Miss World 2013 Megan Young Says "Sex is For Marriage" and "I'm Against Abortion"

 
It's refreshing to see this message bluntly expressed on TV.

I don’t follow beauty contests but the recently crowned Miss World, Megan Young of the Philippines caught my attention. I got interested not because of her world-class beauty but because of the statements she made that are also important to me as a father of a young daughter.

The 23 year old actress beauty queen openly said on TV that she is pro-life, does not use contraceptives, opposes divorce, and thinks the only way to avoid unwanted sex is to just say no.

In an interview with foreign journalist Karen Davila, Young said, Well, I’m pro-life and if it means killing someone that’s already there, then I’m against that, of course. I’m against abortion.

When asked about the Philippine Reproductive Health Act (RH) bill and contraception, she said, I don’t engage in stuff like that as of now. I think that’s – uh, sex is for marriage. That’s my belief. So, when it comes to the RH bill, as long as my beliefs are no abortion; it should be with your partner for life. Then that’s my stand.

The RH bill, which was signed into law in the Philippines in 2012 is controversial of its mandates on sterilization, contraception, and abortion-inducing drugs. In the Philippines, more than 80% of the population identify themselves as Roman Catholic, 10% as Protestant and 5% as Muslim.

On divorce, she said, Divorce. I’m actually against divorce, because I’ve seen, of course, that in my family. So I think that if you marry someone, that should be the person you should be with forever, through sickness and health, through good and bad, you should be with that person.

When asked how do you say no to sex? Young has a direct and simple answer, You just say no. If they try to push you, then you step away because you know that that person doesn’t value you, doesn’t value the relationship as much – and if the guy is willing, you know, to sacrifice that, then that means a lot.

Way to go Miss World! You're my kind of beauty queen. I don’t mind my daughter looking up to you if it’s grace, truth and modesty you’re modeling.

It’s rare to find allies like her in the media. Those who are bold to express a not-so-popular opinion in our “do-what-you-feel-is-good” culture. I just hope she walks the talk when the camera lights are off and will not compromise for anyone or anything. I hope more young people around the world will hear her message.

Dad, Protect Your Family Against Human Traffickers

The threat of human trafficking here in the Philippines is real but we can take precautionary measures to protect our loved ones. Here are things that we should be aware of:

1. Too good to be true promises. A human trafficker often victimizes people who are desperate to get out of poverty. If someone is offering you or a family member an easy way to get a job overseas with a big salary, better make a background check first and see if it comes from a reputable agency and if it is registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

2. Be mindful of strangers. Instruct your children never to take food from strangers. Better yet, instruct them never to talk to strangers at all. Teach them to get the attention of a known adult immediately when a stranger talks to them.

"Oh Sweet Lorraine" - A Touching Story About the Beauty of Life-Long Married Love

Fred Stobaugh recently lost his wife, Lorraine after 75 years of marriage. After he saw an ad for a small music studio’s songwriting contest, Fred (who is not a musician or songwriter) submitted a musical tribute to his wife, entitled “Oh Sweet Lorraine.”

Instead of rejecting Fred's entry because it doesn't comply to the contest's guidelines, they decided to professionally record it for him.

Filipino Babies are Not Blessings?

“Babies are not blessings!” This is one of the lines that I can’t forget or even seem to digest from an article written by Ana Santos in Rappler.com. I’m aware of the problem of teen pregnancies in the Philippines but I never considered Santos’ perspective to discourage teenagers from getting pregnant.

It’s true that more teenagers are having unplanned pregnancies in the Philippines. It’s a problem to teenagers if they aren’t physically, financially and emotionally ready for it.

But I prefer a good education on healthy relationships and abstinence in schools and especially in churches to decrease it than preaching babies as an economic inconvenience.