THE STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON THE MTRCB CLASSIFICATION

OF THE SELECTED PHILIPPINE MOVIES IN 2015

Irene C. Amora, Stephanie Mabelle P. Catubig, Jean Christine S. Cinchez, Maricel I. Jayme,
Sheena Marie A. Labis, and Dr. Ray Butch D. Mahinay
Mindanao University of Science and Technology
September 14, 2016

Abstract

Knowledge simply refers to the condition of knowing something that could either be
information, facts, principles, skills and understanding that is acquired through education and
experience which is necessary for better decision making. Knowing the student’s knowledge on
the MTRCB classification is important for it formulates an idea of how efficient media is in
educating the public and how aware the viewer is on what different classifications mean.
Through simple random sampling, a total of 100 Mindanao University of Science and
Technology (MUST) students were considered as respondents of this study in the school year
2016-2017. With descriptive research design, a researcher-made questionnaire was floated to
determine the respondents’ level of knowledge. The results of the study showed that majority of
the respondents’ knowledge level is moderate to very low in determining the right movie
classification of different movies. Thus, strengthening media literacy with regards to movie
classification could be implemented in the University to increase students’ knowledge level on
the MTRCB ratings and consequently promote responsible viewership.

Keywords: movie classification, media literacy, responsible viewership, MTRCB

I. Background and Rationale

As mandated under Presidential Decree No. 1986, or otherwise known as the “Creating
the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board,” there should be a regulatory body
responsible to the review and classification of motion pictures, television programs, and similar
shows. This body will likewise initiate plans and cooperate with the movie and television
industry to improve, upgrade and make viable the industry as one source of fueling the national
economy.
The widespread and accessibility of movies through modern technologies ushered
reviewing and classifying to be vital in the society. The Movie and Television Review and
Classification Board (MTRCB), as a government agency which is responsible in reviewing and
classifying movies, within its current framework classifies motion pictures as General Audience
(G); Parental Guidance-13 (PG); Restricted-13 (R-13); Restricted-16 (R-16); Restricted-18 (R-
18); and Not for Public Exhibition (X). Moreover, the MTRCB’s functions include programs,
initiatives, processes, activities and institutional adjustments that create sensitive media and

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entertainment environment for the family, youth, and other sectors of Philippine society.
It has been studied by many media researchers on the contributory effects of movies to its
viewers. As accorded by Anderson and Brushman (2002), prolonged exposure to violent media
programming associates to subsequent aggression. However, 71 percent of the respondents in a
survey made by Wurtzel and Surlin (1978), as cited by Ingold (1999), in his Television
Audiences Response to “Mature Subject Matter” advisories, revealed that television advisories
with more mature subject matter does not influence the viewers’ decision as to whether to view
or not to view the program. Anderson, et al. (2003) posited that providing the children and youth
a much healthier media diet proves to be difficult because public policies and entertainment
failed to educate the general public about the real risks of media-violence exposure.
Corollary to the aforementioned, being able to determine and fully understand various
movie genres make the viewers more responsible of what he/she is able to take in. Hence,
deliberating on the level of knowledge on movie classification among students becomes
essential. A point to consider is when the viewer knows certain movie classification is that he/she
earns the capability in endorsing movies since he/she is literate enough to understand the age
appropriateness as well as the movie’s effect towards the viewer of every film produced by the
Philippine movie industry. Thus, it is hoped that the results of this study will encourage media
authorities to upraise awareness and to take action concentrating on classification literacy
programs. By that, every movie goer, if not all, will discern a factual perspective on the films
which might be basis of their movie choice.

