I
was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the 30 Emerging Youth Leaders for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Program and we had our first training last weekend at the Asian Institute
of Management. See? Talking about vaginas for almost three years has its perks.
This wonderful opportunity is possible because the Alliance of Young Health
Advocates, in partnership with the NGO I work for, the Foundation for
Adolescent Development, the International Youth Council, AIM-Dr. Stephen
Zuellig Center for Asian Business Transformation, and the United Nations MDG
Achievement Fund. The two-day training was like safe, satisfying sex – it left
me spent, but it made me very, very happy – so I decided to write something
about it. Instead of being overly-cerebral, though, I thought I’d write about
something nice and fluffy about the first 2-day training.
Six Sexy Sexual
Fantasies
I’m
having a bad case of memory lose: I remember the fantasies, but I kind of
forget some of the people. Hit me with a message/comment if you want your
imaginative love-making scenarios published with names.
 |
| "What's your sexual fantasy?" |
1.
Sex
on a public place – any public place.
2.
Sex
in the law library (probably while reciting the Local Government Code in
between moans?)
3.
Bondage
and pain. That’s right. We have a sadist in the group.
4.
Making
out on a huge canvas, covered with oil paint. Then I get to sell the painting.
5.
Making
love under the stars. Someone, at this point, suggested a planetarium.
Personally, I prefer the actual night sky.
6.
Contrary
to popular belief, tentacle porn isn’t my sexual fantasy. It’s actually sex
with a teacher in a classroom, on the desk. Or on the beach somewhere in Maldives,
on a bed by the sea.
Six Sexy Young
Leaders I Got to Meet
Honestly,
this section is difficult to write, because all 30 leaders are awesome, and I
happen to really like all of them. Of course, there are my “bhebhes” and
long-time advocacy colleagues and friends (Rouella, if you’re reading this,
you’ve officially earned a “bhe” pet name already, deal with it) There is also my "pare",
Alvin Bernardo, who I trusted enough to not freak out when I started talking
about tentacle porn (see above, ladies and gentlemen). Special mention to Aika
Jennica, just because of that huge and fab ring she was wearing the first day.
To
make things easier, I’m just going to limit it to those I’ve met for the first
time.
1.
Zach Hontiveros Pagkalinawan. Long story short: If I had a
kid brother, I’d like him to be as insane, as curious, and as cool as Zach. I
am adopting this guy.
2.
John Carlo de Galicia. This guy is my total opposite.
I am clumsy, loud, damn off my rocker, and just about as eloquent as a Kit
Tatad explaining his opposition to the RH Law while Dr. Espi Cabral pick on his
poor, poor bones. JC is smart, well-dressed, professional, and every bit
convincing when he starts talking about the things that can make this world a
better place. If ever there was someone who can make you believe in unicorns
and rainbows again, it’s this guy. Ikaw
na talaga. Leaders, I move to elect Mr. de Galicia as
the official Sir Chief of the Emerging Youth Leaders Batch 1. (Someone second
the motion).
3.
Pat Bringas. Pat Bringas. Here’s a picture. Do I still need to explain? I’m so
lesbian right now.
4.
Kei Garcia. After listening to Atty.
Noche during the Reproductive Health Law Oral Arguments at the Supreme Court
(and having to deal with some people who think they are smart because they are
lawyers/taking up law), Kei gave me back my respect for those who defend justice.
Cue heroic music.
5. Maane Cauton. She’s innocent enough for me to corrupt. I mean, she Googled tentacle porn!
6. Jessie de Lara. Technically, his is cheating, because I’ve met him before the training, but what can I say? There’s something cool about a guy who teases you about your aircon-less office three seconds after exchanging names.
Six Sexy,
Inspiring, Patama sa Puso Quotes
1. "Pinagmamalaki
na natin ang kahirapan sa national television." - Prof. Melania Flores,
while talking about engaging the community in advocacy. This inspiring little
line makes me want to write an inspiring little piece about poverty,
telenovelas, and what I think equity is. I want her as my teacher. Where do I
sign up?
2.
“Pleasure
is part of development.” – Joey dela Cruz, on his talk regarding sexuality.
3.
“Do
not engage wild animals; they will kill you.”
- Alvin Dakis, Foundation for Adolescent Development Executive Director,
on debating hardcore, close-minded anti-RH advocates.
4.
“What’s
not?” – Pat Bringas, EYLSRHR, when asked about the sexiest part of her body.
This lady deserves to be verbed. If your level of confidence is that high, we
can say, “Puma-Pat Bringas ka ha!”
5.
“Social
Media is marketing, and marketing is perspective. Therefore, social media is
perspective.” – Grace Bondad-Nicholas, on the power of advocacy through the
internet. Trivia: Ms. Grace, together with Sir Alvin, who dragged me to the
insanely satisfying world of being an online activist.
6.
“The
future is too precious to be left in the hands of 300.” – Mong Palatino, former
Kabataan Partylist representative in the 14th Congress, in his talk
regarding lobbying in the upper and lower house. Thank you, sir.
Six Sexy Intellectual-Masturbation
Concepts, Realizations, and Ideologies I Picked Up
1. “The period of research and policy analysis is quiet.” – MK De Guzman, during her talk about policy and lobbying. This is very true. My job right now is proof – I do more reading and studying than actual talking. In advocacy, a statement or a stand made is insignificant (and just plain stupid) if done without research. Which is why number 2 is important.
1. “The period of research and policy analysis is quiet.” – MK De Guzman, during her talk about policy and lobbying. This is very true. My job right now is proof – I do more reading and studying than actual talking. In advocacy, a statement or a stand made is insignificant (and just plain stupid) if done without research. Which is why number 2 is important.
2.
Know
everything about what you’re advocating for. Research. Read. Tattoo the
National Health and Demographic Survey 2008 all over your torso… Ok, maybe not
that drastic, but you get the point.
3.
Be
very, very careful about how you
speak when in front of 30 young, energetic, intelligent advocates. Anything
resembling sexism, and you’re in for some very heated exchange of words.
 |
| My fellow EYLs were all bibo-kids during discussions and presentations. Debate at your own risk |
4.
Commissioner
Perci has encyclopedic knowledge of teen pregnancy and the the Miss Universe Pageant.
He also argued that 15 years old is too late to educate children about sex, but
that in talking about these things, age AND maturity of the child must be
considered.
5.
“Fanaticism
is the cause of backwardness,” says Prof. Melania Flores. I knew this already
from all my observation and research on the fundamentalist Catholic Church, which
insists that they have a say as to what a woman does with her body. The fact
that the concept keeps cropping up is indicative of its prevalence and truth.
6. Young SRHR advocates are cool and hot at the same time.
Proof:
 |
| "Uy, picture! Say 'sex!'" |
More proof:
There you go: my report on the Emerging Youth Leaders training and a fulfillment of my “Anything you say can and will be used against you in my blog” statement.
 |
| Photo by Alvin Bernardo |
There you go: my report on the Emerging Youth Leaders training and a fulfillment of my “Anything you say can and will be used against you in my blog” statement.
‘Til
next time, EYLs!
