On Using Birth Control in the Philippines

Writing a blog about a surprisingly-still-taboo topic in the Philippines, because well, in the words of a millennial actress, "Ano na, 2020 na!" 

I first had my sexual encounter when I was 14 years young. Currently at my late 20's, I am now married to my first and last boyfriend (we were together for around 12 years before I got married). We are each other's firsts in all things romantic and sexual, so I guess we got lucky that we found our forever very early on. 

While I'm not proud of being maharot at a very young age, I still try to be as open and as honest as possible. By doing so, I hope to somehow make a contribution into engaging people, especially adolescents, to be educated in the topic and to erase the stigma that comes with talking about sex. Before I continue, please note that I do not encourage promiscuity. What I do encourage is having open discussions that are based on facts and debunking myths, especially harmful ones.

To go straight to my experience, I won't belabor the obvious anymore — how our country has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates among the ASEAN countries or how the percentage of teenage pregnancy has doubled in the past years. If you want to learn about the most recent data and statistics on teenage pregnancies, click this link for UNFPA's Policy Brief on Eliminating Teenage Pregnancy in the Philippines. You can also check out this link to know why the Philippines has so many teen moms.

Okay, so now on to the main topic: birth controls.

The first birth control methods we used were condoms and the withdrawal method. We were so naïve and clueless because back then, mobile internet still costs a fortune and while we already have Google, googling wasn't a term yet. This is where teaching reproductive health in schools would have come in really handy but, well, Philippines. 😕

Just to give you an idea how naïve we were, take a look (and a laugh) at the following anecdotes:
  • We were so afraid to get pregnant while still being high school students that, on top of using condoms, we would also use withdrawal method. 
  • When we thought that the condom might have broke, we got so nervous that right after having sex, we went straight to reading anything sex-related on the freaking encyclopedia! Naturally, we didn't find anything of use that would lessen our panic attack. 
  • We would often have sex when I have my period solely because we thought doing so would not result in any pregnancy. We didn't use a condom or the withdrawal method while on period.
A year before we got married, I chanced upon other forms of birth control. It came as a surprise to me that there are actually quite a lot of available birth controls, including pills, IUD, and injectables among others. I didn't feel like pills are my thing, so I never used those. For some reason, I wanted to try injectables. After a bit of research and solicitation of advice from online forums like Reddit, I chanced upon Likhaan. 


According to its website and Facebook page, "Likhaan is a non-government, non-profit organization founded in 1995 by a group of feminists, political activists, community women leaders and health workers. It was organized to respond to women’s expressed need for sexual and reproductive rights and health services."

In 2019, I had the chance to visit Likhaan on three occasions to take injectables. On my first visit, I drove to their branch in Tondo, Manila. The branch in Quezon City was nearer, but at the time, the Tondo branch was the nearest one that is open on Saturdays. The drive to Tondo was 1.5-hour long and if you're bringing a car, there are no nearby designated parking lots. From what I can remember, the road is so busy because this branch was very near the port, so expect numerous trucks plying the roads. 

Once I got there, I mentioned my purpose (to get injectables) and they gave me a registration form to fill out. It's basically like the usual medical form asking for basic details about you, including your sex history. It will not take you more than 10 minutes to answer the form.

Afterwards, the clinic personnel interviewed me and asked things like if it's my first time to take injectables, how many sexual partners did I have, menstruation cycle, etc. They were all so professional and you will not feel like you are being judged. I was also given informational leaflets/brochures while waiting.

After waiting, I was then redirected to a smaller room (much like a doctor's office where s/he receives clients). I was asked to put write my name and address on a piece of index card. The card served as some sort of tracker that I had to bring each time I visited Likhaan. Then, the clinic personnel briefly explained to me how the injectables work and other things I should take note of like:
  • The injectable is effective for a period of 3 months. I can go back to take my next shot as early as 1 week before the expiration date. 
  • If it's your first time to use the injectable, you have to wait for 10 days before engaging in unprotected sex. I was offered condoms that I can use during the 10-day wait but I declined since I won't be seeing my husband naman that much during that 10-day period.
  • Possible side effects were also discussed to me, such as headache and spotting.
After that, the clinic personnel then proceeded to ask me which arm to inject, I just randomly picked my left arm. I got lucky with my decision since that arm (injection site) would feel heavy and a bit painful for about 3-5 days. So I highly suggest that you choose the arm that you don't use for writing, or your non-dominant hand. 

