The Kambilng a Taw: The Acceptance of Meranaw Vlogging

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of Meranaw vloggers in preserving kambilang a taw, a cultural and ethical framework encompassing dignity, honor, modesty, privacy, respect, and religious propriety within the virtual environment. Guided by a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research examines how Meranaw vloggers negotiate cultural identity through contemporary social media practices. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with ten Meranaw vloggers residing in Lanao del Sur and supported by a systematic content analysis of vlog outputs. The study demonstrates that vlogging functions not merely as entertainment or self-branding but as a space for ethical self-regulation and cultural affirmation. Findings reveal that vloggers consciously internalize kambilang a taw as a guiding principle in content creation, audience engagement, and self-presentation. Participants employed selective self-disclosure, adaptive trend modification, and culturally grounded decision-making to balance digital influence with cultural integrity. These findings highlight the capacity of digital platforms to support cultural continuity rather than cultural erosion among linguistic communities.