about perception, we can better understand how people are organized to deal
with their environment and, in turn, why they behave as they do (Dworetzky, 1988).
In addition, Neisser (1976) as cited by Davidoff (1987), stated that perception is a
cognitive process, a way about knowing the world. While all cognitive processes are
interconnected, we are beginning our survey of cognition with perception because
perception is “the point where cognition and reality meet” and perhaps, the most basic
cognitive activity out of which all others emerge.
Attitude. Attitude is a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or
something, typically one that is affected in a person’s behavior (The New American
Oxford Dictionary, 2005).
Moreover, Stagner (1974) stated that attitude is the tendency to favor or to oppose
an idea, an institution, a group or a program. An analysis of the attitude would reveal that
it involves more than one belief. Attitudes are more peripheral, easier to modify, less
emotion-arousing.
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In addition, Fishbein and Ajzen, (1975) as cited by Fieldman, (1985), stated that
attitude is a learned predisposition to respond in a consistently favorable or unfavorable
manner with respect to a given object. In this view, attitudes are basically evaluations of a
particular person, group, action, or thing (Fieldman, 1985).
All the respondents in the study of Sagpa-ey (2006) enjoyed the movies they
watched and majority of them want to watch similar movies over and over again because
they do not just see it as plain stories, most of them relate their experiences with what the
movie characters feel.
Comments on Christian Vernacular Movies
Some respondents of Sagpa-ey (2006) in her study observed the poor portrayal of
the cast on the roles given to them.
Finally, the respondents of Sagpa-ey (2006) in her study recommend that VVM
should continue producing movies catering to the different cultural groups in the
Cordillera representing their ethno-linguistic groups. For more quality films, the
respondent recommends that the VVM should enhance the acting capability of the role
portrayal of its actors and actresses. Thus, acting workshops are necessary. Lastly, they
suggested that government officials should give their support to the VVM in their film
showing activities.
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Definition of Terms
Christian vernacular movies. Films on Christianity using vernacular languages
such as Ilocano, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Kalanguya and Kankana-ey.
Vernacular Video Ministry (VVM). A non-sectarian producer of Christian
vernacular movies based in Baguio City and Buguias, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya.
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet. The municipality of Tuba
is surrounded by the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, the city of Baguio and the
municipalities of Sablan and Itogon.
Taloy Sur is 16 kilometers away from Baguio City and is situated along Marcos
Highway which is one of three main routes to the City of Pines. Map of the study area is
shown in Figure 2.
The place was chosen because it is one of the places where Christian vernacular
movies are being shown.
The study was conducted from December 2006 to January 2007.
Respondents of the Study
Fifty respondents were chosen from among residents in the area who have
watched at least one Christian vernacular movie. The respondents were chosen using
purposive quota sampling and were identified using the referral technique.
Data Collection
An interview schedule was used in gathering information from the respondents of
the study.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
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Figure 2. Map of Tuba, Benguet showing the locale of the study
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Data Gathered
The data gathered were the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents,
the Christian vernacular movies they watched and purposes for watching, their
perceptions on and attitudes towards the movies and their comments and suggestions.
Data Analysis
The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics such
as frequency counts, percentage and ranking.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents of the study where majority (62 %)
belonged to age bracket 11-20 years with 56 years old as the oldest. This shows that
vernacular movies are being watched mostly by young people. The respondents were
mostly female at 72 % which shows that more women are watching Christian vernacular
movies as compared to men (28 %). Majority of them were single (76 %) and only 24 %
were married.
More than half or 60% were students and 40 % were housewives, farmers, tutor,
Christian work and a weaver. It shows that Christian vernacular movies are being
watched by people from various fields and status in life.
All of the respondents have gone to formal school with 64% reaching high school
only. Others have gone to college (32%).
Majority belonged to the Ibaloi tribe (78%) as the locale of the study was
dominated by the Ibalois. The respondents belonged to different religious sects with the
Roman Catholic having the largest percentage (36 %) while others belonged to other
denominations.
The results show that respondents watched Christian vernacular movies regardless
of their age, sex, civil status, occupation, educational attainment, tribal affiliation and
religion. These are similar to Sagpaey’s (2006) findings on the characteristics of
Christian vernacular movies in Bauko, Mountain Province.
