Laong nila an taga Tago kuno para-away pero hanugay. Mamingawuni naman ganahani mandahap-dahap nan notisya. Naman ini na pabyon inhimo para kita na mga Tagon-on magkasinusihay, magka-binayluay nan mga gilaong, nan notisya, nan kaayuhan.
I've long been wanting to organize a Debutante's Ball but the opportunity just didn't come along. And then Nikki Blaine Pareja Laurente turned 18 and finally I had my long-awaited opportunity. Aside from Nikki being my godchild, her family can very well afford the things I needed to make it the Deb's Ball of the Year.
Nikki was born on February 26 but we had the Deb's Ball on March 7 at Tago Gym.
It was a short and therefore frantic preparation. I even had to cancel my Thailand trip even if I already had a ticket.
I did a lot of research: the theme, the correct "debut" pronunciation, its history and rituals, what constitutes a Debutante Ball's Agenda, etc.
Choosing the motif was easy: turquoise was it because it's the color of the year. We just splashed it with amethyst because it's the Deb's birthstone. Early on it was decided that Nikki would wear three ballgowns by Linoi in these tones.
We got Dingdong to do a pre-deb pictorial to be used for the two tribute vids that I collaborated with Edward. Linen papers were bought in Davao because I wanted a highly personalized invite.
I wanted canary yellow for table skirting because it would look good with the orange birds of paradise as floral vignette. Bebels went to Davao just to buy the rolls of cloth needed to cover the tables.
The numerical leitmotif was 18: 18 Roses Dance, 18 Candles Presentation, 18 Symbolic Treasures Presentation, 18 Pairs for the Cotillion Court, and 18 Round Tables.
The gym was finally chosen as venue for ease of preparation and crowd control.
The 18 men and women (some were friends and college classmates from Davao of the Deb) were handpicked. I had to personally approve the gowns, the ties, and the long sleeves. Which meant, lending them my ties and long sleeves to ensure they matched and fitted them well. I even gave lessons on the proper way of putting on the tie. All these just for the men to look good.
We hired Ma'am Pepet Morales to choreograph the Cotillion Waltz Dance.
I designed Bebel's gown but had to concede when Nick decided to use an old barong. I would have wanted him to wear a Tux!
As usual, there were hitches, but overall it was a well-appreciated affair. More than a visual treat, it was an educational journey for everyone because all rituals and their significance had been explained.
THE INVITE
THE FAVORS
DEBUTANTE NIKKI AND ESCORT JAMES BLANCO
THE ESCORT: MR. JAMES LAURENCE A. BLANCO
"Most claims of originality are testimony to ignorance and most claims of magic are testimony to hubris." -James March-
THE ESCORT BEING THE LAST GENTLEMAN IN THE DANCE OF THE 18 ROSES
18 LADIES FORMED A LINE AFTER GIVING THEIR WISHES WHILE THE DEBUTANTE STOOD BY THE CAKE FOR THE SINGING OF THE TRADITIONAL BIRTHDAY SONG AND THE BLOWING OF THE CANDLE
THE DEBUTANTE BLOWING THE 18 CANDLES ON THE FONDANT BIRTHDAY CAKE
"Most claims of originality are testimony to ignorance and most claims of magic are testimony to hubris." -James March-
To my dear cousins, Romel and Gly, hain dag-a!!!!!! Mupatay gayod!!!!! Ganahani ako!!!! Everybody looks wonderful in the pictures! WOW!!!!! Belated Happy 18th Birthday to Nikki Blaine!
Firstly, may I congratulate Nikki for the successful debut party celebration. You look very beautiful and elegant in LINOI'S minimalist yet intricately made creations. You are very lucky because the people behind you were very supportive especially your fabulous parents. It shows how they care and love you much. Only few in Tago can afford to have a grand party celebration like that.
And to the person who's the brain of everything, K-Spy. Only one word can describe everything I heard and saw in the pictures. MAGNIFICENT!!! You transformed the participants, according to your taste and standard, on that evening, very stately. Even Nikki's mom is like attending the Oscars. She is stellar.
Last edited by pato on Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
The gorgeous attendees and partakers, the iridescent balloons and costumes, the luminous deportment of guests, the lavish and ostentatious shindig are once again a showcase of talents from the Avant Garde himself, Mr Romil Oribe.
Congratulations; to the celebrant, Nikki - you look stunning, the parents who laboured hugely for this and of course to you Kamps. Your talents are beyond reproach.
To be honest, in the history of my living self never have I witnessed an 18th Debut party such as what I’ve witnessed today in visuals. I have been educated on how a Debut Party would be. I salute! Well done!
Thank you Kamps for sharing those lovely pictures. Thank you for your never ending efforts in bringing palatable sights to our site. They are greatly appreciated. And most of all, thank you Lord for a talented person Kamps is.
