21st Century: Philippine Literary Periods

Exposition: Mercy Maalala, a 33-year-old robotics engineer from Lian, Batangas, begins her employment in the futuristic Automatic City. She surrenders her body to living nanomachines for work, despite being away from her family.

• Educational Background

• Professional Background

• Sociocultural Background

• Socioeconomic Background

Answer explanation

Socioeconomic Background:

Mercy’s pursuit of better financial opportunities and the sacrifices she makes to advance in her career mirror the experience of Victor Fernando R. Ocampo, who is now residing in Singapore.

Rising Action: "Matabungkay Beach is gone," Rolando’s voice crackled through the communicator, heavy with something unspoken. Mercy froze, the hum of Automatic City fading into the background. The beach—where they once spent endless summers, where the scent of salt and sun still lingered in her memory—was nothing but rubble now, swallowed by storms and time

• Educational Background

• Professional Background

• Sociocultural Background

• Socioeconomic Background

Answer explanation

Sociocultural Background:

The destruction of Matabungkay Beach symbolizes a cultural and personal disconnect for Mercy, as it represents not only a physical place but also a sense of identity and connection to her roots. In Filipino culture, places like Matabungkay Beach hold emotional significance, often representing family memories, heritage, and community ties. Similarly, for Victor Fernando R. Ocampo, who now resides in Singapore, migration often involves a personal sense of loss and alienation from the familiar cultural landmarks of home.

Climax: Mercy tries to reconnect with her son before returning home after nine years. During a tense video call, Jun-Jun questions her identity and accuses her of losing touch with who she is, emotionally severing their bond. Mercy realizes the profound impact her choices have had on her relationships and sense of self.

• Educational Background

• Professional Background

• Socioeconomic Background

• Sociocultural Background

Answer explanation

Sociocultural Background:

Mercy’s emotional struggle to reconnect with her son after nine years reflects the Filipino value of close family bonds. Similarly, for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) like Victor Fernando R. Ocampo, living abroad often brings a sense of guilt and longing due to the emotional toll of being away from family. The balance between providing for loved ones and maintaining connections to one’s roots is a challenge many OFWs face, including Ocampo, who lives in Singapore.

Falling Action: Mercy’s employer purges the nanomachines and security footage that served as her memory, leaving her feeling lost and disconnected. She reflects on how her years in the Automatic City have changed her and wonders if she ever truly knew herself.

• Educational Background

• Professional Background

• Socioeconomic Background

• Sociocultural Background

Answer explanation

Educational Background:

Based on Victor Fernando R. Ocampo’s educational background, including his studies in management, political science, and later certifications in product strategy and Web 3.0, may have contributed to his ability to blend technological theme in his speculative fiction.

Mercy considers a new job offer for another three-year contract in Jakarta. While she knows the "easiest way to solve any problem," her decision to continue this cycle of work and alienation leaves readers questioning whether she will ever reconcile her ambitions with her need for connection and identity.

• Educational Background

• Professional Background

• Sociocultural Background

• Socioeconomic Background

Answer explanation

Sociocultural Background:

Mercy’s struggle to balance career and family mirrors the experience of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), like Victor Fernando R. Ocampo, who lives in Singapore. Both face the tension between professional ambition and emotional fulfillment, navigating the challenges of maintaining cultural identity while pursuing success abroad. Ocampo, like Mercy, grapples with displacement and sacrifice, a common theme for those living away from their homeland.

How does the problem in the story reflect real-life issues Victor Fernando R. Ocampo might have experienced or noticed?

• It explores how workers in Southeast Asia reject technology altogether.

• It reflects OFWs’ sacrifices to support families at the cost of personal connection.

• 1. It focuses on the rise of robotics in replacing human workers entirely.

• 1. It portrays a utopian society where families thrive without effort.

What events show the author’s views on solving problems in a modern or futuristic world?

• The use of AI and nanotech to streamline work while erasing individuality.

• A rejection of all advanced technology in the workplace.

• The return to traditional, manual labor systems for efficiency.

• Creating a world where humans dominate machines without compromise.

How does the setting show the author’s thoughts about the future?

• The futuristic city reflects Ocampo’s concerns about dehumanization by technology.

• The Automatic City represents an ideal society without personal sacrifices.

• The city highlights a perfect balance between humanity and technology.

• It rejects technology’s influence and promotes rural living.

What message might the author be sharing about technology and problem-solving?

• Technology solves problems but creates new ethical and emotional challenges.

• Technology offers perfect solutions without human costs.

• Advancements in tech are unnecessary for modern societies.

• Complete reliance on technology is the key to happiness.

How does the title reflect the author’s thoughts on solving problems?

• The title critiques quick fixes, urging deeper reflection on real issues.

• It promotes the idea that technology can perfectly solve all problems.

• It suggests that futuristic advancements resolve personal struggles entirely.

• It implies no deeper meaning or critique about problem-solving.