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Table 1. Socio-demographic profile of the respondents
CHARACTERISTICS
FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
(%)
Age Bracket
20 and below
31
62
21 and above
19
38
TOTAL
50 100
Sex
Male
14
28
Female
36
72
TOTAL
50 100
Civil Status
Single
38
76
Married
12
24
TOTAL 50
100
Occupation
Student
30
60
Employed
20
40
TOTAL
50 100
Educational Attainment
Elementary level/graduate
2
4
College level/graduate
32
64
High School level/graduate
6
32
TOTAL 50
100
Tribal Affiliation*
Ibaloi
39
78
Kankana-ey
19
38
Ilocano
6
12
Tagalog
1
2
Ifugao
1
2
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Table 1. continued…
CHARACTERISTICS FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
(%)
Religion
Roman Catholic
18
26
Pentecost
11
22
Born Again
7
14
Baptist
6
12
Jehovah’s Witnesses
3
6
Anglican
3
6
Iglesia ni Cristo
1
2
UCCP
1
2
TOTAL
50 100
*Multiple responses
Christian Vernacular Movies
Watched by the Respondents
Adawag Ina. This is a story of a mother who married an irresponsible man
through the old Igorot marriage practice. He spent most of his time drinking liquor and
gambling. He had forgotten his responsibilities as a father. The mother managed to feed
their two children on her own. When their children grew up, their father still did not
change. The daughter went to the city to find a job but she got pregnant when she
returned home while the son had stolen sacks of potatoes that led him to prison. Their
mother kept praying and remained strong hoping the problem will end soon. Meanwhile,
the father was hospitalized due to an illness. In the end, the son was released from the jail
and he promised not to repeat what had he done while the father was brought out from
the hospital. Realizing his mistakes, he vowed to change and be responsible.
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Ti Nangisalakan. This is a story about the culture and tradition of the Igorots
when Christianity was not yet introduced to them. It includes their worship of things in
their environment like the sun. Another is the tribal war, which still exists in some parts
of the Cordillera. After realizing its bad effects, the two tribes agreed to end it on certain
conditions. Any member that will kill anyone from the other tribe must be found dead
also. Someone committed this crime and following the agreement, he was sentenced to
death. However, his older brother volunteered to take his place. When the older brother
was executed, the younger one went on to live a guilt-ridden life for years until he was
enlightened with the help of a missionary who went to their place.
Ti Sungbat. This is a story of a broken family caused by the irresponsible father.
Aside from drinking liquor and gambling, he also had an extramarital affair that pushed
his wife to leave her husband with their two children. The father still did not change and
the son became the breadwinner. After some time, their children left their father too and
asked help from a “ninong”. With this, the father brought home his mistress. After
knowing that their children left their home, the mother went to look for them. Meanwhile,
the mistress left him after discovering that he was married. The father then realized his
mistakes and went back to his family who accepted him despite all that he had done.
Laton Pay Dedan. This is a story of three students who followed different paths in
life. Their parents tried their best to provide their needs in studying but the three focused
more on other things like drinking liquor and quarrelling. Years passed, one became a
teacher, and the other became a pastor as he dreamed to be. The third one got married
without finishing his studies. He worked with his wife in the garden to raise their family.
But his wife got sick and died. After some time, he too got sick and was brought to the
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hospital. There he met a nurse, the girl whom he has not given attention before in school.
In the end, they got married.
Sabong Di Kada. This is a story of a mother and her daughter living together in
their “kubo”. They lived a very simple life. On occasions, Rosa used to collect flowers
from the forest or in the field and gave them to her mother as a present. Her mother
managed to provide her daughter’s needs until she finished college. She went abroad to
raise them from poverty and give her mother valuable things aside from the flowers she
used to give her. During the first years, Rosa sends her mother many things including
money and wrote letters to communicate with her. But when she got married to a citizen
in that country, she forgot her mother. She did not even know when her mother got sick
and passed away. When her husband died in a car accident, she decided to come home to
the Philippines and learned that her mother died. She was so guilty but had to accept what
happened. As she usually did before, she collected flowers for her mother’s grave. She
decided to go back abroad to manage the business of her late husband.
