{{Short description|Filipino sex therapist}} '''Rica Vina Cruz''', popularly known as '''Rica Cruz''' or '''Doc Rica''' is a licensed psychologist specializing in sex and relationship therapy in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rica Vina Cruz, RPSy, Ph.D., ACS, ABS |url=https://americanboardofsexology.org/sexologist/rica-vina-cruz/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=American Board of Sexology |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Salen |first=Laurd |date=2025-02-28 |title=Dr. Rica Cruz Wants to Normalize Sex Education for Everyone |url=https://mega-asia.com/magazine/dr-rica-cruz-wants-to-normalize-sex-education-for-everyone/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=mega-asia.com |language=en-US}}</ref> She is the first Filipino Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Sexology.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beltran |first=Sam |date=February 26, 2024 |title=Philippines’ first sexologist faces uphill task after ban against her ‘prurient’ TV show |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3253077/philippines-first-sexologist-faces-uphill-task-after-ban-against-her-prurient-tv-show |url-status=live |work=South China Morning Post}}</ref>
== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santos |first=Romano |date=2021-07-07 |title=How Culture Influences Filipinos' Fantasies, According to a Sex Therapist |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/filipino-kinks-sex-therapist-toys/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=VICE |language=en-US}}</ref> She had her specialized training in sex therapy in 2015 at the University of Guelph in Canada.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Caña |first=Paul John |date=July 19, 2021 |title=I Met A Sex Therapist In Boracay. Here's What We Talked About |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/rica-cruz-sex-therapist-interview-a00289-20210719-lfrm3?s=j5eape1kh5h50tt9rusled7q9c |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Esquiremag.ph}}</ref> 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).<ref name=":3" />
== Career == Cruzb started her psychotherapy practice in 2015 at the Ateneo Bulatao Center<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Psychologist shares tips for couples struggling with each other amid quarantine |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/734123/psychologist-shares-tips-for-couples-struggling-with-each-other-amid-quarantine/story/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> and later established her own private practice to cater to individuals and couples experiencing relationship issues and sex-related concerns. In addition, she was a lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Psychology from 2015 to 2020.<ref name=":4" />
She is a co-host of the talk show ''Feelings'' on One PH, a Filipino teleradio news channel by Cignal TV.<ref name=":2" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=October 6, 2021 |title=Metro's new show to talk about relationships and intimacy |url=https://corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2021/10/6/love-sex-with-doc-rica-new-metro-show-kumu?lang=en |publisher=ABS-CBN Corporate}}</ref>
Cruz launched her own podcast, ''Conservative Ako'', which discusses 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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|title=The Divine Gift of Sex|url=https://www.bbc.com/audio/play/p0mn092n|publisher=BBC Heart and Soul|access-date=2025-12-14}}</ref>
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 for ''Smart Parenting'' magazine's "Love and Relationships" column and 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.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Castro |first=Mia |date=2022-03-21 |title=How To Embrace Sexual Wellness Into Your Self-Care Routine |url=https://mega-asia.com/beauty/how-to-embrace-sexual-wellness-into-your-self-care-routine/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=mega-asia.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2023, Cruz became the first Filipino Consulting Editor for the ''Journal of Sex Research''.<ref name=":0" />
== Advocacies == Cruz advocates for sex education for Filipinos<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baron |first=Gabriela |date=2024-11-16 |title=Expert cites importance of sex education |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/16/expert-cites-importance-of-sex-education |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Daily Tribune |language=en}}</ref> and has participated in campaigns for HIV awareness<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 25, 2019 |title=Healthy lifestyle advocated in Baguio |url=https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/healthy-lifestyle-advocated-in-baguio/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Herald Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alano |first=Ching M. |title=Mission: To curb rising HIV cases among the youth |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/health-and-family/2018/10/02/1856320/mission-curb-rising-hiv-cases-among-youth |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=The Philippine Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2018 |title=Durex launches "Always Come Prepared " campaign in Manila |url=https://www.snapsandganaps.com/2018/10/durex-condom-always-come-prepared-campaign.html |website=Snaps and Ganaps}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Urgent: Let's talk about sex |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/2/urgent-lets-talk-about-sex |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Manila Bulletin |language=en}}</ref> and family planning.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baron |first=Gabriela |date=2024-11-16 |title=1K Filipinas risk lives annually due to post-induced abortion complications — expert |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/16/1k-filipinas-die-yearly-due-to-post-induced-abortion-complications-expert |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Daily Tribune |language=en}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2021 |title=Doctors offer sex education, health advice on TikTok |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/778087/doctors-offer-sex-education-health-advice-on-tiktok/story/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}</ref> including her podcast, column, and retail brand related sexual health and well-being.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buid |first=George |date=2022-10-06 |title=Filipino doctor advocates sex positivity among women with her own sex store |url=https://orato.world/2022/10/06/rica-cruz-unprude-female-sexuality/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Orato |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lariosa |first=Saab |date=2024-10-16 |title=Let's talk about sex: Bumble and Sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz on how to own your intimacy |url=https://www.rappler.com/brandrap/bumble-sex-therapy-app-unpride-partnership/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}}</ref>
