The Philippine Sexual Wellness Summit (PSWS), branded as “Becoming”, is in its second year on 14 September 2025. Another successful summit from top sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz and her Unprude team. It was held at the Podium Hall in Ortigas, Pasig City. Attendance more than doubled from 200 in the previous year to over 500 attendees. This growth signifies the increasing importance of open discussions surrounding sexual wellness in the Philippines.
What sets PSWS or Becoming apart is its inclusivity. This year, the summit welcomed families with their young children. A dedicated Kids Zone provided a safe and secure environment for children. The Teen Zone offered a safe space for teenagers, encouraging open and honest conversations.
Recognizing the need for early education, “Becoming” featured dedicated areas. The Kids Zone, with Bebu and The Raya School, provided storytelling, games, and activities. These focused on consent and body awareness. The Teens Zone, with Roots of Health and Sinaya Cup, hosted sessions. Topics included relationships, menstruation, identity, and respectful communication.
The summit addressed becoming:
- Curious as children.
- Confident as teens.
- Compassionate as adults.
- A community committed to a healthier sexual culture.
The core of Becoming was its commitment to education and awareness. The event featured five workshops designed for adults. These workshops aimed to foster self-awareness. They were also designed to unpack their roles in the Philippines’ evolving sex culture.
Half of the event centered on comprehensive sex education. The audience was treated to five engaging panel discussions. Attendees also heard keynote talks from leading experts. Discussions spanned various topics. These ranged from children’s education to community involvement, and even ageless sexuality.
Interspersed throughout the day were musical performances and entertainment. These elements enhanced the experience and fostered connection. The summit created a community. It was a force for good to build a positive sex culture in the Philippines.
Building upon the success of last year’s “Unbecoming” summit, Unprude continues its mission. They aim to provide accessible, evidence-based sexual wellness information, free from shame. “Becoming” invites participants to explore their identities. It also encourages growth in a respectful environment.
“Last year, we dared to Unbecome—to break the silence and confront shame. This year, we are Becoming—shaping a future where curiosity is encouraged, respect is practiced, and compassion is lived,” said Dr. Rica Cruz, Founder of Unprude.
The event featured a full-day program for all ages. The morning commenced with five concurrent workshops:
- Becoming: A New Voice: A healing space for survivors of sexual assault.
- Sacred Somatics with Jellytime: Focused on body awareness and connection.
- Becoming Respectful: A teen workshop on setting boundaries.
- Becoming Authentic: On rewriting personal stories of sexual shame.
- Becoming Open: A real talk guide to consensual non-monogamy.
The afternoon shifted to plenary sessions. Senator Risa Hontiveros delivered a Welcome Address. Ana Santos of Rappler gave a keynote speech. The topic was titled,” Risky. Unprotected. Uninformed.”
The summit featured these panel discussions, addressing urgent topics:
- Panel 1: Open Door Policy — How to raise kids who can talk about anything.
- Panel 2: It Takes a Village — The role of community in sex education.
- Panel 3: The World Needs (More) Good Men — Building healthy masculinity.
- Spotlight Talk: HPV awareness and cancer prevention, facilitated by Kindred.
- Panel 4: Breaking the Silence — A deep dive into men’s sexual health.
- Panel 5: Any Age, Every Stage — Celebrating sexuality across the lifespan.
“This summit is more than an event—it’s a movement,” said Jess de Mesa, Founder of Kindred. “It empowers families to raise the next generation with openness, dignity, and informed support.”
Becoming: The Philippine Sexual Wellness Summit 2025 was organized by Unprude. Ideascape MNL provided event production support. The summit was held in collaboration with Kindred, Jellytime, and Soulful Feasts. Sponsors included LayBare Plus, Trust, GoRocky, and Hara Clinic. Media partners included Manila Bulletin, Smart Parenting, and WhenInManila.
“This is a strong step. It aims to make sexual wellness education stigma-free. The education will be evidence-based and widely accessible,” said Gil Cadiz, Marketing Director of DKT Health.
The event concluded with Closing Remarks by Dr. Rica Cruz. A Body Positivity Performance and Networking Reception followed. It showcased art, music, and community.
The success of “Becoming” reflects the growing demand for open and honest conversations. The conversations covered sex, relationships, and well-being in the Philippines. By welcoming families and providing age-appropriate resources, the summit is paving the way. It paves the way towards a more sexually healthy and informed nation.
