Rica Cruz

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Dr. Rica Cruz.png

Rica Cruz is a figure in sexual well-being and education, recognized as the first Filipino Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Sexology.[ citation needed ] [1] She is also the first from Asia to serve as a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Sex Research, playing a critical role in advancing scientific discourse on human sexuality and the field of sexology.

Contents

As the founder and CEO of Unprude, Asia’s first sex therapy app, Dr. Cruz is committed to making expert-driven sexual wellness products, support, and education more accessible. Her work bridges the gap between scientific research, clinical practice, and public education, ensuring that individuals and couples can navigate their sexual well-being free from stigma and misinformation.[ citation needed ]

Education

Cruz graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree of Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology in 2015 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Psychology in 2020. [2] She had her specialized training in sex therapy in 2015 at the University of Guelph in Canada. [3] She also acquired certifications in sex and relationship therapy from the Cambridge Health Alliance of Harvard Medical School and Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS). [4]

Career

Cruz' psychotherapy practice started in 2015 at the Ateneo Bulatao Center [5] and later established her own private practice to cater to individuals and couples experiencing relationship issues and sex-related concerns. In addition, she served as a lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Psychology from 2015 to 2020. [3]

She is a co-host of the talk show Feelings on One PH, a Filipino teleradio news channel by Cignal TV. [6] She also hosts her own show, Love and Sex with Doc Rica, on the FYE Channel of Kumu where she discusses relevant topics about relationships, intimacy, and sexual health. [7]

Cruz launched her own podcast, Conservative Ako, which talks about female sexuality with a scientific and academic lens, in 2019 through Pumapodcast. She also co-hosts The Sexy Minds podcast with Boys’ Night Out’s Tony Toni, where they talk about Filipino sexual experiences and behaviors. [8] [6] [9]

Aside from hosting, Cruz also has a column called "The Sexy Mind Answers" in Tempo News Philippines where she answers readers' frequently asked questions about love, relationships, and sex. Cruz also writes articles for Smart Parenting magazine's "Love and Relationships" column. She also contributes to lifestyle media website Metro.Style by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. and ABS-CBN Corporation.

Cruz is also the CEO of Unprude, a sexual wellness brand. [10]

Beginning in 2023, Cruz expanded her work in digital sexual wellness through Unprude, which several publications recognized as Asia’s first sex education and sexual wellness app. The platform offers free sex education modules, conversation cards, and self‑care tools, and has been highlighted for providing a safe space for women, conservative communities, and religious users seeking evidence‑based information on sexual health. [11] [12] [13]

In 2024, Cruz and her company Unprude participated in She Loves Tech 2024, the world’s largest startup competition for women and technology. Unprude was named the Philippine Champion, representing the country in the global competition after winning the national finals hosted by SM Supermalls. The startup later advanced to the Southeast Asia regional round, where it placed third overall, marking a milestone for a Filipino sexual wellness technology company. Her involvement in the program also included supporting and mentoring other Filipina-led tech startups through SM Supermalls’ women‑in‑tech initiatives. [14] [15] [16] [17]

Advocacies

Cruz advocates for sex education for Filipinos [18] and has participated in campaigns for HIV awareness [19] [20] [21] [22] and family planning. [23] She has also worked with UN Women and other NGOs to address gender-based violence in the country, and to promote gender equality and women's empowerment. She has launched projects on various platforms, [24] including her podcast, column, and retail brand related sexual health and well-being. [25] [10] [26]

In September 2024, Cruz co‑organized and headlined Unbecoming 2024, the Philippines’ first sexual wellness summit. The event convened experts, advocates, and entrepreneurs to discuss sexual health, pleasure, and stigma, and received coverage from national and regional media outlets. [27] [28] [29] [30] Cruz has also emphasized the importance of early sex education, stating that foundational lessons should begin as early as age three to help children develop healthy attitudes toward their bodies and relationships. [31] She has collaborated with Bumble on campaigns encouraging Filipinos to communicate openly about intimacy and relationship needs. [32]


Controversies

In late January 2024, the Philippines' Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) banned her television program, Private Convos with Doc Rica, labeling it as "prurient" due to its explicit discussions on topics such as masturbation, anal sex, and oral sex. The MTRCB's decision came after objections to a scene in a separate TV program involving an LGBTQ couple, reflecting broader societal sensitivities. [33] [34] [35]

The MTRCB upheld its ruling despite appeals, emphasizing that the show's content violated the agency's standards. [36] [37]

The ban was criticized by some publications, with critics arguing that labeling her educational content as "prurient" perpetuates shame and hinders open discussions about sex. She continues to advocate for comprehensive sex education in the Philippines, challenging traditional norms and addressing the stigma surrounding sexual health. [38] [39]

