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Feature: Eighteen Years of You

5/02/2017 09:17:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments


For young women in the Philippines, reaching the eighteen-year-old mark has always been something that should be celebrated with an unforgettable night. Loved ones of the debutante are invited to witness her coming of age. As she enters, everyone stands in awe and applauds her. This moment symbolizes her introduction to society.

However, debuts weren’t always a thing in the Philippines. The concept was only introduced to us with the colonization of the Spanish. Young Latinas would have Quinceaneras, a celebration which symbolizes a girl’s transition to womanhood at 15 years old. Quinceanera parties have similar traditions but debuts have incorporated Filipino culture into this celebration.

Debuts were originally planned by parents to present their daughter to society, showing that she is eligible to be wed, hence the grand entrance made by the debutante. Traditionally, the event was coordinated to attract young men from wealthy and prominent families. With the expensive cost of the facilities, food, and services needed, it only interested those who were in the upper class. But today, Filipino girls are at least encouraged to have their own version of a debut.

Usually, these grandiose parties have their own varying traditions where the debut’s organizers put their own twist, and here are a few of them:

Cotillion

This elegant dance number can occur at the beginning or at the end of the program, serving as an entrance for the debutante. There are usually 9 pairs to perform a formal waltz which takes weeks or even months of practice to perfect. Many debutantes want to mix it up these days. Instead of having a waltz, they prefer something less traditional like a hiphop performance accompanied by Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, or any artist that she prefers.
In some debuts, the debutante is escorted to her ‘Seat of Honor’ by the cotillion members to tell all the attendees about her breakthrough as a woman.

Roses

This is the part where 18 men in the debutante’s life share a dance with her. Traditionally, it symbolizes her preparation for romance, although today, this includes dances with male family members or close male friends. Normally, the father goes first, followed by other members of the family then friends, and if there is one, a crushie, a suitor or her significant other. Sometimes, it’s the other way around, where the father comes in last. The “Rose” is announced by the host along with a short description of why this man is important in the debutante’s life. This ritual is usually accompanied by waltz music but modern debuts use pop songs suited for slow-dancing.

Candles

This debut tradition symbolizes the young woman as an independent member of society. Selected female relatives and friends are selected to give a heartfelt message to the debutante. These ladies are just as important to the debutante as the men are since they represent her trusted peers. Dearest friends and families who truly know the debutante may also choose to share stories of inside jokes, adventures together, or even embarassing stories about their homegirl! They light a candle afterwards to signify ‘lights’ that will guide the debutante’s journey through life.

Treasures

Eighteen people, who are normally of mixed gender, are asked to give the debutante something meaningful. Each present symbolizes tools that she may need in her new life as a woman. Before handing it over to her, each “treasure” is asked to give a speech about the item and its meaning to her and to their relationship.

Blue Bills

Blue Bills are 1000-peso bills which symbolize independence and financial stability. Members of the 18 blue bills are usually uncles, aunties, ninongs, and ninangs. It’s done while the 18 Roses take place and participants pin the blue bills on the debutante’s dress while dancing with a “Rose.” Some debutantes prefer it to be separated from the 18 Roses and have it done like 18 treasures, where they present their blue bill and give a short speech.

Afterparty

When all the formal rituals have finally ended, the actual party begins. This is when music that you can groove to is blasted through the speakers, and you can dance all night long… or you know, until the time the venue is booked for. Some families even hire a DJ to keep the party going! Guests will also mingle with one another since they don’t have to sit in their assigned table during this part of the event. This is also when the debutante can change into a cocktail dress or something that she can move with more ease in since this is also the part where she engages with her guests in person.

To others, this part isn’t complete without alcohol in the mix. The night could turn out great for some, but maybe to those who have had too many, it might not. Either way, a lot can happen when drinks are readily available and it’ll definitely be one night to remember. Although there may be guests who won’t remember anything at all!

Today, many debuts aren’t like what they were traditionally back then. Parents are no longer looking for suitors for their daughter, more and more “18 items” are added into the program, and the ball-type theme of the debuts isn’t always used because many want a less formal theme like stars, flowers, Cinderella, and even a pool party! Each debut is different, but there’s no doubt that it’s a special night for the debutante! //by Paola Pagulayan

Sources:
https://cateringbusinessinphilippines.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/filipino-traditions-101-what-makes-a-filipino-debut/
http://www.just-passing-thru.com/2013/01/debut-philippine-tradition-to-womanhood.html#.WPw5UdKGO00
https://holidappy.com/party-planning/The-Traditional-and-Modern-Debut-in-the-Philippines


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