The injection was... truly painful. I took probably around 10-15 seconds since the shot needs to be emptied. The injection felt so deep, and I believe it was called subcutaneous injection (you can search what it means) and the content was called Depo Provera. After the injection, the clinic personnel will write some details on your index card like name of medicine, injection site (whether left or right arm), as well as the date for your next visit. 

I was lucky because my side effects were pretty mild. I never had headaches, but I did have minor spotting which I experience a few weeks before the expiration of the shot. I also experienced weight gain and noticed a significant decrease in libido. Prior to taking the shots, I never used lubricants and didn't need foreplay before intercourse. However, since taking the shots, I sometimes find it difficult to get ready for intercourse and I would often need foreplay or use lubricants.

I took 3 shots during 2019 and stopped already since my husband and I plans to start a family soon. By the way, I didn't have my regular period when I had the shots, and my period came back 2-3 months after my 3rd/last shot expired. My period was regular naman na once it came back. 

So... that's the story of my birth control experience! Do you have a story to tell as well? :)
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My Personality According to Random BuzzFeed Quizzes

It's been a while since I last visited BuzzFeed. I'm guessing my last visit was a year before I quit Facebook. That's roughly around 2-3 years ago I think.

I was, unsurprisingly, bored yet again today so I opened YouTube to look for something I can waste my time on. On the recommendations, I saw this article from BuzzFeed, found it interesting and clicked on it. I was then redirected to the BuzzFeed website, scanned the article, then saw on top one tab called "trending quizzes". 

Since I don't have anything better to do, out of whim, I clicked on that and randomly chose three quizzes to answer. Got these results:

1. My favorite season is winter.

Correctness: 90%-95%

I've never actually experienced winter since I live in an awfully-hot-year-round country. But nevertheless, I've always dreamed of experiencing the stillness and serenity of winter. It's the second best climate/season/weather (whatever) next to my top 1, which is rain. So, anyway here are my picks for this quiz: apple pie, bbq, curry, dumplings, eclair (I'm not familiar with any of the choices, I just went with the pastry), fish and chips, garlic bread, hot chocolate, ice cream, jam tarts (same explanation with eclairs), ketchup and fries, lasagna, meatballs and spaghetti (this was a tough one, I liked all the choices!), nachos, onion ring, pizza, quesadilla, raspberries (haven't eaten any of the choices, just went with what's familiar), soup, tacos, upside-down cake (same with raspberries), veggies, waffles, yolk, and zebra cake (don't know any of the choices, just chose the most appealing).  

2. I belong in the Slytherin House.




The Harry Potter books have always been and will always be one of my favorites. At some point, it has even been one of my defining features (if somebody needs to know something about the series, they would often "consult" me). Since I had a major crush on Harry Potter, I would love to be on Gryffindor but I guess I'm okay with any, hehe. 

3. I have exquisite taste. 

Correctness: 50%

I actually think of myself as having basic taste! I usually go with the flow, or is not fond of trying out new tastes. It's actually my husband who introduced me to a lot of new things. If not for him, I would still be eating the same types and brands of food. However, I do have a preference for other types of things which I find really hard to deviate from, such as my love for being simple (I use the same set of clothes, I don't like buying new clothing pieces).
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Back After A Long Hiatus

 

Photo by Angelina Kichukova on Unsplash

My last blog post was some 3 years ago. A lot has happened, obviously (not to mention that it's 2020). I never even saw myself going back to blogging! Anyway, I wanted to declutter my mind since everything has been so tough lately. I figured, blogging might help. So from here on, this blog will serve as a personal journal of some sorts, something I could do to let the steam off, to practice writing, and to document my life (however uneventful it might be).  

It's been such a long while that I actually forgot most of Blogger's interface! 

So yup, welcome to (the 3rd? 4th? 5th? rebirth of) my blog!
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Live and Be Well with Taiwan Excellence Products


Rapid technological innovation has paved the way for better healthcare and medical solutions. Older people can move around with ease thanks to e-motors and scooters, people monitor their physical activity with handy trackers, and surgeons are able to perform more efficient and safer operations with smart surgical solutions. These are just some of the breakthroughs of Taiwan Smart Healthcare products. Bearing the Taiwan Seal of Excellence—a mark accorded only to the highest quality brands— these revolutionary products have guided people toward healthier and safer lives. 