Following the MTRCB ban of Private Convos with Doc Rica, several publications criticized the ruling, arguing that penalizing an educational program reinforced shame around sexual health and limited public access to accurate information. International coverage framed the controversy as part of the broader challenges faced by sex educators in the Philippines. [40] [41]

Academic publications

Cruz has been featured in numerous publications discussing Filipino attitudes toward sex, cultural stigma, and the challenges of advocating for comprehensive sex education. These include Esquire, Philstar, Inquirer Plus, GMA News, Rappler, and Tatler Asia. [46] [47] [48] [49] [50] She also appeared in a 2024 Bloga YouTube interview discussing sexual wellness and Filipino cultural norms. [51]

Awards and recognition

Doc Rica Cruz has received numerous accolades in recognition of her pioneering work in sexuality education, mental health advocacy, and women’s empowerment in the Philippines. Her influence spans clinical psychology, media, education, and tech-enabled wellness.

Cruz was also featured in 2024 and 2025 profiles highlighting her role in modernizing sex education in the Philippines. Tatler Asia described her as a leading figure in making sex education mainstream in a conservative country, while Mega Asia profiled her efforts to normalize sexual wellness conversations for all ages. [54] [55]

References

  1. ↑ Beltran, Sam (February 26, 2024). "Philippines' first sexologist faces uphill task after ban against her 'prurient' TV show". South China Morning Post.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ↑ Santos, Romano (2021-07-07). "How Culture Influences Filipinos' Fantasies, According to a Sex Therapist". VICE. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  3. 1 2 Caña, Paul John (July 19, 2021). "I Met A Sex Therapist In Boracay. Here's What We Talked About". Esquiremag.ph. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  4. ↑ Caña, Paul John (December 1, 2021). "This Filipino Therapist Was Just Recognized by a Global Sex Research Organization". Esquire.
  5. ↑ "Psychologist shares tips for couples struggling with each other amid quarantine". GMA News Online. April 15, 2020. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  6. 1 2 Zubiri, Stephanie. "The Importance of Talking About Women's Sexual Health: Isabelle Daza, Ava Daza, and Dr Rica Cruz Weigh In". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  7. ↑ "Metro's new show to talk about relationships and intimacy" (Press release). ABS-CBN Corporate. October 6, 2021.
  8. ↑ Blanco, Jana (2021-09-09). "Sex therapist Dr. Rica Cruz on motherhood and more | Modern Parenting". modernparenting-onemega.com. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  9. ↑ "The Divine Gift of Sex". BBC Heart and Soul. Retrieved 2025-12-14.
  10. 1 2 Castro, Mia (2022-03-21). "How To Embrace Sexual Wellness Into Your Self-Care Routine". mega-asia.com. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  11. ↑ Esquire, “The First Sex Education App in Asia Is From a Filipino Sex Therapist,” October 12, 2023.
  12. ↑ Spot PH, “This Filipina-Made Sexual Wellness App Is a Safe Space for the Religious and Conservatives,” October 1, 2023.
  13. ↑ Femtech Insider, “Unprude: Asia’s New Sex Therapy App Aims to Challenge Cultural Taboos,” October 17, 2023.
  14. ↑ Philstar, “She Loves Tech 2024: SM Supermalls Empowers Women Entrepreneurs in Technology,” August 21, 2024.
  15. ↑ Manila Bulletin, “SM Supermalls Powers Filipina-Led Tech Startups with She Loves Tech Partnership,” August 8, 2024.
  16. ↑ Philstar, “Filipina-led tech startups shine at She Loves Tech 2024 Philippine finals,” August 8, 2024.
  17. ↑ Speed Magazine, “Filipina-led tech startups shine at She Loves Tech 2024 Philippine finals,” August 8, 2024.
  18. ↑ Baron, Gabriela (2024-11-16). "Expert cites importance of sex education". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  19. ↑ "Healthy lifestyle advocated in Baguio". Herald Express. May 25, 2019. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  20. ↑ Alano, Ching M. "Mission: To curb rising HIV cases among the youth". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  21. ↑ "Durex launches "Always Come Prepared " campaign in Manila". Snaps and Ganaps. October 5, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Urgent: Let's talk about sex". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  23. ↑ Baron, Gabriela (2024-11-16). "1K Filipinas risk lives annually due to post-induced abortion complications — expert". Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  24. ↑ "Doctors offer sex education, health advice on TikTok". GMA News Online. March 2, 2021. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  25. ↑ Buid, George (2022-10-06). "Filipino doctor advocates sex positivity among women with her own sex store". Orato. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  26. ↑ Lariosa, Saab (2024-10-16). "Let's talk about sex: Bumble and Sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz on how to own your intimacy". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  27. ↑ Tatler Asia, “Diving into the Philippines’ First-Ever Sexual Wellness Summit,” September 11, 2024.