Table 2 shows that half of the respondents have watched the movie Adawag Ina in
Kankanaey. It was followed by the movie Ti Nangisalakan (48 %), which used the
vernacular Ilocano. Ilocano is the lingua franca in the Cordilleras. Almost all people in
the region can speak and understand it. Only one respondent each watched the movies
Nuntala An Imbabale, which used the Ifugao vernacular language and Shawat nen
Nanang in Ibaloi.
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Table 2. Christian vernacular movies watched by the respondents
MOVIES FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
(%)
Adawag Ina (Mother’s Prayer)
25
50
Ti Nangisalakan (The One Who Saves)
24
48
Din Sungbat (The Answer)
22
44
Laton Pay Dedan (It Will be Alright)
22
44
Sabong Di Kada (Flower in the Forest)
20
40
Nuntala An Imbabale (The Prodigal Son)
1
2
Shawat nen Nanang (Mother’s Prayer)
1
2
*Multiple responses
Places Where the Respondents
Watched Christian Vernacular Movies
Table 3 shows the different places where the respondents have watched Christian
vernacular movies. More than half of them (66%) have watched these in their home after
buying or borrowing from a relative or friends. Copies of these movies are available in
the market where interested people can buy. Vernacular movies were also viewed in
school through a film showing done by a certain religious group. It is where 40% of the
respondents watched it. Aside from these, the church is also active in promoting Christian
vernacular movies especially to its members. Twenty six percent of the respondents
watched them in their own churches. Moreover, 8% of them viewed it in wedding
receptions. It is one of the occasions where it was shown as part or after the program.
Others viewed vernacular movies in their friend’s home, in computer shop and boarding
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house. The results show that Christian vernacular movies were viewed in various places
aside from churches.
Table 3. Places where the respondents watched Christian vernacular movies
PLACE
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
(%)
Home
33
66
School
20
40
Church
13
26
Wedding Receptions
4
8
Computer Shop
1
2
Friends Home
1
2
Boarding House
1
2
*Multiple responses
Respondents’ Purposes for Watching
Christian Vernacular Movies
Table 4 shows that most of the respondents are watching Christian vernacular
movies to be educated on the word of God. This purpose garnered the highest overall
rating of 150 points accumulated from 21 who identified it as the first purpose, 13 who
identified it as the second purpose and six who identified it as the third purpose for
watching. This shows that the production of these movies serves its purpose of spiritual
uplifting and nurturing.
Entertainment, which is one of the primary purposes of other commercial movies,
came in second with 118 points. Moreover, many of them wanted to see a movie that
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used their own language. This shows that vernacular language is effective in reaching
people because it arouses their curiosity to watch it.
The results show that people watched vernacular movies for different reasons. At
the same time, they corroborate Henry (n. d.) who stated that the use of vernaculars was
seen as a more effective way to transmit Christian religious ideas, principles and
concepts.
Perceptions on Vernacular Movies Watched
Table 5 shows the respondents’ perceptions on Christian vernacular movies. All
of them said that they were entertained except for the movie Ti Nangisalakan where six
respondents said that they were not. According to them, the movie involves killing that is
not entertaining. Another two respondents said that the movie Laton Pay Dedan was not
easy to understand compared with the other movies. They said that some scenes are not
clear to them while some of the characters spoke very fast. Some of the respondents said
that the movie Adawag Ina did not give moral values because of the bad scenes that were
shown in the movie.
Majority of them did not know if the movies were based purely on the Bible.
