The debut (/dɛˈbuː/) is a traditional Filipino coming-of-age celebration which celebrates a young woman's 18th birthday, the age of maturity in the Philippines.
The celebration typically includes:
The parents give a message for the debutante and the guests.
18 pre-selected males among the debutante’s friends and relatives will compose the 18 roses. They will dance with her one by one to waltz music, and then each will give her a single long-stem red rose.
The last dance is always reserved for the father, or a father figure in case of the biological father’s absence. In some celebrations, the father-daughter dance is separate from the 18 roses, while some have both.
Next, 18 pre-selected females will deliver a message about their relationship with the celebrant. Finally, they end it with a special wish for the celebrant’s success, health, future, etc. before lighting a candle.
In the event that her father or grandfather isn’t present, the debutante will be given 18 white roses. This will signify his presence in one of the most important celebrations of his daughter’s life.
The entourage, including the debutante and her escort, will participate in a “Cotillion”, a dance that’s rehearsed for months prior to the celebration and also performed in the tune of waltz music. This is considered a very significant part of the debut.
The celebration ends with the debutante giving a speech regarding her life experiences, what she learned up to this point in her life, and finally thanking her family and everyone who supported her throughout her journey into adulthood.
Afterwards, everyone will be invited to dance in the center, like in a disco. Even though this is entirely optional, most debuts are incomplete without a disco party after the event.
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