September 17, 2024 | 12:00am
Ah, sex! This three-letter word is something everyone is curious about and can derive pleasure from, yet it’s seldom discussed in relationships and society as a whole.
In a bid to ignite a new era of sexual health awareness and wellness, Unprude, a comprehensive sexual wellness ecosystem offering expert guidance through both the Unprude app and a range of intimate wellness products, organized “Unbecoming Summit,” the country’s first-ever summit focused on sexual health, establishing a platform for future discussions aimed at promoting sexual wellness in the country.
Held recently at Rockwell Club in Makati City, the whole-day event is a powerful reminder that people are calling for cultural change.
“When we come together to break the silence surrounding sex, we not only help others embrace their sexual selves, but we also pave the way for a more understanding and respectful society,” said US-based certified clinical sexologist and Unprude founder and CEO Dr. Rica Cruz.
Workshop 2 panelists Jess de Mesa, Ava Daza Zanirato, Kiya Braun with DJ Tony Toni
Workshops that inspire action
“Unbecoming” offered two workshops, equipping attendees with practical tools to enhance their understanding of sexual wellness.
Facilitated by Dr. Cruz and her daughter Caia Miella, the “From Taboo to Talk: Empowering Parents as Sex Education Advocates” workshop provided parents with the knowledge and strategies to confidently discuss sex education with their children.
The engaging talk fostered a deeper understanding of how to create a relationship with their children anchored on trust and mutual respect.
Guided by Reiki practitioner and Soulful Feasts founder Stephanie Zubiri, the second workshop, “Soulful Sensuality and Sacral Awakening,” explored the connection between body and spirit, gaining more self-love through mindful awareness of their experiences.
At the Soulful Feasts booth, Stephanie offered card readings and distributed rose quartz love candles to attendees.
POWERFUL KEYNOTES
The keynote speeches delivered by Kindred chief medical officer Dr. Judith Perez-Peralta, love coach and Project Loving Myself podcast host Sanaiyah Gurnamal, Drag Den’s Mrs. Tan, and international public speaker, TV personality, host and staunch advocate against sexual violence Kat Alano offered different perspectives on improving sexual wellness in the country.
Alano’s keynote, “Sex in Filipino Culture: The Conversation We’ve Never Had,” deeply moved the audience. In her eye-opening talk, Alano highlighted cultural taboos around sex in the country, spoke against sexual violence, and called for a shift in societal attitudes.
“Let’s talk about sex, because not only do we deserve to know about bodily autonomy, STDs, pregnancy, contraceptives and sexual health,” she stressed, “we also deserve to be protected from those who would abuse sex for their gain.”
Dr. Peralta, on the other hand, walked participants through women’s sexual development — from puberty to the menopausal stage. She offered insights on how sexual wellness needs change throughout one’s life and how to address them with confidence.
In “Hidden Love Patterns: Unmasking the Invisible Forces Shaping Your Love Life,” love coach Gurnamal guided attendees on recognizing and breaking unhealthy relationship patterns “to create healthier connections.”
Her speech was followed by a thought-provoking discussion on SOGIE by Drag Den’s Mrs. Tan, who encouraged the audience to explore the nuances of respecting people’s authenticity in their infinite iterations.
Insightful panels that shape the conversation
Panels, such as “Rising Above: From Narratives of Abuse to Stories of Empowerment” featuring Kat Alano, Isabela Aguirre, and Atty. Alex Castro; and “The Bottom Line of Sex: Business of the Sexual Wellness Market” with Jess de Mesa, Ava Daza Zanirato and Kiya Braun, sparked critical conversations, bringing together industry experts, survivors and advocates to share insights and strategies for change.
“I’ve been talking about sex for over 20 years, and I can’t believe this is the first sexual wellness summit in the Philippines,” said DJ Tony Toni, who moderated the panel. “This is also the first sex-related event where women outnumber the men.”
To cap off the event, the summit featured an electrifying drag performance by Brigiding, one of the most beloved queens from Drag Race Philippines Season 1.
Brigiding’s powerful performance celebrated sexual confidence and self-expression, embodying the spirit of Unbecoming Summit.
“Unbecoming” has set a powerful precedent for future conversations on sexual wellness in the Philippines. With its sold-out success, it is poised to become an annual cornerstone event that advances sexual awareness and education all over the world.
* * *
“Unbecoming Summit,” the brainchild of Unprude, was co-presented by Kindred, Jellytime, and Soulful Feasts.
For information, visit www.unprude.com and @unprude on social media.
Be the first to comment