 Utilizing 3D and Digital Imaging for Safer Surgeries 
In minimally invasive surgery, fewer and smaller incisions are made on the body to lessen post-operative pain, blood loss, and scarring. Thin needles and an endoscope, a tube-shaped instrument with a camera and light, are used to guide the operation. The MonoStereo 3D System converts the 2D video captured by the endoscope into a 3D display on a monitor. Through these images, doctors can get accurate depth feedback in real-time, ensuring surgical precision and faster procedures. 

Smart Surgical Glasses from Taiwan Main Orthopedics Co. Ltd. allow doctors to plan more accurately prior to surgery. As the surgeon looks at the operative site, 3D images of the patient’s bones and tissues appear on the screen, allowing them to save real-time photos. This can reduce complexity and operation time by up to 30%. An additional benefit to medical staff is less exposure to radiation from X-rays. 

 Keeping Sugar Levels in Check 
With conditions like diabetes, ongoing monitoring of blood sugar is a necessity. Bionime’s Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems allow diabetics to easily monitor their blood sugar. The GM260 model delivers accurate results in just five seconds, using only a tiny blood sample placed on a test strip. The GM700S and GM700SB work with multiple types of blood samples, and the latter facilitate the transfer immediate transfer of results to smartphone via Bluetooth. The GM720 comes in an all-in-one fashionable case that holds additional strips and lancets. 

Movement Anytime, Anywhere 
Mobility becomes an issue for many people as they age. The ergonomic design and lightweight frame of Heartway Portable Scooters provide for travelling with comfort and ease. Weighing less than 27 kg, the foldable S19 Scooter Brio can be activated by one hand in seconds and may be stored inside a car trunk with no dismantling required. Powered by a lithium battery, it can travel up to 24km on full charge. The S21 EASY MOVE folds up electronically with a single push of a button, and can go up to 7 miles on a full battery. Both scooters support average weight builds and have easy-to-use controls. 

For more information about Taiwan Smart Healthcare products, check out taiwanexcellence.ph or facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph/.

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About Taiwan Excellence 
The symbol of Taiwan Excellence honors Taiwan’s most innovative products, which provide tremendous value to users worldwide. Products bearing this symbol have been selected for specific Taiwan Excellence Awards, based on their excellence in design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and manufacturing. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 100 countries.

Organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA 
The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. is responsible for implementing policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, the BOFT's role and position have been adapted regularly to meet the needs of the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. BOFT guides and works with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities, both internationally and domestically. Having worked closely with TAITRA for several decades, BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade, and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.

Implemented by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) 
Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, quasi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers in strengthening their international competitiveness and in dealing with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotional strategies.
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Make Gift Giving Hassle-Free with GC Regalo!


I don't know about other people, but I experience more kilig in giving gifts rather than receiving gifts. Now, I'm not trying to sound too cheesy here, but I feel like I'm the one who's been given the better gift when I see the radiant smiles and genuine happiness of those who have received a gift from me. 

To make sure that each gift-giving moment is a pleasurable experience for both the giver and the receiver, I take each opportunity to buy gifts seriously. In choosing gifts, I always keep in mind these three essentials: know the person, know the budget, and know the occasion. Read on to find out more about my fool-proof gift-giving ideas!
It's hard to think of the best gift ideas when you (literally and figuratively) don't know the person you're giving the gift to. You may want to talk to that person and casually ask about his/her hobbies, interests, and go-to options when he/she is feeling bored (what makes them entertained?) and when he/she is feeling galante (where do they usually spend their money?). You can also check their social media accounts and find out about their latest favorites on food, books, gadgets, and other accessories. Or, you could also talk to someone who knows them well. Interview them about the person's likes... and dislikes, just so you're on the safe side that you won't be that person who gave them the worst gift they could ever receive. 
If you're too shy to talk to that person or to someone who knows them well, or if the person is not the type who's active on social media, well, fret not because you still have one fool-proof (and probably the best) gift idea -- by giving them Sodexo Premium Pass. 
SODEXO Premium Pass
You can't go wrong with the Sodexo Premium Pass -- whether you know the person you're giving it to or not. With it, the receiver can use it for just about anything that suits his/her personality and current needs and wants. They can use the Sodexo Premium Pass for shopping, dining, relaxing, and traveling in more than 9,000 merchant stores nationwide. Here are the many participating outlets where they can enjoy using their Sodexo Premium Pass:
When choosing gifts, one shouldn't be ashamed in being on a budget -- as long as you always opt for the frugal choice and not the cheap choice. Being frugal means you're conscious about your budget, and so, you make sure that you get the most out of your money without sacrificing quality. So, with this in mind, how do you choose the best gift ideas with the budget that you have?

