<h1>In a Relationship Setup That Has Not Necessarily Been Widely Accepted, Self-Perception is All That Matters</h1>
<p>Traditional relationships are no longer the norm. Options, individuality, and self-determination reign supreme, unbounded from archaic notions of what ought to be. It is a long-standing belief that money cannot buy love among many other things. A testament to the shift in our dating culture: perhaps for the sugar babies, daddies, and mommies out there: Maybe love can be bought after all?</p>
<img src=”https://imageurl.com” alt=”Sugarbook”>
<p>A survey conducted by Sugarbook, a dating platform connecting sugar babies and daddies in Asia, revealed interesting findings. According to the survey, 55% of sugar babies in the Philippines earn up to ₱57,700 monthly, followed by 22% who receive an allowance ranging from ₱141,500 to ₱283,000. A small percentage (2%) even earn ₱283,000 and above. It’s clear that these relationships have their own dynamics and financial aspects play a significant role.</p>
<p>”With a user base of 4.5 million members across the globe, our goal is to educate the public on what Sugarbook is about. Women empowerment is about uplifting women by giving them a platform to choose freely. The keyword here is choice, and that is what we’re essentially about; to provide women with that precise choice. If men are allowed to date women for their youth and beauty, women should be allowed to date men for their wealth and status,” explains Darren Chan, Founder and CEO of Sugarbook.</p>
<img src=”https://imageurl.com” alt=”Sugarbook”>
<p>That being said, a relationship that revolves around financial support may draw comparisons to the world’s oldest profession, but there are clear differences. In a relationship setup that has not necessarily been widely accepted or understood, self-perception is truly all that matters. In a family-centric and highly religious country like the Philippines, people in these relationships have to rely on themselves.</p>
<p>So, what do sugar babies think of themselves? Raine, a 22-year-old sugar baby from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, shares her experiences. We all have ideals and preconceived notions about the kind of love we want in our lives. But through my conversation with Raine, I realized that even the most magical expectations have to be tempered by reality. Love cannot thrive on its own—finances play a vital role in creating the perfect environment for love to flourish.</p>
<img src=”https://imageurl.com” alt=”Photo courtesy of Sugarbook”>
<p>While sugar relationships may not be the norm, they offer a level of respect and understanding that may exceed that of “traditional relationships.” Let’s dive into Raine’s perspective through the following conversation that has been edited for length and clarity.</p>
<h2>Meet Raine, a 22-year-old Sugar Baby from Valenzuela, Metro Manila</h2>
<img src=”https://imageurl.com” alt=”Photos courtesy of Sugarbook / Art by Toni So”>
<h3>Why Did You Become a Sugar Baby?</h3>
<p>”I saw all my university friends doing it and thought I was missing out. I tried it out and got 20 messages on the first day. I decided to go on a date with a man and found that he was very gentle, proper, educated, and he only paid me for my time—we had dinner and called it a night; he was very respectful.”</p>
<p>”I started my Sugarbook account early this September. Previously, I was a live stream host on another platform, but the money here at Sugarbook is much better.”</p>
<p>”It wasn’t something I actively sought out; I was simply thinking about funding my college education. I became a sugar baby because I wanted to make the most of my time. Men from Tinder and Bumble were only interested in physical intimacy, which didn’t appeal to me—I didn’t want to engage in that. So why waste time with these young men when I could spend time with CEOs and office executives who could provide valuable connections?”</p>
<p>”I also found some of them rude. Sure, there are bad apples, but most are polite and approach me as a woman, like a gentleman. And because they are older, there are many things we can discuss, and the conversation flows.”</p>
<h3>Benefits and Disadvantages of Being a Sugar Baby?</h3>
<p>”I initially thought that intimacy HAD to be involved in every relationship, but that was not the case. You do not need to have sex with your sugar daddy. I get to pick—I get to choose whenever I want to go out as I also have classes and assignments to attend to.”</p>
<p>”The benefits include financial support, mentorship, as well as the opportunity to enjoy the various luxuries in life which I would never have imagined I would get the chance to experience. However, there are also disadvantages like the potential for judgment from society—some people think I am an escort, but no, I am not.”</p>
<h3>Experiencing Judgment as a Sugar Baby?</h3>
<p>”Some people think that I am an escort; they think I am a prostitute. I don’t sell my body and I have the freedom to choose my partner. It’s like any normal relationship; the difference is that I put money in front and discuss it before getting into one.”</p>
<p>”I’ve come to understand that people have different perspectives and may not be aware of my circumstances and reasons for entering such a relationship.”</p>
<p>”While I value the opinions of my friends and loved ones, my choices are guided by what is best for me and my future. So, while their opinions matter, it doesn’t influence my decisions.”</p>
<h3>Would You Recommend Becoming a Sugar Baby?</h3>
<p>”I would recommend it to those who have clear goals and are comfortable with the idea. They should also have strong boundaries and remember that safety should always be a top priority.”</p>
<h3>How Would You Define a Sugar Relationship?</h3>
<p>”It must be reciprocal; it must have wins on both ends; it must be a give and take. In every relationship, it should be discussed what the other party can provide and what I can provide.”</p>
<p>”There was one sugar daddy who I did fall in love with—and it’s like with any other relationship, but with the knowledge that you are financially secure.”</p>
<h3>The Role of Love in a Sugar Relationship?</h3>
<p>”Yes, and money can buy love. I’ve been in different relationships that failed due to financial problems. My sugar daddy is a man of status and well-known in the Filipino business community. Life is good, and I am learning many things from him. He loves to spoil me, and I’ve fallen deeply in love with him—he takes good care of me. Money can buy love, and financial stability makes it easier for us to fall in love. Love with financial stability is much better.”</p>
<h3>Leaving a Sugar Relationship?</h3>
<p>”I would never date a man who is married, abusive, into/offers me drugs, or if he’s dishonest about our relationship and breaks our terms. For example, if we agree to be exclusive, he cannot see anyone else unless we agree to it.”</p>
<h3>Preference for Love or Contractual/Financial Obligations?</h3>
<p>”I would always choose a relationship that has both—not just one. Which means, it has financial benefits and love together, and if I can have both…”</p>
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