II. Theoretical Considerations/Brief Literature

This study was anchored on the following theories: (1) Cultivation Theory; (2)
Hypodermic Needle Theory; and (3) Semiotic Theory.
Cultivation Theory states that high frequency viewers of television are more susceptible
to media messages and the belief that they are real and valid. George Gebner (1976) posits that
television viewing can have long-term effects that gradually affect the audience and that the
primary focus of the theory falls on the effects of viewing in the attitudes of the viewer as
opposed to the created behavior. Heavy viewers of entertainment program are thought to be
‘cultivating’ attitudes that seem to believe that the world created by television is an accurate
depiction of the real world. The theory suggests that prolonged watching of television can tend to
induce a certain paradigm about violence in the world. Many times the viewer is unaware on the
extent to which they absorb media. Television and media possess a small but significant
influence on the attitudes and beliefs of society about society. Thus, determining the student’s
knowledge about the various classifications becomes vital for it clearly states how harmful media
can be to everyone if watching movies will not be modulated.
Also, Huesmann and Miller (1994) speculate that prevalence of media violence
stimulates violent behavior that is pertinent ever since motion pictures depicting violent acts
were first distributed. Thus, if one knows what type of movie classification is being shown on
screen, one basically understands what could possibly its effect to anyone. Then, one will
eventually not recommend the movie to others specifically those who are not in legal age. All in
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all, the theory, in line with the study, states as to what media can do to viewers and what possible
action the authorities can take to diminish certain circumstances.
Moreover, according to Katz and Lazarfeld (1955), message causes an instant reaction
from the audience mind without any hesitation and that as the media (needle) injects the
message, it causes the audiences to change their behavior and psyche towards the message
(Hypodermic Needle Theory). The proponents express the view that the media is a dangerous
means of communicating an idea because the receiver or audience is powerless to resist the
impact of the message. The theory basically suggests that the mass media could influence a very
large group of people directly and uniformly by ‘shooting’ or ‘injecting’ them with appropriate
messages designed to trigger a desired response. This implies that mass media has a direct,
immediate and powerful effect on its audiences. Thereby, the theory states how vulnerable
audiences can be in dealing with media. Thus, movie classification which serves as a tool that
denotes limitation regarding movie appropriateness concerning on the age of an individual
becomes vital.
The immaturity stage of a certain person somewhat implies the inability to resist media
impacts. Yet, Jackson (2007) declared that majority of children aged 8-10 years old view movies
that are rated PG or Rated 13, and more than three fourths (3/4) of 10-14 years old which is 84%
were reported to be watching R-rated movies at home with parental permission. Therefore, it is
indeed important for the viewers to be knowledgeable about the corresponding age limit that
comes with different levels of classification. This study presents that there should be an initial
provision before immersing to the media environment.
Semiotics, also called Semiology, is the study of signs and sign-using behavior. It
explores how words and other signs make meanings. In the The Editors of Encyclopædia
Britannica, Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure defined it as a study of “the life of signs within
society” while Atkin (2006) emphasized it on “Pierce’s Theory of Signs” as something that
stands to somebody for something. The latter has distinction between the two inseparable
components of a sign: the signifier, which in language is a set of speech sounds or marks on a
page, and the signified, which is the concept or idea behind the sign, is one basic concept of
semiotic. Symbols are evident in every movie shown in public that actually has corresponding
meaning. In line with semiotic theory, meaning varies from person to person. It depends on how
an individual sees a specific symbol and what he associates it with. Profound knowledge on
different movie classification with the use of symbols present in every movie should be uplifted.
Having the general concept of a particular symbol decreases confusion, eliminates
misunderstanding and reduces mistaken information. Thus, knowing the student’s level of
knowledge with regards to movie classification becomes substantial in creating common
understanding. Consequently, creating compact denotation unto various signs which means
having the same understanding of what the symbol is trying to convey and what the viewers
grasp, becomes a necessity.
The MTRCB’s movie classifications are as follows: (1) Rated G, (2) Rated PG, (3) Rated
SPG, (4) Rated-13, (5) Rated 16, (6) Rated-18, and (7) Rated X. A “G” classification advises
parents or supervising adults that the film, in the judgment of the board, is suitable for all
audiences and that the film should not contain violence, threat, abuse, horror, or other themes
that may cause fear or disturbance to a young child’s mind. A “PG” classification advises that
viewers below thirteen (13) years old must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult
when admitted into a “PG” film for it may contain following themes, language, violence, nudity,
sex, and horror, whose treatment is suitable for children below thirteen (13) years of age.

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 An “R-13” classification suggests that only viewers who are thirteen (13) years old and
above can be admitted into the film and that it may contain following themes, language,
violence, nudity, sex, horror, and drugs whose treatment may not be suitable for children below
thirteen (13) years of age. Film classified as “R-16”, in the judgment of the Board, must have no
restrictions on themes, languages, violence, horror, and drugs provided that the treatment is
appropriate for viewers who are at least sixteen (16) years of age.
Only viewers who are eighteen (18) years old and above can be admitted into an “R-18”
film and the classification advises viewers, parents, and supervising adults that the film may
contain following themes, language, violence, nudity, sex, horror, and drugs that may not be
suitable for children below eighteen (18) years of age but it does not mean that the film is
“obscene”, “offensive”, or “pornographic,” as these terms are defined by law.
Rated-X films are not suitable for public exhibition. Any rated-X classified film shall be
disapproved for public viewing if, in the judgment of the board, the movie only takes solely in
craving for gratuitous sex and/or violence, depicts in a patently lewd, offensive, or demeaning
manner, excretory functions and sexual conduct such as sexual intercourse, masturbation and
exhibition of the genitals, constitutes an attack against any race, creed, or religion, condones or
encourages the use of illegal drugs and substances, undermines the faith and confidence of the
people in their government and/or duly constituted authorities, glorifies criminals or condones
crimes.
In the survey questionnaire, the researchers used posters as representation of the different
top grossing movies of 2015 because LaBrecque (2008) stated that posters are more adept in
relaying information than print alone and that the latter people does not have to be literate in
understanding the message conveyed. Moreover, posters do not take a lot of the respondent’s
time by reading like what is done on newspapers and pamphlets. Additionally, identification of
gender was also evident in the survey questionnaires for there’s a great difference of how males
and females perceive words and images because men are highly visual by nature, whereas
women are more detail oriented and more likely to absorb the total picture which means men
respond to the image instantaneously whereas women generally require a clear product or pocket
of text for their eyes to land on (Hatt, 2000). Roe (2000) cited that European adolescents’ use of
mass media differs significantly by gender, family life, social economic status, and education.