== 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicolas |first=Jino |date=2024-01-31 |title=MTRCB bans Private Convos with Doc Rica |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2024/01/31/572448/mtrcb-bans-private-convos-with-doc-rica/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pasajol |first=Anne |date=2024-01-30 |title=MTRCB bans 'Private Convos with Doc Rica' from airing |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/539041/mtrcb-bans-private-convos-with-doc-rica-from-airing |access-date=2025-03-01 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=Let's talk about sex: Philippine sexologist faces uphill task after TV show ban |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3253077/philippines-first-sexologist-faces-uphill-task-after-ban-against-her-prurient-tv-show |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>
The MTRCB upheld its ruling despite appeals, emphasizing that the show's content violated the agency's standards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Evangelista |first=Jessica Ann |date=2024-03-14 |title=MTRCB denies appeal to reverse ruling on 'Private Convos with Doc Rica' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/546600/mtrcb-denies-appeal-to-reverse-ruling-on-private-convos-with-doc-rica |access-date=2025-03-01 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2024 |title=MTRCB Denies Appeal on Private Convos' Suspension |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/179535/mtrcb-private-convos-with-doc-rica-a4118-20240314? |website=pep.ph}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henares |first=Tim |date=2024-02-06 |title=Why Banning 'Private Convos With Doc Rica' Is A Terrible Idea |url=https://8list.ph/private-convos-with-doc-rica/ |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=8List.ph |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The MTRCB Has Banned the Talk Show of a Licensed Sex Therapist from Airing |url=https://id.summitmedia.com.ph?d=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esquiremag.ph%2Fpolitics%2Fnews%2Fthe-mtrcb-has-banned-the-talk-show-of-licensed-sex-therapist-from-airing-a00203-20240131 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=Esquiremag.ph}}</ref>
== Academic publications == * ''Cruz, R. V. & Caringal-Go, J. F. (2021). "Filipinos behind closed doors: Nonsexual and sexual constructs as predictors of sexual and relationship satisfaction in Filipino individuals". Sexuality and Culture. 25, 807–834. DOI:10.1007/s12119-020-09795-5<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cruz |first1=Rica Vina |last2=Caringal-Go |first2=Jaimee Felice |date=2021-06-01 |title=Filipinos Behind Closed Doors: Nonsexual and Sexual Constructs as Predictors of Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Filipino Individuals |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12119-020-09795-5 |journal=Sexuality & Culture |language=en |volume=25 |issue=3 |pages=807–834 |doi=10.1007/s12119-020-09795-5 |issn=1936-4822|url-access=subscription }}</ref>'' * ''Cruz, R. V. (2021), "The role of sex guilt as a mediating variable in the association of relationship and sexual satisfaction: An intersectional approach". DOI:10.1007/s12119-021-09912-y<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cruz |first=Rica Vina |date=April 1, 2022 |title=The Role of Sex Guilt as a Mediating Variable in the Association of Relationship and Sexual Satisfaction: An Intersectional Approach |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12119-021-09912-y |journal=Sexuality & Culture |language=en |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=616–639 |doi=10.1007/s12119-021-09912-y |issn=1936-4822|url-access=subscription }}</ref>'' * ''Cruz, R.V. (2021). "The wife, the mother, and the slut: sexual pleasure for the Filipino woman a grounded theory approach". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2022.2031150<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Cruz |first=Rica Vina |date=2024-04-02 |title=The wife, the mother, and the slut: sexual pleasure for the Filipino woman a grounded theory approach |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14681994.2022.2031150 |journal=Sexual and Relationship Therapy |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=323–358 |doi=10.1080/14681994.2022.2031150 |issn=1468-1994|url-access=subscription }}</ref>'' * ''Cruz, R.V. & Militante, K. (2022). "To give or to receive? Oral sexual activities as predictor of sexual satisfaction in Filipino men and women". Sexuality and Culture. 26, 1477–1489. DOI: 10.1007/s12119-022-09954-w''<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Cruz |first1=Rica Vina |last2=Militante |first2=Kristin |date=2022-08-01 |title=To Give or To Receive? Oral Sexual Activities as Predictor of Sexual Satisfaction in Filipino Men and Women |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12119-022-09954-w |journal=Sexuality & Culture |language=en |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=1477–1489 |doi=10.1007/s12119-022-09954-w |issn=1936-4822|url-access=subscription }}</ref>
== References == <references>
<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Blanco |first=Jana |date=2021-09-09 |title=Sex therapist Dr. Rica Cruz on motherhood and more {{!}} Modern Parenting |url=https://modernparenting-onemega.com/dr-rica-cruz/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=modernparenting-onemega.com |language=en-US}}</ref> <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Zubiri |first=Stephanie |title=The Importance of Talking About Women's Sexual Health: Isabelle Daza, Ava Daza, and Dr Rica Cruz Weigh In |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/lets-talk-about-sex-the-sexytime-podcast |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=Tatler Asia |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Caña |first=Paul John |date=December 1, 2021 |title=This Filipino Therapist Was Just Recognized by a Global Sex Research Organization |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/sex-and-relationships/rica-cruz-sex-therapist-global-recognition-a00289-20211201 |website=Esquire}}</ref>
</references>
{{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Cruz, Rica}} Category:Filipino psychologists Category:Sex therapists Category:Ateneo de Manila University alumni Category:Filipino television personalities Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people