Philippine Debut

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Although also reaching maturity at 18, Filipino men mark their own Debut on their 21st birthday, albeit with less formal celebrations or none altogether.


On their 18th birthday, Filipinos customarily throw a large party, complete with her own hand-picked entourage of 18 individuals or multiple sets of 18. These 18 are conventionally nine males and nine females whom the celebrant pairs of into partners. The celebrant's court usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant (similar to the dress of a wedding party), while the celebrant herself typically wears one or several extravagant gowns during the course of the night.


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

An "18 Roses Dance" is also done, where 18 pre-selected males who are close to the debutante 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 for the occasion.

Aside from roses, the debutante also has 18 Candles, who are females friends or relations of the debutante. Each lady delivers a short speech about their relationship with the celebrant and/or any special greeting, and lights a candle that is either held or placed on a stand.

Lastly there is the 18 white roses, in which is optional. If the debutante is missing a figure in her life such as a father they choose their 18 white roses as place of that figure. i.e. fatherly figures

Music and other performances are usually interspersed between the '18 items' rites, while dinner and sometimes alcohol is always served. The birthday cake ceremony often occurs, as does a fireworks display concludes for more extravagant parties. The night ends with a Debutante's Speech in which the fêted young woman shares her thoughts on life and extends her gratitude towards her guests.

Other '18 items'[edit]

Recent additions to the ceremony are the 18 Treasures, where 18 individuals each present the debutante with a gift, and 18 Shots, which involve the entire group taking a shot of an alcoholic beverage in honour of the debutante. These usually also involve a speech from each individual, but unlike the Roses and Candles sets, these groups are of mixed sex.

In film[edit]

This Philippine tradition was highlighted in the 2001 American small budget film entitled The Debut[1] starring Dante Basco.

References and external links[edit]

Philippine Debut Directory