Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Last May 18, my niece celebrated her 18th birthday. As Filipino culture dictates, children celebrate three "milestone" birthdays.  Its their 1st birthday, their 7th, and their 18th (for girls) or their 21st (for boys). Most parents go out of their way to throw a big party for their children during these times. 

In the Philippines, a girl's 18th birthday or debut party calls for a grand celebration. The debutante is ushered and introduced to society as a young woman. Family and friends take turns giving gifts and wishing the debutante happiness and blessings in this new chapter in her life. In Latin American countries, the "Quiceañera" is a similar practice and is celebrated on a girl's 15th birthday. 

My niece, Bianca is my sister's only child. As expected, my sister arranged a lavish debut party for her daughter. Preparations started six months prior to the event which turned out to be a success! Everyone had a great time, specially the debutante, who specifically requested to have the venue decorated "Bohemian Style" with dream catchers hanging on the main entrance. The event planners really did a good job. The make up artist made Bianca look like a princess on her special night. The food was superb and the beer was overflowing. A true unforgettable moment.

I am sharing with you pictures of my niece's party. Our little Bianca has indeed blossomed into a beautiful woman. 

Bianca's Bohemian inspired attire.

Bianca's first dance with her proud daddy

Waiting for the actual ceremony to start

Smile for the camera!

With her parents

The venue - Valle Verde 6 Country Club in Pasig City

The venue before the guests arrived

The three-tiered birthday cake

THE FAMILY

The Grandmama and the Debutante


My Mom, my youngest sister, her husband and two kids Trey and Tyra

My only brother and his girlfriend


(L-R) Adi (my daughter's boyfriend); my daughter Kristine and their common friend

Nieces, nieces galore! (L-R) Abby, Hannah, my daughter Kristine and Inna


My sons Mickey (L) and Aton (R)

My sister's youngest child Tyra (L) and her cousin


THE WELL-WISHERS





THE "ME" PICTURES

 Me and my Poppa bear

 Me and my wacky cousin, Joyce

 Me and my brother

My big bear hug!


I hoped you enjoyed looking at the pictures of our family's big event this 2014. The next debutante in the family would be Tyra.. 8 more years from now. :-)

P.S. Here's Bianca's AVP: 

23 comments:

  1. WOW! What a lovely post and pictures! Amazing! Thanks for sharing this very special family event!

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    1. Thank you for your comment. It is indeed a very special family event.

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  2. Beautiful post and a beautiful daughter :) Happy 18th Birthday!

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    1. Thank you. My niece appreciates your birthday greeting. :)

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  3. What a beautiful party with family and friends! Love it! Katie @ Cup of Tea blog

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    1. Thanks Katie. Filipinos are very clannish, and events like this bring family members together, no matter how far apart they live.

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  4. Looks like an exciting and a wonderful party!!

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  5. Beautiful, just beautiful. What a young lady she has become. You guys must be so proud? I love all the pictures. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. You're right, Misty. We are so proud of her. She's starting her sophomore year in college. She is enrolled in a business course, Entrepreneurship.

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  6. I love the dream catchers at the ceiling! Cuteness. PS: I love the theme :)

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    1. I love the dream catchers too. I haven't asked my sister if she was able to save some of those. I'd ask for one and hang it over my bed. :)

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  7. That is awesome. It looks like everyone had a great time and you got some great pictures.

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  8. This is an event to cherish for a life time. Seems all have a great time. Awesome photos and such a beautiful debutante.

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  9. Happy 18th birthday to your niece Bianca :-) that is one splendid debut for your niece. I bet she is in cloud 9 during her debut :-)

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  10. You have a beautiful young lady there sis... I love her radiant smile!

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  11. Belated happy birthday to her. Nakakainggit kasi di ko naexperience ang magdebut ng bongga.

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  12. Nice party.

    It brings back my memories of my little sister's 18th birthday party 5 years ago.

    Beach theme and full of memories.

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  13. Time flies so fast indeed! And oh, I wish her more birthdays to come and a brighter future ahead! I know she'll do good! :)

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  14. What a lovely celebration for a young lovely lady, cheers for a great future ahead of her.

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  15. the debutante is so pretty and she's so blessed to have amazing people around her. :)

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  16. Pssstttt so happy to meet your entire family in a post: ) hmmm that hug and your pretty smile I love the most! may your family be always blessed...love yah sisterrete....: )

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  17. ...watched the video from start to finish.. she looks so pretty and angelic... may all her dreams come true :)

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