The Documentary Podcast The divine gift of sex
Dec 12, 2025
Dr. Rica Cruz, a psychologist and Catholic sex therapist from the Philippines, is on a passionate quest to destigmatize sex. She shares her journey from a strict Catholic upbringing to advocating for better sex education, encouraging the idea that sex is a divine gift intertwined with faith. Rica discusses the cultural shame surrounding sex in Filipino society, the impact of censorship on her work, and the importance of open conversations. She believes that education is crucial for protecting young people, especially amidst rising HIV rates.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Shame (Hiyap) Silences Sex Conversations
- Rica identifies 'hiyap' or shame as a cultural force that silences conversations about sex in the Philippines.
- She links that silence to widespread ignorance about sexual boundaries and abuse recovery.
Childhood Trauma That Shaped Her Path
- Rica Cruz recounts being molested as a child and carrying that pain in silence due to cultural shame.
- She says that silence shaped her relationships and later motivated her to become a sex therapist to heal herself and others.
From Clinic To Radio By Chance
- Rica describes how a chance meeting led her to radio and regular slots discussing sex on Boys Night Out.
- Tony Bueno explains he invited her to add credible, scientific-based sex education to the show's audience.