The Debutante’s Ball

From the French word “female beginner,” debutante is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity. As a new adult, the debutante is introduced to society at a formal presentation known as her “debut” or “coming out” party. Originally, it meant the young woman was eligible for marriage, and part of the purpose of the party was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within the select upper class circle. This event is traditionally referred to as the Debutante’s Ball. In the Philippines, a debutante’s ball is very popular and widely celebrated when young Filipina turns 18.

Following the Philippine tradition of celebrating her 18^th birthday last April 6, 2008, Carmila May Lucas, daughter of Ramon and Mary Jean Lucas, was introduced to society in a grand Debutante’s ball. Together with Carmila’s elegantly-dressed court and with the music “So She Dances by Josh Groban, she danced the Cotillion with her evening’s escort, Carter G. Hershey. The Cotillion was choreographed by Stephanie Senon and Andrew Oledan.

The Cotillion was followed by the 18 Roses ceremony where Carmila shares a memorable dance with 18 men, each one offering freshly-cut beautiful roses. Finally, the traditional ceremony was concluded by the 18 Candles presentation. The 18 candles were lighted to resemble the 18 lights that will serve as guidance to the debutante as she makes her transition to the status of a full grown woman. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Carmila shares her thoughts of probably one of the most memorable times of her life.

Roxanne Somintac, daughter of Diego and Ester Somintac, is another birthday celebrant. Like other debutante, Roxanne celebrated her 18^th birthday in style. More than 200 guests attended her debut.

Roxanne was born in the United States but her roots are from the Philippines. Her parents, Diego and Ester, come from Tarlac, Tarlac. Michael is her only brother.

Roxanne studies at the Franklin highschool in Seattle, Washington. She plans to take up nursing after she graduates high school. When I asked why she would like to be a nurse, she said, “My mom used to work as a nurse in a hospice. I have cousins and aunts who are all in the nursing profession.”

As part of the tradition, the highlight of Roxanne’s party was the 18 Roses Dance where Roxanne shares a memorable dance with 18 men with each one offering a freshly-cut beautiful rose. The father was the last one to dance, often called “The Father and Daughter Dance.” The male participants normally include relatives, friends, godfathers, neighbors, and acquaintances.

Incidentally, I was invited at Roxanne’s party by the family’s hair stylist, Danny de Vega. Danny is well known to the Filipino community. He does hairstyling to a lot of Filipino customers. Danny came to the party with his friend, Justin Llaga, a make-up artist.