  28. ↑ One News, “‘Unbecoming 2024’: PH’s First Sexual Wellness Summit,” September 10, 2024.
  29. ↑ Manila Stories, “Philippines Hosts First Sexual Wellness Summit,” September 8, 2024.
  30. ↑ Opinyon, “Unbecoming Summit’ pioneers talk on sexual health,” September 17, 2024.
  31. ↑ Daily Tribune, “Sex education should start at 3, says expert,” November 17, 2024.
  32. ↑ Rappler, “Let’s Talk About Sex: Bumble and Sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz on How to Own Your Intimacy,” October 16, 2024.
  33. ↑ Nicolas, Jino (2024-01-31). "MTRCB bans Private Convos with Doc Rica". BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  34. ↑ Pasajol, Anne (2024-01-30). "MTRCB bans 'Private Convos with Doc Rica' from airing". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  35. ↑ "Let's talk about sex: Philippine sexologist faces uphill task after TV show ban". South China Morning Post. 2024-02-24. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  36. ↑ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (2024-03-14). "MTRCB denies appeal to reverse ruling on 'Private Convos with Doc Rica'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2025-03-01.
  37. ↑ "MTRCB Denies Appeal on Private Convos' Suspension". pep.ph. March 14, 2024.
  38. ↑ Henares, Tim (2024-02-06). "Why Banning 'Private Convos With Doc Rica' Is A Terrible Idea". 8List.ph. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  39. ↑ "The MTRCB Has Banned the Talk Show of a Licensed Sex Therapist from Airing". Esquiremag.ph. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  40. ↑ South China Morning Post, “Philippines’ first sexologist faces uphill task after ban against her ‘prurient’ TV show,” February 24, 2024.
  41. ↑ 8List, “Why Banning ‘Private Convos With Doc Rica’ Is a Terrible Idea,” February 6, 2024.
  42. ↑ Cruz, Rica Vina; Caringal-Go, Jaimee Felice (2021-06-01). "Filipinos Behind Closed Doors: Nonsexual and Sexual Constructs as Predictors of Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Filipino Individuals" . Sexuality & Culture. 25 (3): 807–834. doi:10.1007/s12119-020-09795-5. ISSN   1936-4822.
  43. ↑ Cruz, Rica Vina (April 1, 2022). "The Role of Sex Guilt as a Mediating Variable in the Association of Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: An Intersectional Approach" . Sexuality & Culture. 26 (2): 616–639. doi:10.1007/s12119-021-09912-y. ISSN   1936-4822.
  44. ↑ Cruz, Rica Vina (2024-04-02). "The wife, the mother, and the slut: sexual pleasure for the Filipino woman a grounded theory approach" . Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 39 (2): 323–358. doi:10.1080/14681994.2022.2031150. ISSN   1468-1994.
  45. ↑ Cruz, Rica Vina; Militante, Kristin (2022-08-01). "To Give or To Receive? Oral Sexual Activities as Predictor of Sexual Satisfaction in Filipino Men and Women" . Sexuality & Culture. 26 (4): 1477–1489. doi:10.1007/s12119-022-09954-w. ISSN   1936-4822.
  46. ↑ Esquire, “Why Don’t Filipinos Talk About Sex?” September 19, 2024.
  47. ↑ Philstar, “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby!” September 17, 2024.
  48. ↑ Inquirer Plus, “Let’s All Talk About Sex,” October 29, 2024.
  49. ↑ GMA News, “4 Tips to Initiate Intimacy in Relationships, According to a Sexologist,” September 4, 2024.
  50. ↑ Rappler, “[DASH of SAS] Rica Cruz: On a Mission to Unprude the Country,” December 10, 2024.
  51. ↑ Bloga, YouTube interview, October 3, 2024.
  52. ↑ Dabao, Celine. "Here are the winners of Front & Female Awards Philippines 2024". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  53. ↑ Mioten, Erika (2024-12-01). "GoTyme Bank, Uno Digital Bank, Packworks bag top honors at KMC Startup Awards 2024". BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved 2025-08-01.
  54. ↑ Tatler Asia, “Unprude and Unapologetic: Dr. Rica Cruz Is Making Sex Education Mainstream in a Conservative Country,” May 5, 2025.
  55. ↑ Mega Asia, “Dr. Rica Cruz Wants to Normalize Sex Education for Everyone,” February 28, 2025.
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