According to Mr. Samuel Dangpa, VVM-Philippines Founder, one of the purposes of
VVM is to put the Bible into videos by lifting a Christian message and making a script
out of it. Majority of the respondents said that the movies they watched did not show
purely goodness but they said that the violent scenes in the movies helped the movie put
across its message.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
23
Table 4. Respondents’ purposes for watching Christian vernacular movies
PURPOSES FIRST SECOND THIRD OVERALL
PURPOSE POINTS PURPOSE POINTS PURPOSE POINTS RATING
(x5)
(x3)
(x1)
To be educated by 21 105 13 39 6 6 150
the word of God
To be entertained 14 70 13 39 9 9 118
To see a movie in the 13 65 9 27 16 16 108
vernacular language
To see a movie made 2 10 8 24 10 10 44
locally
To see if I know - - 4 12 1 1 13
the actors
*Multiple responses
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies 23
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
24
Table 5. Respondents’ perceptions on Christian vernacular movies
ADAWAG INA
TI NANGISALAKAN
YES
NO
NO IDEA
YES
NO
NO IDEA
PERCEPTIONS
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
They are entertaining
22
100.00
-
-
-
-
18
75
6
25.00
-
-
Easy to understand
22
100.00
-
-
-
-
24 100.00 -
-
-
-
It gives moral values
19
86.37 3 13.63
-
-
24 100.00 -
-
-
-
The story is based
4
18.19
6
27.28
12
54.54
7
29.17
8
38.33
9
37.50
purely on the Bible
Helps understand
20
90.90
-
-
2
9.10
17 70.83 -
-
7 29.17
more Christianity
All scenes shows
-
-
22 100.00
-
-
- - 24
100.00
- -
purely goodness
The violent scenes is
important to understand 19
86.37
-
-
3
13.63
24
100.00
-
-
-
-
the movie
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
24
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
25
Table 5. continued…
DIN SUNGBAT
SABONG DI KADA
YES
NO
NO IDEA
YES
NO
NO IDEA
PERCEPTIONS
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
F
%
They are entertaining
20
100.00
-
-
-
-
18 100.00
-
-
-
-
Easy to understand
20
100.00
- - - -
18
100.00
- - - -
It gives moral values
20 100.00
- - - -
18
100.00
- - - -
….
The story is based
purely on the Bible
6
30.00
4
20.00
10
50.00
4
22.00
6
33.00
8
44.44
Helps understand
more Christianity
13
65.00
3
15.00
4
20.00
5
27.78
7
38.86
6
33.33
All scenes shows
purely goodness
-
-
17
85.00
3
15.00
10
55.56
3
16.67
5
27.78
The violent scenes is
-
important to understand
19
95.00
-
-
1
5.00
10
55.56
6
33.33
11.11
the movie
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
25
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
26
Table 5. continued…
SABONG DI KADA
YES
NO
NO IDEA
PERCEPTIONS
F
%
F
%
F
%
They are entertaining
17
100.00
-
-
-
-
Easy to understand
15
88.23
2
11.17
-
-
It gives moral values
17 100.00
-
-
-
-
The story is based
purely on the Bible
5
29.41
1
5.89
11
64.70
Helps understand
more Christianity
9
52.94
2
11.17
6
35.30
All scenes shows
*Multiple R
esponses
purely goodness
-
-
17
100.00
-
-
The violent scenes is
important to understand
15
88.23
-
-
2
5.00
the movie
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007 26
27
Lessons Learned From Christian Vernacular Movies
Table 6 shows the lessons learned by the respondents from the movies they
watched. They learned to have faith in God especially when one encounters a problem
through the movies Adawag Ina, Ti Nangisalakan and Din Sungbat. Changing of bad
attitudes are some of the lessons the respondents learned from the movies Adawag Ina
and Ti Nangisalakan. Asking forgiveness was learned by the respondents from the
movies Sabong di Kada and Adawag Ina and Din Sungbat. The movie Sabong di Kada
and Laton Pay Dedan gave them the lesson to respect and obey our parents. They also
learned to be industrious through the movie Din Sungbat and Laton Pay Dedan.
