11 of the Philippines’ Most Lavish Debuts
Debuts are once-in-a-lifetime events. While some choose a quiet dinner with family and friends or an out-of-town adventure, these 11 debutantes took their celebrations to the next level, creating truly unforgettable events. Read on for the Philippines’ most lavish debuts!
Julia Baretto
Although Julia Baretto turned 18 nine years ago, her iconic debut still lingers in people’s minds. A hallmark of her celebration was the impressive carousel cake that actually rotated and the deep red Michael Cinco gown shipped all the way from Dubai! Her carnival-themed star-studded debut was held in Makati Shangri-La.
Janella Salvador
Another darling debut was Janella Salvador’s surprise debut party from her Star Magic family. She thought she was singing for a fan’s birthday party when she entered the venue but got emotional once she saw the surprise for her. The beautiful Victorian-era-inspired Brittany Palazzo served as her ground where she also took post-debut photos.
Julia Montes
Julia Montes’ debut was a dreamy fairy wonderland. Reminiscent of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, guests floated about in their soft pastel gowns while the debutante looked ravishing like a Queen of the Fairies. The venue, Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City, looked directly lifted from a fairytale with its lush greenscape and artfully sculpted interiors.
Kim Chui
Dubbed the ‘Chinitia Princess’ during her early days in showbiz, Kim Chui celebrated her debut fit for one. Her home network gave her the celebration she deserved which was held in the chic Glass Garden in Pasig. Kim’s debut was televised as a TV special entitled “My Girl turns 18.”
Francine Diaz
Plucking inspiration from dreams, Gen Z star Francine Diaz celebrated her 18th among soft candlelight and clouds of petals. The debutante had three gowns: a powder pink ball gown, an aquamarine ball gown, and an ostrich-feather cocktail dress for the after-party.
Miel Pangilinan
Miel Pangilinan, the youngest daughter of Mega Star Sharon Cuneta and former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, chose to break out of the mold. For her big day, she had an electric 70s disco theme. Colors touched each surface as Miel and her guests danced in disco-inspired clothes. Her debut was held at The Blue Leaf Pavilion in BGC.
Jillian Ward
Jillian Ward was celestially beautiful during her debut on February 25, 2022. She fully realized her “Floating among the Stars” debut theme at the Cove Manila in Okada Manila with her Mak Tumang Midnight Galaxy ball gown. 800 guests witnessed Jillian bloom into a young woman, celebrating with a stunning 7-tiered cake adorned with sparkles.
Elijah Alejo
Jillian’s bestie and co-star in Prima Donnas Elijah Alejo turned 18 on November 13, 2022. The young actress wanted to fulfill her royal dreams by transforming into a princess for her big one-eight celebration. While it’s traditional for a woman to have 18 candles or roses for her debut, Elijah took it to the next level with 18 stunning gowns.
James Benedict Gamboa-Cuesta
While 18 is the special number for women’s debuts, many cultures celebrate the 21st for men. Just like the 18th for women, the 21st for men comes from foreign influence.
A trading and cargo forwarding company CEO, James Benedict Gamboa-Cuesta chose to celebrate his 21st with showmanship and glamour. Inspired by the story of The Greatest Showman, his debut featured circus acts, stunning performances, and a towering cake that defied gravity!
Christine Catacutan
Christine Catacutan, daughter of former Capas Mayor Rey Catacutan, had a debut straight out of a Kevin Kwan novel. The debutante wanted a Crazy Rich Asians-themed party, and her events coordinator delivered spectacularly. Heartthrobs Joshua Garcia and Richard Poon serenaded Christine in a lavish venue inspired by the iconic wedding design from the movie. The highlight of the evening was a breathtaking main cake worth $5,000, adding an extra touch of extravagance to the celebration.
Dian Serranilla
Of course, no one can leave out the debutant who celebrated her debut at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Dian Serranilla celebrated her 18th on March 28, 2017, with New York Fashion Week as her theme. She was initially looking for a high-ceiling place but none of her prospective venues fit her vision — except the arena.
Another reason why she booked the venue: her big family. She used her debut as an opportunity to have a family reunion. MAC Cosmetics provided the debutant and her guests with makeup while her stunning gowns were made by renowned fashion designers Albert Andrada and Ezra Santos.
Let these lavish debuts inspire you for your own big 18th! Make your day even more special when you celebrate with Hizon’s Catering. Inquire now!
Photos courtesy of Nice Print Photo and PEP.ph.
