Reunions, dances, foods, gifts, laughter, and motivation- all of these are present on the 18th birthday of young women in the Philippines. This coming-of-age celebration is held grandly. It is a significant day for the debutante, a French word meaning "female beginner." Originally, this celebration was common for affluent families. It was held to introduce the debutante, a full grown woman eligible for marriage, to bachelors of the same class. Nowadays, this celebration signifies the adolescent's transition into adulthood. Even families from low class celebrates this event in their own special way. Debut is a significant ceremony in the Philippines which consists of several events including "18 Roses Dance and 18 Candles Speech," a dance performance by the debutante and her court, and a gift offering session followed by a dance party.
The ceremony opens with "18 Roses Dance and 18 Candles Speech." In the "18 Roses Dance," 18 preselected males from family members and close friends perform a short waltz dance with the debutante after handing her a red rose. The 18th dance partner of the debutante is usually her father. Together, they perform the memorable "Father and Daughter Dance." Directly after the dance, the atmosphere of the ceremony changes as 18 females consisting of family members and close friends deliver a short speech- this can be a message about their relationship with the debutante or a blessing. Then each of them take turns lighting a candle. Each candle represents a character that the speechmakers hope the debutante would possess as she moves on into adulthood. Finally, the debutante makes a wish and blows them out. It is an indescribable pleasure to watch the guests whistle, clap, and cheer for the debutante as she blows out the candles one by one.
After the "18 Candles Speech," the ceremony proceeds with "Cotillion de Honor"- the highlight of the debut. The debutante presents a dance with her escort, together with nine other pairs. This dance is usually very elaborate. It could take from four to ten minutes which requires long rehearsals beforehand. Most of the time, the family of the debutante hires a choreographer and the members practice for two months if short, and up to six to eight months if necessary. The rehearsals usually take place at the debutante's house, and the family provides foods and snacks to the participants of the "Cotillion de Honor" dance. Much time and money are spent in preparing for this dance. However, Filipinos continue this tradition because it is a significant event for the debutante. This dance formally introduces the debutante to young men of marrying age.
Finally, there is a gift offering session known as "18 Symbolic Treasures" ceremony, followed by dancing to mark the finale. In the "18 Symbolic Treasures" ceremony, another 18 participants, once again consisting of family members and intimate friends, offer a gift to the debutante. This time, the participants can be male or female. They each offer a gift to the debutante and explain why they chose it. The gifts are something that the debutante should treasure as she moves onto university and starts to live as a young woman. They are to help her remember the original resolution she made on the symbolic day when she became a young adult. On my friend's debut, she received a watch from her grandmother who told her to use time wisely. Whenever she feels lazy, she looks at the watch and remembers the promise she made with her grandmother. After the final event is over, music is turned on and everybody, both teenager and adults join the dance party.
Filipinos customarily throw a large party on the 18th birthday of their daughter which consists of the following events: 18 roses and candles ceremony, "Cotillion de Honor" dance, and "18 Symbolic Treasures" ceremony followed by a dance party. This 18th birthday celebration may be costly, but it is a wonderful occasion for families to gather together and celebrate. Most importantly, it is a turning point for the debutantes. It marks their entrance into the society and it motivates them to take responsibility and act more mature. It reminds them that they are no longer young adolescents. For these reasons, I believe the debut tradition in the Philippines is worth celebrating even though the cost may be burdening.
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