TENNY JEAN A. ANGOBUNG

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus

________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT

For all the increasing signs, the Filipino culture still has a large hangover from its ego idea for women of many bygone years. This is the so-called traditional Maria Clara image of a woman who is shy, demure, modest, and self-effacing. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the transition from the traditional Maria Clara to the modern one. A descriptive qualitative research approach was chosen in this research because this approach amplifies an interpretation and understanding of meaning. The researcher also used purposive sampling in selecting respondents. The researcher found out that there is really a big difference between the traditional and modern Maria Clara in different aspects such as their physical well-being, social well-being, economic opportunity, and political well-being. Maria Claras’ characteristics have undergone a transition, from traditional Maria Clara to modern Maria Clara. Thus, despite some flaws in this transition, it can be seen through the responses that there are positive effects. We can say that traditional Maria Clara transit from modern Maria Clara in the way she acts, speaks, dresses, and accepts suitors but all in all Maria Clara today is more empowered than that of Maria Clara before. The essence of Maria Clara is still there, it is just that Filipino women today are more aggressively showing their power. It is an evidence that women today can work on what Filipino men responsibly do.