Alex's Debut

The Debut is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration which celebrates a young woman's 18th birthday, the age of maturity in the Philippines.

A typical ceremony begins with a short prayer invoking blessings upon the debutante. She then enters, and performs traditional dances with her court for their guests. The most important one is known as the "Grand Cotillion Dance", usually a waltz.

An "18 Roses Dance" is also done, in which 18 preselected males of the debutante's choice dance with her after presenting her with a single red rose or her favourite flower. This dance is almost always preceded or concluded with the memorable "Father and Daughter Dance", and sometimes the father takes the place of the 18th rose (who is often the girl's significant other). An elder male relative, such as a grandfather, may also take the father's place if he is unavailable.

The debutante also has 18 "candles", who are female friends or relations. Each delivers a short speech about her relationship with the celebrant, and any special greeting, and lights a candle that is either held or placed on a stand.

Lastly, there are the (optional) 18 white roses. If a debutante is missing a figure in her life such as a father, she chooses her 18 white roses in place of that figure.

Music and other performances are usually interspersed between the "18 items" rites, while dinner and sometimes alcohol are served. A birthday cake ceremony often occurs, and a fireworks display may conclude more extravagant parties. The night ends with the debutante's speech, in which she shares her thoughts on life and extends her gratitude towards her guests.
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