The results show that Christian vernacular movies are not produced merely for
entertainment but for the viewers to learn lessons also.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
28
Table 6. Lessons learned by the respondents from the movie
MOVIES
LESSONSLEARNED NUMBER
PERCENTAGE
(%)
Adawag Ina
- Belief in God
15
68.19
- Being strong during trials
5
22.72
- Valuing our family
5
22.72
- Asking forgiveness
4
18.19
- Changing bad attitude
3
13.63
Ti Nangisalakan
- Changing bad attitude
16
66.67
- Having faith in God
8
33.33
- Loving our siblings
2
8.33
- Facing the consequence of your
2
8.33
actions
- Culture / tradition of the
2
8.33
Cordillerans before Christianity
was developed
Din Sungbat
- Disciplining ourselves
8
40
- Having faith in God
6
30
- Prioritizing the family
5
25
- Asking forgiveness and forgiving
3
15
- Being industrious
1
5
- Teaching our children by
1
5
being an example
- Not losing our hope
1
5
Sabong di Kada
- Doing good to others
6
33.33
- Loving and obeying our parents
4
22.22
- Asking forgiveness
4
22.22
- Having contentment
4
22.22
- Having determination
2
11.11
Laton Pay
- Studying hard
5
29.41
Dedan
- Having patience
4
23.52
- Respecting and obeying our
3
17.64
parents
- Being industrious
3
17.64
- Giving comfort
3
17.64
- Avoiding too much liquor
3
17.64
- True love waits
1
5.89
- Avoiding trouble
1
5.89
*Multiple responses
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
29
Respondents’ Perceptions on the
Vernacular Language
All of the respondents claimed that the use of vernacular language is effective in
putting across Christian messages. Majority of them said that it makes the movie easier to
understand especially to those who hardly understand the English language and even
Filipino. It also arouses the viewers’ curiosity and interest to watch a movie that uses
their own vernacular language.
Respondents’ Attitude Towards
Christian Vernacular Movies
All of the respondents of the study enjoyed the movies they watched and they
want to watch more movies where they can learn moral and spiritual values. Others said
they wanted to see more Igorots acting in the movie despite observation of the poor
acting of some characters. This supports the statement of Dangpa that vernacular
language had a different impact. Even a person under the influence of alcohol watches it.
They appreciate the movie because it uses their own language. Film showing also
disregards religions, tribe and culture because they understand it.
Respondents’ Level of Satisfaction
from the Movies Watched
Table 7 shows how satisfied the respondents were with the movies they watched.
More than half or 62 % of them were satisfied with the movies they watched because
they understood them aside from being entertained. The stories portrayed had a great
impact to them. They learned moral and spiritual values. Most of them could relate their
own experiences with the movie. Some were also able to acquire additional information
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
30
about the culture and tradition of the early Cordilleran people through the movie Ti
Nangisalakan.
Some were not quite satisfied (16 %) due to the differences they observed in the
movie. Some scenes were not very clear to them. They said that they were not contented
because the story was not fully finished and some actors did not exert much effort in
acting that made the movie less convincing
Twenty-two percent of the respondents said that the values they learned from the
movies among others made them very satisfied with it. They are proud that these movies
were produced showcasing Bible-based stories with their fellow Igorots as actors.
These results indicate that while there were some negative comments, no one of
the respondents was not satisfied with all the movies they watched because they were
more focused on the content and the message of the movie.
Table 7. Movie satisfaction of the respondents
ATTITUDE FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(n=50) (%)
Satisfied 31 62
Very satisfied 11 22
Not quite satisfied 8 16
TOTAL 50 100
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
31
Recommendation for Others to Watch
Table 8 presents the people to whom the respondents recommended the movies
they watched. Most of them had recommended the movie to students (48%) and to
mothers (38%), and others. The results also show that the respondents believed the
Christian vernacular movies are for all people with different status in life and in the
community as well, hence their recommendation for others to watch also. Most of the
stories portrayed in the movie are actually happening in our society like the issues on
family problems.
Meanwhile, 14 % of the respondents did not recommend the movie to anybody
after watching.
Table 8. Movie recommendation
PEOPLE TO WHOM
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
THE MOVIES WERE
(n=50) (%)
RECOMMENDED
Students
24
48
Mothers
23
46
Adult
23 46
Children
22 44
Fathers
21 42
Cousins
5 10
All family Members
3 6
Non-believers
2 4
Out of School Youth
1 2
*Multiple responses
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
32
Respondents’ Comments and Suggestions
on Christian Vernacular Movies
Table 9 summarizes the comments and suggestions of the respondents on
Christian vernacular movies that they watched. More than half or 54 % suggested the
actors to have more training to improve their acting capabilities. More than one-third or
38 % of them suggested the production of more vernacular movies. Other suggestions
were as follows: translation of the movies to other vernaculars and also to English (12
%); wearing of appropriate attire/costume and doing the scene in an appropriate setting (8
%); basing the stories purely on the Bible (6 %). Other comments were: some dialogues
were not clearly understood because of the increased volume of the sound effects used;
some were not quite satisfied because the story had a hanging ending. Others suggested
showing the movies in many more places and reducing the violent scenes.
