5 Comments
User's avatar
Marjorie's avatar

I remember buying (or asking a cousin to buy) sanitary pads for me at the grocery store when I was a kid, and being so amused that they'd be all wrapped up in newspaper and stuffed in a grocery bag like contraband. I recently went back to Manila on business and could NOT find tampons. I asked and no one seemed to know where to find them. Just asking the question invited embarrassed looks. Finally found a small stack way up on the top shelf at the pharmacy, in the very back of the shop. By that point I didn't need them but I bought one anyway, marching up to the clerk in all confidence, doing my own small part to normalize it.

Expand full comment
Kristina Rodulfo's avatar

Wow thanks for sharing this – and so glad you did your part!! Just goes to show how shame around sex infiltrates even the most basic understanding of reproductive health. Like, WHY are tampons taboo?? I remember being told when I was just 12 or so that wearing a tampon would "take" your virginity (seriously, WTF?) It's a deeply flawed way of thinking that goes back to purity culture and the way it can shield young women from even understanding their own biology.

Expand full comment
iris 🌹's avatar

what conservative people also fail to realize is that prohibiting sex education in the philippines further promotes r*pe culture. by teaching women that it is OUR job to stop men from pursuing us sexually, it becomes out fault if we fail. it's heartbreaking and incredibly frustrating. thank you so much for writing this. the more people speak out about the flaws in our beautiful culture, the better things will become. all in due time.

Expand full comment
Kristina Rodulfo's avatar

Such an important point! The responsibility shouldn’t fall on US. I hope more convos like this will shift attitudes!

Expand full comment
Marjorie's avatar

Yes yes!!! Tampons and cycling!! I'm kind of a rebel at heart so of COURSE I taught myself to ride a bike and carted my pinsans around the village in the rickety bike my uncle owned lol.

Expand full comment