FAQs

Question

What is a Debut?

Answer

A Debut is a long-standing Filipino tradition said to have been influenced by Latin America's equivalent, the Quinceañera, where it celebrates the coming-of-age of a girl to womanhood at the age of eighteen, the age of maturity in the Philippines. It is a ceremonial celebration that consists of various "18s" that represent important figures in a debutante's life and fulfill a rather specific role in the program: 18 roses (consisting of 18 closest male figures who dance with the debutante and present her with a rose), 18 candles (consisting of 18 closest female figures who light a candle for the debutante), and 18 treasures (18 important figures of either gender who present the debutante with a speech or a special gift). The program usually opens with the grand entrance of the debutante followed by a formal dance by the debutante and her entourage. Also referred to as The Cotillion, it consists of a combination of any of the following ballroom dances: waltz, cha-cha, or tango.

Question

What do I wear?

Answer

Please stick to neutral colors such as white, black, gray, ivory, etc. The event is strictly semi-formal or formal dress (suit or tuxedo with long tie or bow tie; short evening dress, dressy separates, or floor-length gown).