Table 9. Respondents’ comments and suggestion on the Christian vernacular movies
COMMENTS / SUGGESTIONS
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(n=50)
(%)
Some actors are not convincing,
27 54
should have more training
Produce more vernacular movies
19
38
No comment
13
26
Improve more the quality of produced film
11
22
Most of the movies are in Kankana-ey,
should translate to other vernacular
6
12
language including English
Make purely bible based movies
3
6
Show the movie in many more places
2
4
Feature some people who
1
2
changed
1 2
*Multiple responses
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
33
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted at Taloy Sur Tuba, Benguet to characterize the
respondents of the study, identify the Christian vernacular movies they watched;
determine their purposes , their perceptions on and attitudes towards Christian vernacular
movies and to solicit their comments and suggestions for the improvement of Christian
vernacular movies.
An interview schedule was used in gathering information from 50 respondents
who were chosen using purposive quota sampling and identified through referral
technique. Each respondent watched at least one Christian vernacular movie. The data
gathered were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics such as frequency
counts, percentage and ranking.
Majority of the respondents were 11-20 years old, female, single and Ibaloi. All
had formal education and were mostly students at the time of the interviews. They
belonged to different religions with the Roman Catholic having the largest percentage.
There were seven vernacular movies that reached the place of study but only
Adawag Ina was seen by half of the respondents. All the rest were seen by less than half
of the respondents. The movies were seen in different places like at home, in school and
in churches. The leading purpose for watching the movie was to be educated on the Word
of God, followed by entertainment. Most of the respondents found all the movies
entertaining, satisfying, full of lessons, easy to understand because they are in the
vernaculars, and worth recommending for others to watch.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
34
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are derived:
1. The vernacular movies under study are acceptable to people in the locality
with different age brackets, sexes, civil statuses, religious affiliations,
occupations, educational backgrounds, and tribal affiliations.
2. The watching of more than one vernacular movie by the respondents indicates
that these movies appeal to the respondents in the locality.
3. The vernacular movies have not failed in their primary purpose in the locality
since most of the respondents watched in order to be educated on the Word of
God.
4. The use of vernacular languages in the movies added to the appeal of the
movies as indicated by the respondent’s perceptions and attitudes.
5. While the movies have been perceived by the respondents as entertaining and
satisfying, there are still some points for improvement.
Recommendations
From the conclusions, the following are recommended:
1. The VVM should continue producing Christian vernacular movies.
2. The suggestions of the respondents for the improvement of Christian
vernacular movies should be considered.
3. Other information campaigns for development should also consider the use of
vernacular movies.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
35
LITERATURE CITED
ANDRES, F.D. How to Enjoy a Film Intelligently for Value Education. Philippines: Our
Lady of Manaoag Publishers. Pp. xiii.
ANONYMOUS. n.d. Retrieved Oct.4, 2006, from http://enwikipedia.org/wiki.Vernacular
ANONYMOUS. n.d. Retrieved October 04, 2006, from
http://enwikipedia.org/wiki.Suggestion
ANONYMOUS. n.d. The World Book Encyclopedia. All Rights Reserved. Copyright
2004: Chicago: World Book, Inc. Pp. 282.
CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST. n.d. The Jesus Film. Retrieved August 21, 2006,
from
http://www.campuscrusade.com/jesus_Film/2_hour_jesud-video.htm
CHRISTIAN, D.1997. Vernacular Dialects in US Schools. ERIC Digest. Retrieved
October 13, 2006, from http://www.ericdigest.org/1997-/dialects.htm
CONES, J. W. The role of Movies in a Democratic Society. Retrieved August 21, 2006,
from
http://www.homevideo.net/FIRM/crimes.htm
DAVIDOFF, L. L. 1987. Introduction to Psychology (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill,
Inc.
Pp.126-127.
DWORETZKY, J.P.1998.Psychology (3rd ed.).New York: West PublishingCompany.p.7.
FIELDMAN, R. S. 1985. Social Psychology: Theories Research and Appropriations.