It pays to know first how much money you are willing to shell out for buying gifts. Then, you can assign a budget for each person -- yes, it's definitely okay to have different budget allocations for different people, because well, who doesn't have someone in their life who they're willing to spend more for?  H-U-G-O-T! 😀

If you argue that you don't have that someone in your life (just yet), or if you say that all your loved ones are of equal importance to you (meaning, you'll give them the same budget allocations), then I think one of the best options that you have is to decide on just one thoughtful gift that you'll give to everyone. It could be personalized merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, pens, and pillows or other practical gifts that can be bought in bulk orders like homemade cookies, drawstring bags, and coin purses.

Now, if you're caught between choosing whether to give a gift of different or similar prices, you could always turn to the dependable "Gift Certificate ng Bayan" -- the GC Regalo SM Gift Pass (operated by Sodexo). With the SM Gift Pass, you have the option of having them in Php 500 denominations (for that extra special someone, perhaps? 😉) or you may also have them in Php 100 denominations (Yay! Everybody gets a gift dahil may pa-GC si mayora! Bigyan ng GC 'yan!).


Your recipients can use and enjoy their SM Gift Pass in hundreds of participating merchants ranging from fashion, furniture, food, and leisure options as shown in the photo below:

Gift-giving knows no occasion. It doesn't have to be Christmas or someone's birthday to buy a gift. Even so, it's still a good thing to know why you're giving a gift in the first place. Knowing the occasion or the reason why you want to give a gift will help you in the decision-making process of choosing the appropriate gift for that person.

Do you want to give a gift to someone who's celebrating a birthday? Then, choose a gift that will appeal to that person's taste and interests like their favorite book. Know someone who just graduated? Give them gifts that will help them easily adjust once they enter that place called the "real world" like planners and designer pens. Have a friend that you terribly miss and just want them to know that you're thinking of them? You may want to buy gifts that you can add a personal touch to like scrapbooks. Know someone who badly needs a gift in the form a much-deserved rest? Sponsor their trip to a salon!

Now, if you're out of ideas and feel like you just can't seem to think of the best gift that is fitting for the occasion -- well, don't worry fam because GC Regalo got your back! 

With products such as Sodexo Gift Check and SM Gift Check, you'll have your loved ones thanking you (and probably even asking you about) your wonderful gift! No matter what the occasion may be, or whoever the person may be, the GC Regalo is the perfect gift idea because not only are you gifting them with something in material form, but you're also gifting them with something as abstract as the freedom to technically choose their own gift! Now, that's one unique gift!
Just how awesome are these gift certificates, you might ask? Well, some two years ago, I was lucky enough to have received two (2) Sodexo Premium Passes worth Php 500 each. It was given to me by my previous workplace during its anniversary celebration. That was the first time I encountered the said gift certificates. I actually didn't know how to use it so I searched for it on the internet and found out that I could use it in SM Department Stores. When I used it as extra funds for buying a pair of rubber shoes I've been saving for, I was actually a bit wary if the cashier will accept my GC's. I had extra cash prepared just in case. Imagine my big sigh of relief when the cashier accepted my Sodexo Premium Pass! That's Php 1,000 pesos off the amount of cash I paid for those rubber shoes! Bongga 'di ba? So, for everyone who will give and/or receive a Sodexo Premium Pass or SM Gift Pass, here's my tip for you: keep calm and let GC Regalo do its magic!


GC Regalo is an online gift certificate store made possible by SM, the largest retailer in the Philippines and Sodexo, one of the largest gift voucher companies worldwide and the biggest issuer of gift certificates in the Philippines. GC Regalo offers the best and hassle-free solution in sending gifts to families, loved ones, and business partners in the Philippines through its gift certificates accepted in more than 9,000 establishments nationwide.

Have your own GC Regalo products as gift for yourself or for your loved ones by ordering via their website here. You may also know more about their latest promos and products by visiting their social media accounts. And while you're at it, gift them with a like! 👍

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