MANILA, Philippines - Can you imagine Maria Clara carrying a condom in public?
As hard as it is to imagine, nationalist and Filipino tour guide Carlos Celdran made it possible during his second Transitio 1945 tour. Together with good friend and columnist Ana Santos, the duo initiated the concept of having Maria Clara advocate reproductive health. Both believe that Maria Clara, being the epitome of Filipina purity, innocence, and beauty, is an ironic yet timely symbol of sexual education and awareness.
To celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Manila, the tour culminated in a night of art and music. In the middle of the festivities, ladies depicting Maria Clara dressed in baro’t saya gave away Lick condoms to remind everyone to be responsible about their reproductive health.
“We should all know the ABCs of reproductive health, which stands for Abstinence, Be Faithful and Consistent and Correct use of Condom — and this is what we aimed to achieve during the condom distribution in the Transitio event,” says Emman Alfonso, product manager of Lick condoms. “We support Carlos and Ana because we share the same thrust of informed choice, safe sex, modern contraceptives and family planning which with the help of people like them, we will be able to spread this message to more people.”