The Philippine Debut
is a cultural tradition of the Filipino people.[1] It is a
coming-of-age celebration for Philippine women that is somewhat
reminiscent of the Spanish tradition of the "Quinceanera" celebration.
The difference between the Spanish Quinceanera and the Philippine Debut
is the age at which the celebration takes place. The Philippine debut
celebrates a woman entering into her 18th year, while the Spanish
Quineanera takes place on a young lady's 15th birthday.
On their 18th birthday,
Philippine women throw this large party, complete with her own
hand-picked debut court of 18 people. These 18 are 9 males and 9 females
who the celebrant pairs off into partners. The celebrant's court
usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant similar to
that of a wedding party, while the celebrant typically wears an
extravagant ball gown.
The birthday celebrant along with her partner and court perform
traditional debut dances for their guests. It is common for the
debutante and her court to perform Filipino Folk Dances
such as the Tinikling[2], even wearing the traditional Filipino folk
clothing. The most important dance that the celebrant and her court
performs is known as the "Grand Cotillion
Dance" which is usually a classic waltz. There is also an "18 Roses
Dance" where 18 males picked by the celebrant before-hand dance with her
after presenting her with a single red rose. This dance is almost
always preceded with the memorable "Father and Daughter Dance".
During the celebration, the debutante also has 18 chosen "candles".
These "candles" are females who know the celebrant and must give a short
speech on either their relationship with the celebrant and/or any
special birthday wishes they have for their celebrant. After all the
food, entertainment, and Philippine Debut traditions for this wonderful
occasion has gone under way, the celebrant brings the celebration to a
close with a Debutante's speech in which she shares her life experience
and gratitude with her beloved guests.