III. Methodology

This study attempted to describe and analyze the students’ knowledge on Movie
Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) of the selected top-grossing Philippine
movies in 2015. Specifically, this pursued to investigate on the following: (1) the profile of the
respondents; (2) the level of the students’ knowledge on the MTRCB classification of selected
Philippine movies in 2015; (3) the significant differences in the student’s knowledge on the
MTRCB classification of selected Philippine movies in 2015 when grouped according to their
sociodemographic profiles.
This was conducted at Mindanao University of Science and Technology, C.M Recto
Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City during the first semester of school year 2016-2107. Descriptive

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research design was used. The researchers employed purposive sampling procedure to secure the
respondents from the following colleges: (1) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS); (2) College of
Engineering and Architecture (CEA); (3) College of Industrial and Information Technology
(CIIT); and (4) College of Policy Studies, Education and Management (CPSEM) wherein a sum
of 25 respondents were set per college.
A researcher-made questionnaire was pilot-tested and validated before the survey.
Reliability statistics for the questionnaire yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .792 which
suggested that the questionnaire has internal consistency for survey. The tool is composed of two
portions: (1) the respondents’ profiling (i.e. socio-demographic, frequency of watching movies);
and (2) items to determine the respondents’ level of knowledge on the MTRCB classification
among the selected Philippines movies of 2015 as found in Table 1.

Table 1. Selected Philippine movies according to genres

Genre Movies

Comedy Beauty and the Bestie (2015)

Historical-Biographical Heneral Luna (2015); Felix Manalo (2015)

Romantic Comedy Crazy Beautiful You (2015); You're My Boss (2015); That Thing Called Tadhana
(2015); Just The Way You Are (2015); The Pre-Nup (2015); My Bebe Love (2015);
All You Need Is Pag-ibig (2015); Para Sa Hopeless Romantic (2015); #Walang
Forever (2015)

Horror Tragic Theater (2015)

Romance A Second Chance (2015); The Love Affair (2015); The Break-Up Playlist (2015);
Everyday I Love You (2015); Etiquette for Mistress (2015); Ex-With Benefits
(2015); No Boyfriend Since Birth (2015)

Indie Dose (2008); Sagwan (2009)

In the survey, the respondents’ identified the movie as General Audience (G); Parental
Guidance (PG); Restricted-13 (R-13); Restricted-16 (R-16); Restricted-18 (R-18); and Not for
Public Viewing (R-X). The level of knowledge is interpreted with range from Highly
Knowledgeable to Not Knowledgeable at All. The selections of these movies were based on their
market sales. But, the researchers included two (2) indie films although those are not in 2015 and
do not have great market sales just to have movies with Rated X classification on the survey
questionnaire.

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 The data were described and analyzed using the following statistical techniques: (1)
descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviation, frequency and percentage; and (2)
Kruskal-Wallis H Test, a non-parametric statistical tool, to identify if there’s a significant
difference in the student’s knowledge on the MTRCB classification of selected Philippine
movies in 2015 when grouped according to their socio-demographic profiles.

All data were processed through MS Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS statistical software set at
.05 level of significance.

IV. Highlights of Findings and Discussion/Data Presentation

Table 2 shows the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of gender, age, and
daily allowance. In gender, the results present that majority of the respondents are female with
66 out of the total population which is 100. Most of them are from the College of Arts and
Sciences (CAS) garnering 33.33 per cent while majority of the male respondents are from the
College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) wherein there are 14 of them that created 41.18
per cent of the overall male population.

Table 2. Demographic characteristics of the respondents (n=100)

CAS CEA CIIT CPSEM TOTAL
N % N % n % n % n %
Gender
Male 3.00 8.82 14.00 41.18 11.00 32.35 6.00 17.65 34.00 100.00
Female 22.00 33.33 11.00 16.67 14.00 21.21 19.00 28.79 66.00 100.00

Age
16-17 2.00 4.88 12.00 29.27 11.00 26.83 16.00 39.02 41.00 100.00
18-19 17.00 37.78 11.00 24.44 11.00 24.44 6.00 13.33 45.00 100.00
20-22 6.00 42.86 2.00 14.29 3.00 21.43 3.00 21.43 14.00 100.00

Daily
Allowance
₱50.00 and
below 12.00 27.91 10.00 23.26 13.00 30.23 8.00 18.60 43.00 100.00
₱51.00-₱99.00 7.00 21.88 10.00 31.25 10.00 31.25 5.00 15.63 32.00 100.00
₱100.00 and
above 6.00 24.00 5.00 20.00 2.00 8.00 12.00 48.00 25.00 100.00

As to their age, the 18-19 years old age bracket has the most number of respondents
wherein there are 45 of them out of 100. Very closely, with 41 respondents, the 16-17 years old
age bracket seconded. The dominant age bracket comes from the College of Arts and Sciences
(CAS) with 17 respondents.
Forty-three respondents declared that they only have 50 pesos and below daily allowance
coming from most of the colleges. Interestingly, there are also 12 respondents from the CPSEM

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who confessed that they receive 100 and above daily allowance.
Table 3 presents the respondents’ frequency in watching movies per month on different
media. There were five choices: cinemas, laptops, desktop computers, mobile phones, and other
portable gadgets. The frequency lies between using the medium either once, twice, thrice, four
times or more, and not used. The table distinguished the preference of the respondents in
choosing the medium in watching movies.

Table 3. Frequency of respondents in watching movies per month according to medium (n=100)
CAS CEA CIIT CPSEM TOTAL
f % F % f % f % f %
Cinemas
None 12.00 26.09 13.00 28.26 9.00 19.57 12.00 26.09 46.00 100.00
Once 5.00 17.24 7.00 24.14 11.00 37.93 6.00 20.69 29.00 100.00
Twice 7.00 43.75 2.00 12.50 4.00 25.00 3.00 18.75 16.00 100.00
Thrice 1.00 25.00 1.00 25.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 50.00 4.00 100.00
Four times or more 0.00 0.00 2.00 40.00 1.00 20.00 2.00 40.00 5.00 100.00

Laptop
None 7.00 24.14 6.00 20.69 7.00 24.14 9.00 31.03 29.00 100.00
Once 3.00 33.33 3.00 33.33 1.00 11.11 2.00 22.22 9.00 100.00
Twice 5.00 38.46 4.00 30.77 1.00 7.69 3.00 23.08 13.00 100.00
Thrice 2.00 20.00 4.00 40.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 40.00 10.00 100.00
Four times or more 8.00 20.51 8.00 20.51 16.00 41.03 7.00 17.95 39.00 100.00

Desktop Computer
None 7.00 31.82 5.00 22.73 6.00 27.27 4.00 18.18 22.00 100.00
Once 4.00 30.77 3.00 23.08 2.00 15.38 4.00 30.77 13.00 100.00
Twice 7.00 36.84 4.00 21.05 4.00 21.05 4.00 21.05 19.00 100.00
Thrice 2.00 20.00 3.00 30.00 2.00 20.00 3.00 30.00 10.00 100.00
Four times or more 5.00 14.29 10.00 28.57 11.00 31.43 9.00 25.71 35.00 100.00

Mobile phones
None 8.00 42.11 4.00 21.05 4.00 21.05 3.00 15.79 19.00 100.00
Once 1.00 14.29 4.00 57.14 2.00 28.57 0.00 0.00 7.00 100.00
Twice 5.00 38.46 1.00 7.69 1.00 7.69 6.00 46.15 13.00 100.00
Thrice 1.00 25.00 1.00 25.00 1.00 25.00 1.00 25.00 4.00 100.00
Four times or more 10.00 17.54 15.00 26.32 17.00 29.82 15.00 26.32 57.00 100.00

Other portable gadgets

None 16.00 30.19 11.00 20.75 13.00 24.53 13.00 24.53 53.00 100.00
Once 2.00 18.18 4.00 36.36 2.00 18.18 3.00 27.27 11.00 100.00
Twice 4.00 28.57 3.00 21.43 4.00 28.57 3.00 21.43 14.00 100.00
Thrice 1.00 16.67 2.00 33.33 2.00 33.33 1.00 16.67 6.00 100.00
Four times or more 2.00 12.50 5.00 31.25 4.00 25.00 5.00 31.25 16.00 100.00

In the first medium, 46 per cent of the respondents stressed out that they do not go to
cinemas to watch movies every month. However, there are also 5 respondents who claimed that
they have been watching movies on cinemas for four times or more in a month. On laptops, most
are into watching movies for four times or more in a month with 39 respondents while desktop

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computers had its highest choice in the thrice a month gaining 35 selections. Mobile phones had
57 selections in the four times or more choice. Lastly, the other portable gadgets, same with
cinemas, is also not that much preferred by the respondents since it had its majority in the "not
used" option having 53 selections.
The results implied that the frequently used medium by the respondents in watching
movies is the mobile phone seconded by the laptop and then the desktop computers, other
portable gadgets and the least preferred is the cinema. The preference of mobile phones, as said
by one of the surveyed respondents, is due to its accessibility compared to any other media. It is
accessible because they can just share a movie file from phone to phone via Bluetooth or any
other file sharing applications. Considering that majority of the respondents only have Php 50.00
and below daily allowance, as shown in Table 1, the affordability of the tickets on cinemas is not
accessible.
A study from multinational accounting firm "Price Water House Coopers", as cited by
Harris (1996), said that the primary reason why people are not into watching cinemas is because
ticket prices are too high and too many people uses phones and tablets instead. Among the
cinemas found in malls in Cagayan de Oro City (i.e. Ayala-Centrio, Limketkai, SM, Gaisano),
ticket prices range from Php 100.00-Php 180.00 which only suggest that indeed, tickets are
expensive.
Considering that there is a great use of mobile phones in watching movies, the copyright
laws is definitely deteriorating. The results of this study seconded Atkinson (2006) statement
positing that the rise of broadband internet access and cheap storage, along with the growth of
the digital content, has enabled piracy to flourish around the world. The government, who plays
an important role in protecting the intellectual property rights, should uplift the authenticity of
the creative artists and legitimate rights holder's outputs.
Table 4 presents the frequency of the respondents in watching movies on different
classifications. This table determines what kind of classification is mostly present in the
respondent's movie choice.
There is equal number of respondents who watches movie with a G classification as
frequent as always and sometimes. The PG classification has its most number of choice in the
always frequency while R-13, R-16, and R-18 is on sometimes. Rated X had it majority on the
never frequency by having 58 per cent yet, there are also 5 respondents who stated that they
always watch a Rated X film.
This implies that majority of the respondents are into watching movies with PG
classification proceeded by G, R-13, and R-16. The reason why movies with PG and G
classification are the top two most frequently watched is because these are family-oriented films.
Filipino families as evidently observed has certain degree of closeness to do pastime activities
together. For this reason, Manila Film Festival movie entries bank on family-themed movies to
rake in more profit. Whereas R-18 and Rated X tied to be the least watched kind of movie. It is
also well known in the Philippine culture that these movies are not so socially accepted.

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 According to SMIC Vice President Edgar T. Tejerero, SM Cinema's policy states that
there should be no showing of an R-18 classification in both local and foreign films starting in
2002. Thus, SM cinemas decline showing R18 movies because according to Valisno (2011), the
business principle of the Sy family is to offer wholesome family-oriented entertainment.
Moreover, according to De Vany and Walls (2002) as cited by Gong et.al (2011) in Real Options
in the Motion Picture Industry: Evidence from Film Marketing and Sequels, R -rated films were
less than half as likely as PG films to reach $25 million in domestic cinema box office.

Table 4. Frequency of respondents in watching movies according to MTRCB classification

(n=100)
CAS CEA CIIT CPSEM TOTAL
f % f % f % f % f %
G (General Audience)
Always 11.00 32.35 9.00 26.47 5.00 14.71 9.00 26.47 34.00 100.00
Most of the Time 7.00 22.58 7.00 22.58 10.00 32.26 7.00 22.58 31.00 100.00
Sometimes 7.00 20.59 8.00 23.53 10.00 29.41 9.00 26.47 34.00 100.00
Never 0.00 0.00 1.00 100 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 100.00

PG (Parental Guidance)
Always 12.00 30.77 11.00 28.21 9.00 23.08 7.00 17.95 39.00 100.00
Most of the Time 7.00 18.42 8.00 21.05 11.00 28.95 12.00 31.58 38.00 100.00
Sometimes 6.00 27.27 6.00 27.27 5.00 22.73 5.00 22.73 22.00 100.00
Never 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 100 1.00 100.00

R13 (Parental Guidance-

13)
Always 4.00 23.53 7.00 41.18 3.00 17.65 3.00 17.65 17.00 100.00
Most of the Time 6.00 19.35 8.00 25.81 8.00 25.81 9.00 29.03 31.00 100.00
Sometimes 14.00 29.79 8.00 17.02 13.00 27.66 12.00 25.53 47.00 100.00
Never 1.00 20 2.00 40.00 1.00 20.00 1.00 20.00 5.00 100.00

Rated-16 (Restricted-16)
Always 3.00 37.50 3.00 37.50 1.00 12.5 1.00 12.50 8.00 100.00
Most of the Time 7.00 25.00 8.00 28.57 7.00 25.00 6.00 21.43 28.00 100.00
Sometimes 14.00 23.73 12.00 20.34 17.00 28.81 16.00 27.12 59.00 100.00
Never 1.00 20.00 2.00 40.00 0.00 0.00 2.00 40.00 5.00 100.00

Rated-18 (Restricted-18)
Always 3.00 60.00 1.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 20.00 5.00 100.00
Most of the Time 4.00 15.38 8.00 30.77 7.00 26.92 7.00 26.92 26.00 100.00
Sometimes 14.00 22.95 15.00 24.59 17.00 27.87 15.00 24.59 61.00 100.00
Never 4.00 57.14 1.00 14.29 1.00 14.29 1.00 14.29 7.00 100.00

X (Not for Public

Exhibition)
Always 1.00 20.00 2.00 40.00 2.00 40.00 0.00 0.00 5.00 100.00
Most of the Time 1.00 25.00 2.00 50.00 1.00 25.00 0.00 0.00 4.00 100.00
Sometimes 8.00 25.00 9.00 28.13 9.00 28.13 6.00 18.75 32.00 100.00
Never 15.00 25.86 12.00 20.69 13.00 22.41 18.00 31.03 58.00 100.00

Table 5 presents the respondents’ knowledge on the MTRCB classification based on age
brackets. In the survey it determines whether the respondents know what appropriate movie
classification should be to its corresponding age brackets.

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 The respondents’ knowledge level on identifying the G/PG and R-18 classification is high
while moderate on R-13 and R-18. This manifests that many of the respondents can actually
associate the MTRCB classification to the correct age brackets. It can be surmised somehow that
they can responsibly watch movies according to their age. Although it will be better if all of them
knew the appropriate classification.
Table 6 presents the descriptive results of the respondents’ knowledge on the MTRCB
classification on the 22 movies presented in the survey tool. The level of knowledge of the
respondents on the MTRCB classification then is identified through knowing how much of the
responses is correct.
Table 5. Respondents’ knowledge on MTRCB Classification based on age brackets (n=100)
Results
MTRCB
Age Brackets Correct Response Per cent Correct Knowledge
Classification
(f) (%) Level*
1-12 years old G/PG 74 74.00 High

13-15 years old R-13 41 41.00 Moderate

16-17 years old R-16 58 58.00 Moderate

18 years old and above R-18 69 69.00 High

*Legend: 81.00 – 100.00 Very High
61.00 – 80.99 High
41.00 – 60.99 Moderate
21.00 – 40.99 Low
00.00 – 20.99 Very Low
The results show that the knowledge level of the respondents vary in classifying the
movies. They have moderate knowledge level in correctly classifying nine movies only. This
meant that at most only 52 per cent of the 100 respondents got the classification right in the said
movies. These movies are either PG or G.
There were four movies that the respondents’ knowledge level is low. At most, only 38
per cent of the sampled population got the classification correct. Based on the respondents’
answers, they had difficulty delineating PG and G. Also, it is interesting to note that only eight
respondents correctly classified Tragic Theater as an X movie. For the remaining nine movies,
the respondents’ knowledge level is very low. At most, 16 respondents of 100 got the
classification correct, and at the least, only 1 got the movie correct (see Ex with Benefits). Most
respondents mistakenly classified the two X-rated movies, Sagwan and Dose.
In an interview, a respondent said “Kung na’y mga kissing scenes, PG gyud na. Tapus,
kung mga educational, G nasiya”. This indicates that respondents only rely on their personal
insights in classifying movies.
Due to lack of media education about the MTRCB classification, respondents have made
their own standards themselves in classifying which resulted to too many misclassified movies.
This suggests that there should be wider dissemination of information regarding MTRCB
classification.

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Table 6. Descriptive results on the respondents’ knowledge level on MTRCB classification (n=100)
Results
MTRCB Per cent
Movie Title Correct Response Knowledge
Classification Correct
(f) Level*
(%)
(1) All You Need is Pag-ibig PG 52 52.00 Moderate
(2) Beauty and the Bestie PG 51 51.00 Moderate
(3) Crazy Beautiful You G 14 14.00 Very Low
(4) Etiquette for Mistress R-13 2 2.00 Very Low
(5) Everyday I Love You G 11 11.00 Very Low
(6) Ex with Benefits R-13 1 1.00 Very Low
(7) Felix Manalo G 36 36.00 Low
(8) Heneral Luna G 41 41.00 Moderate
(9) Just The Way You Are G 12 12.00 Very Low
(10) My Bebelove G 25 25.00 Low
(11) No Boyfriend Since Birth G 7 7.00 Very Low
(12) Para Hopeless Romantic PG 46 46.00 Moderate
(13) A Second Chance PG 35 35.00 Moderate
(14) That Thing Called Tadhana PG 43 43.00 Moderate
(15) The Break-Up Playlist PG 42 42.00 Moderate
(16) The Love Affair R-13 10 10.00 Very Low
(17) The PreNup PG 38 38.00 Low
(18) Tragic Theater X 8 8.00 Low
(19) You’re My Boss PG 48 48.00 Moderate
(20) #Walang Forever PG 45 45.00 Moderate
(21) Sagwan X 6 6.00 Very Low
(22) Dose X 16 16.00 Very Low
*Legend: 81.00 – 100.00 Very High
61.00 – 80.99 High
41.00 – 60.99 Moderate
21.00 – 40.99 Low
00.00 – 20.99 Very Low

Table 7 shows the respondents’ perceptions in behavior change due to watching movies. The
responses were Strongly Agree, Agree, Uncertain, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree to the items.
This distinguished how responsible the respondents are in taking control of their behavior even if
influenced by the movies they watched.
The results show that MTRCB classifications are really present on cinemas since there
are 45 per cent of the surveyed respondents who strongly agreed to the first statement implying
that cinemas do show first the movie classification before the movie proper starts. Collectively,
majority of the respondents strongly agree and agree that they become interested in viewing a
movie containing a classification that indicates sex.

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Table 7. Intercollege perceptions in behavior change due to watching movies
CAS CEA CIIT CPSEM TOTAL
f % F % f % f % f %
I become interested in
viewing movies specifically
when its classification
indicates sex.
Strongly Agree
Agree 6 30.00 5 25.00 2 10.00 7 35.00 20 100.00
Uncertain 7 22.58 5 16.13 10 32.26 9 29.03 31 100.00
Disagree 8 24.24 5 15.15 12 36.36 8 24.24 33 100.00
Strongly Disagree 3 25.00 8 66.67 0 0.00 1 8.33 12 100.00
1 25.00 2 50.00 1 25.00 0 0.00 4 100.00
I feel more aggressive
physically whenever I see
violent behavior on movies.
Strongly Agree
Agree 2 20.00 1 10.00 2 20.00 5 50.00 10 100.00
Uncertain 6 21.43 5 17.86 11 39.29 6 21.43 28 100.00
Disagree 6 18.75 9 28.13 9 28.13 8 25.00 32 100.00
Strongly Disagree 10 45.45 8 36.36 1 4.55 3 13.64 22 100.00
1 12.50 2 25.00 2 25.00 3 37.5 8 100.00
I become curious about
using illegal drugs if I see
movies portraying usage of
drugs.
Strongly Agree
Agree 9 27.27 10 30.30 7 21.21 10 30.30 33 100.00
Uncertain 6 21.43 4 14.29 8 28.57 2 7.14 28 100.00
Disagree 4 23.53 5 29.41 6 35.29 5 29.41 17 100.00
Strongly Disagree 5 27.78 5 27.78 3 16.67 1 5.56 18 100.00
1 25.00 1 25.00 1 25.00 0 0.00 4 100.00

I always consider age

appropriateness whenever I
watch movies.
Strongly Agree
Agree 9 29.00 1 3.20 11 35.50 10 32.30 31 100.00
Uncertain 9 22.50 18 45.00 6 15.00 7 17.50 40 100.00
Disagree 4 20.00 4 20.00 5 25.00 7 35.00 20 100.00
Strongly Disagree 1 16.70 2 33.30 3 50.00 0 0.00 6 100.00
2 66.70 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 33.33 3 100.00

Also, when taken collectively, most of the respondents strongly agree or agree that they
feel more aggressive when they see violent behavior in movies. In the same line that they also
strongly agree or agree in becoming curios about using illegal drugs whenever they see portrayal
of using the substance in the movie.
These results support Anderson, et.al (2003) that media violence increases the likelihood
of aggressive and violent behavior. Herman & Leyens (1977) as cited by Ingold (1999) shared in
the “Television Audiences Response to ‘Mature Subject Matter’ Advisories” that there is an
increase interest in viewing movies due to movie guide announcements indicating sex.
Furthermore, Bandura (1986) asserted in Social Learning Theory that children learn by modeling
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 what they see which indicates that whatever is shown in movies is more likely to be adapted by
the audiences.
However, these respondents are mostly agreeable that they will always consider age
appropriateness whenever they watch movies. This shows their sensitivity to the classification
scheme of the MTRCB which is by age bracket. This is consistent to the results as indicated in
Table 5 that they have high knowledge level in this area.
It is given emphasis that there should be a great restriction of audiences in watching
movie with classification that is not suitable for their age. This could be materialized through
strong parental monitoring and public awareness on the appropriate classification on certain
ages.
A Kruskal-Wallis H test, a rank-based nonparametric test that can be used to determine if
there are statistically significant differences between two or more groups, was employed to
determine if the respondents’ knowledge level on MTRCB classification is different if based on
their sociodemographic characteristics.

Table 8. Kruskal-Wallis H Test on the respondents’ knowledge level on MTRCB classification

according to their sociodemographic characteristics
Asymp.
n Mean Rank Chi-Square df
Sig.
Gender
Male 34.00 43.88 2.70 1.00 0.10
Female 66.00 53.91

Age
16-17 41.00 56.02 7.99 2.00 0.01**
18-19 45.00 51.56
20-22 14.00 30.93

Daily Allowance
₱50.00 and below 43.00 52.29 .37 2.00 0.83
₱51.00-₱99.00 32. 00 50.08
₱100.00 and above 25.00 47.96

College
CAS 25.00 45.34 1.71 3.00 0.63
CEA 25.00 52.96
CIIT 25.00 48.62
CPSEM 25.00 55.08
*Significant at 0.05 alpha level
**Significant at 0.01 alpha level

Table 8 presents that statistically there is no significant difference in the respondents’

knowledge level in MTRCB classification among gender (χ2(2)=2.70, p=0.10), daily allowance
(χ2(2)=0.37, p=0.83) and in the colleges that they are in (χ2(2)=1.71, p=0.63). Thus, their
knowledge level is not affected on the aforementioned sociodemographic factors.
However, only on age that statistically there is significant difference in the respondents’
knowledge level in classifying movies (χ2(2)=7.99, p=0.01). Age is a factor in being
knowledgeable or not about the MTRCB classification because it denotes the maturity level of
the respondents. Surprisingly, the mean ranking of the age brackets reveals differently. Ages 16-

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17 has higher rank among the three age brackets which could mean that it is them who has the
highest knowledge level.
This does not accord to Salthouse (2003) in Interrelations of Aging, Knowledge, and
Cognitive Performance wherein it was corroborated that people tend to migrate into higher
knowledge groups with increasing age. Such that it is assumed that the older the person gets, the
more knowledgeable he/she becomes.
However, the study of Rideout et.al (2010) affirmed that the amount of media young
people consume in a typical day varies substantially by age. The results of their study present
that the younger the person is, the more he/she consumes the media. This suggests that since
young people are the ones who are more immersed in a media environment, they became more
media literate in terms of classifying movies that is why the results of this study states that the
age bracket 16-17 has the highest knowledge level.

V. Conclusions and Recommendations

Knowledge on movie classification is essential especially to the moviegoers for it

enables them to create better decision in choosing what kind of movie they should watch.
However, the results of this study revealed that majority of the respondents only have a
moderate to very low knowledge level in determining the right and accurate MTRCB
classification on the given top grossing 2015 Filipino films.
It was also discovered that the respondents do not have enough exposure concerning
media literacy and they are not always immersed into seeing movie classifications because
they often use smartphones in watching movies rather than on cinemas. In cinemas, it is
mandatory to flash the MTRCB rating in the movie posters and films per se. Furthermore, a
lot of them watches movie with PG classification, but a considerable number admi tted in
watching Rated X movies. What is distressing is that these movies are influential to them in
terms of violence, sex and drugs.
Thus, media education that deals with understanding in movie classification might be
included in the students’ program starting in basic education level up until college. With
that kind of approach, as early as possible, students could get the idea of why there are
restrictions regarding the viewer’s age on some movies and what corresponding meaning
lies between the symbols that MTRCB has given. A study can be extended to exploring
indie films and rated X movies to fully cover the extent of knowledge level of the students.
Additionally, a more prominent advertisement regarding MTRCB classification in all media
is proposed for it allows the viewers to be more familiar with the different movie
classifications.

VI. Bibliography/References

Books:

Cultivation theory. (2009, July). Retrieved February 15, 2016 from https://goo.gl/Mp9LRV

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LaBrecque, K. (2008). Persuasion by Design: World War I, the Committee on Public
Information, and the Effectiveness of Good Poster Design. ProQuest. Retrieved March
10,2016 from https://goo.gl/ciqQt0

Lowe, J. (2010). Magic Bullet or Hypodermic Needle Theory of Communication. Retrieved

February 15, 2016 https://goo.gl/PYiDLO

Encyclopedia:

Atkin, A. (2006). "Peirce's Theory of Signs", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer
2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), Retrieved February 09, 2016 from
https://goo.gl/EwuGM9

The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Semiotics. Retrieved February 11, 2016, from
https://goo.gl/Yx46lR

Internet:

Annual Movie Chart - 2015. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2016, from https://goo.gl/HSJgLv

Azcentral. (n.d.) Retrieved September 01,2016from https://goo.gl/aCKCvl

IndieWire. (n.d.) Retrieved September 03,2016 from https://goo.gl/HFGTd7

MTRCB Ratings. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from https://goo.gl/0Kg6O8

Periodicals:

Anderson, C. A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L. R., Johnson, J. D., Linz, D.
&Wartella E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological science in
the public interest, 4(3), 81-110.Retrieved February 01, 2016 from https://goo.gl/LCmSk6

Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2002). The effects of media violence on society. Science,
295(5564), 2377-2379. Retrieved January 29, 2016 from https://goo.gl/USTGw8

Castro, D., Bennett, R., & Andes, S. (2009). Steal these policies: strategies for reducing digital
piracy. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Retrieved September 03,
2016 from https://goo.gl/WeRtQh

Gong, J. J., Van der Stede, W. A., & Young, S. M. (2011). Real options in the motion picture
industry: evidence from film marketing and sequels. Contemporary Accounting
Research, 28(5), 1438-1466.Retrieved September 03,2016 from https://goo.gl/56iuur

Huesmann, L. R., & Miller, L. S. (1994). Long-term effects of repeated exposure to media
violence in childhood. In Aggressive behavior (pp. 153-186). Springer US. Retrieved
February 03,2016 from https://goo.gl/K5VJBt

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Ingold, C. H. (1999). Television Audience's Response To'mature Subject
Matter'advisories. Psychological reports, 85(1), 243-245. Retrieved February 01, 2016
from https://goo.gl/DKRUR3

Jackson, C., Brown, J. D., & L’Engle, K. L. (2007). R-rated movies, bedroom televisions, and
initiation of smoking by white and black adolescents. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent
medicine, 161(3), 260-268.Retrieved February 10, 2016 from https://goo.gl/W3Akhi

Jordan, A. B., Hersey, J. C., McDivitt, J. A., &Heitzler, C. D. (2006). Reducing children's
television-viewing time: a qualitative study of parents and their children. Pediatrics,
118(5), e1303-e1310.Retrieved March 28, 2016, from https://goo.gl/XvsHNq

Rideout, V. J., Foehr, U. G., & Roberts, D. F. (2010). Generation M [superscript 2]: Media in the
Lives of 8-to 18-Year-Olds. Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved October 06,
2016 from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED527859.pdf.

Roe, K. (2000). Adolescents’ media use: A European view. Journal of Adolescent Health, 27(2),
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Salthouse, T. A. (2003). Interrelations of aging, knowledge, and cognitive performance.

In Understanding human development (pp. 265-287). Springer US. Retrieved September
03,2016 from https://goo.gl/awYiA6

VI. Acknowledgments

We, the researchers, would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the participation and
support given by our college Dean, Prof. Vima Socorro J. Tandog and our beloved chair Ms.
Angeli Pizarro-Monsanto. We would also like to express that we value and appreciate the
suggestions given to us by our panel list to improve our study: Dr. Maria Angeles Dano-
Hinosolango and Angeli Pizarro-Monsanto. This study would not be possible without the
guidance, advice, suggestions and commentaries by our research adviser and as well as our
statistician Dr. Ray Butch D. Mahinay. We would like to thank him for partaking his knowledge
and his valuable time to us. Thank you to our families who never failed to support us financially
and emotionally, to all teachers, friends and especially to students who participated, for us to
accomplish this study.

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