College of Home Economics

Theses and dissertations submitted to the College of Home Economics

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This study aims to determine the factors influencing the high number of Airbnb listings in Quezon City, Philippines, despite its reputation as a less popular tourist destination compared to Manila and Cebu. Based on the principles of Urban Economics Theory and the Law of Supply and Demand, the research examined the motivations of both Airbnb guests and hosts in choosing Quezon City as a location for listing and booking of Airbnb units. A descriptive research design was employed where data from 140 participants was collected through Google Forms, an online survey application. The survey was distributed to existing targeted Facebook groups made for Airbnb guests and hosts. These include 86 Airbnb guests and 54 Airbnb hosts. To analyze the data, correlation analyses were conducted to identify the relationship between demographic characteristics, such as age, income, and hosting experience, and the factors, such accessibility to transportation, proximity to shopping malls, nearby business districts, price, policies, and permits and certifications, influencing guest preferences and host motivations. Key findings indicate that guests prioritize accessibility to public transportation (RII = 0.849), proximity to shopping centers (RII = 0.847), and transparent pricing (RII = 0.923). Meanwhile, Airbnb hosts emphasize Quezon City’s high demand for Airbnb units and the potential for higher pricing (RII = 0.822) as primary motivations for listing properties. Location was identified as the most significant factor influencing both guest and host decisions, while cleanliness, safety compliance, and affordability were also critical for guests. In addition, correlation analyses revealed no significant relationships between demographics (e.g., age, income, hosting experience) and the factors such as pricing, policies, and permits and certifications. This suggests that these considerations are generally taken into account, even with different demographic profiles. In conclusion, this exploratory study provides valuable insights for Airbnb hosts, policymakers, and tourism authorities to enhance market competitiveness and address challenges in Quezon City’s short-term rental sector. By understanding these factors, stakeholders can better align strategies to attract both guests and hosts to further enhance the city’s hospitality industry.



Cultural appropriation has been a topic of great debate in recent years as the term enters into the lexicon of many. The increasing presence of indigenous textile and design incorporated into commercial fashion products has aroused uncertainty among members of the majority culture in the Philippines in light of cases of cultural appropriation found in popular culture. Limited research has been done on cultural appropriation in the Philippine local context and more so, on the recontextualization of T’boli textile and design in commercial fashion products. Hence, this paper seeks to propose a research with the general objective of developing a concept of cultural appropriation for T’boli textile and design. To do so, the paper proposes a participatory research approach. The presentation of findings related to the cultural appropriation of T’boli cultural textile and design to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is the first step followed by further consultations and involvement of research partners from the community. Researchers of the study will employ indigenous research methods of pakapa-kapa and pagtatanong-tanong to develop a research methodology and instrumentation for ginabayang-talakayan with community stakeholders. In light of restrictions in conducting field research and in consideration of high ethical standards for research surrounding indigenous peoples, this paper is limited to a participatory research approach to allow for further development.



Breastfeeding imposes unique demands on a mother's daily routine, physical body, and social behavior, making clothing a key factor in supporting comfort, confidence, and mobility. Globally, breastfeeding-friendly systems and environments are already gaining traction, but clothing remains a neglected aspect in maternal care. In the Philippines, cultural expectations around modesty and limited access to affordable nursing wear intensify mothers' challenges. With this trend, clothing is becoming a functional concern as well as a social and emotional one. Using a qualitative research design, this study explored the clothing needs of Filipino mothers across five key areas: daily activities, clothing-related challenges, functional and aesthetic preferences, decision-making factors, and perceptions of cost and accessibility as influenced by their postpartum and breastfeeding experiences. In-depth interviews with fifteen (15) participants revealed that breastfeeding shaped mothers' daily activities centered around their baby's feeding and sleeping patterns, requiring clothing that supports multitasking, quick feeding access, and modesty in public. Clothing needs and preferences also leaned toward soft fabrics, discreet openings, and layered designs that promote comfort, ease, and mobility. Participants' dissatisfaction with their appearance stemming from weight gain and unwanted body changes often led them to avoid wearing ill-fitting, revealing, or tight-fitting clothes they used to wear before pregnancy. In contrast, functional and flattering garments helped improve their confidence and encouraged greater social engagement. However, these types of clothing are relatively inaccessible due to limited local availability, poor size diversity, and outdated designs. These findings emphasize the importance of inclusive clothing design that supports breastfeeding mothers physically, socially, and emotionally.