New York: McGraw-hill, Inc. Pp. 277.
HENRY, C. A. N. n.d. The Fate of Vernacular Language in Kenya and Tanzania: a
Historical Perspective to the Linguistic Dilemma. Retrieved September 13, 2006,
from
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/afl/camille.htm
McKEAN, E.2005. The New Oxford American Dictionary (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford
Univ. Press. Pp. 282.
SAGPA-EY, J. S. 2006. Cultural Transformation Through Vernacular Video Ministry in
Bauko, Mt. Province. Philippines. MS Thesis. BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet. Pp.8-
9, 19-20, 37-39.
STAGNER, R. 1974.Psychology of Personality (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill,
Inc.Pp.
277.
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
36
Appendix: Interview Schedule
Personal Information
Respondent No. _________Age: _____
Sex: _______ Civil Status: ________
Occupation: _____________________
Educational attainment: _______________________________
Tribal affiliation: ____________________
Religion: ______________________
I. What Christian vernacular movies have you watched?
_____Din Nangisalakan _____Ugan Di Ina
_____Din Sungbat _____Sabong Shi Bahong
_____Laton Pay Dedan _____Adawag Ama
_____Sabong Di Cada _____Adawag Ina
_____Nan Sungbatan _____Others (Please specify) _________________
II. What are your purposes for watching the movies under study? (Rank your answers with
one as the highest.)
_____to be entertained
_____to be educated on the Word of God
_____to see people I know as actors
_____to pass the time away
_____to see a movie in the vernacular language
_____to see a movie made locally
_____others (Please specify) ___________________________________
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
37
III. PERCEPTIONS AND ATTITUDES
A. Perceptions
1. What can you say about the Christian vernacular movie/s under study? (Please
check)
PERCEPTIONS
YES
NO
NO IDEA
They are entertaining
Easy to understand
It give moral values
Helps understand more Christianity
The story is based purely on the Bible
It tells about being a Christian
All scenes shows purely goodness
Some scenes shows violence
- If yes, is the showcased violence needed to
understand the movie?
2. What are the good things you learned from the movie that you think will improve
your life?
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Where have you watched Christian vernacular movie/s?
_____home _____wedding receptions
_____school _____others (please specify)
_____church
When?
_________________
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
38
4. Is the use of vernacular language effective in making Christian vernacular movies?
_____yes,
Why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____No,
Why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
B. Attitude
1. Did you enjoy the movie you have watched?
_____Yes
_____No,
Why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Did you recommend the movie you have watched?
_____ Yes, to whom?
_____adult
_____students
_____fathers
_____children
_____mothers
_____others
(Pls
Specify)
________________________
_____No,
Why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
39
3. Did you want to watch similar movie more?
_____Yes,
why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____No,
why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. How satisfied are you with the movie/s you have watched?
_____unsatisfied
_____quite
satisfied
_____very
satisfied
_____not quite satisfied
_____ satisfied
Why?
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
IV. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
1. What can you suggest for the improvement of Christian vernacular movies
based on the one you watched?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are your comments (positive or negative) on the vernacular movie/s
you watched?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What can you suggest to the makers of Christian vernacular movies?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)/ Judy P. Paran. 2007
Document Outline
- Acceptability of Christian Vernacular Movies
in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet (2006)
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- Rationale
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Importance of the Study
- Scope and Limitation
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- Films
- The Vernacular Language
- Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
- Christian Movies Watched and the Lessons Learned
- Perceptions and Attitudes
- Comments on Christian Vernacular Movies
- Definition of Terms
- METHODOLOGY
- Locale and Time of the Study
- Respondents of the Study
- Data Collection
- Data Gathered
- Data Analysis
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
- Christian Vernacular MoviesWatched by the Respondents
- Places Where the RespondentsWatched Christian Vernacular Movies
- Respondents� Purposes for WatchingChristian Vernacular Movies
- Perceptions on Vernacular Movies Watched
- Respondents� Perceptions on theVernacular Language
- Respondents� Attitude TowardsChristian Vernacular Movies
- Respondents� Level of Satisfactionfrom the Movies Watched
- Recommendation for Others to Watch
- Respondents� Comments and Suggestionson Christian Vernacular Movies
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Summary
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES