Michelle at 18!

CEBU, Philippines - Michaela Climaco knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday party hosted by her doting parents Manny and Monica Climaco.

She tapped her cousins and dear friends to join in the preparations. Michelle as she is fondly called, chose to celebrate her milestone at the quietly refined, gentle breezes of Villa Rosario, a private enclave of the  well-respected   Climacos.

It was one of those balmy evenings Cebu is famous for. The sky was filled with stars and it reflected beautifully  upon the blue waters. The surrounding landscaped gardens had several well-placed round   and a few low rectangular shaped tables  topped with arrangements of multi-colored flowers in full bloom. All these were set amid a sea of candles. 

The debutante, the eldest of three and a business management student at the Ateneo de Manila, had lots of innovative and fun ideas for the luau-themed  party.

For starters, guests upon their arrival were presented with beautifully hand crafted fashion accessories made exclusively by  Cebuano jewelers. Some opted to wear them that evening.

Michelle dressed in a flowing off-white evening gown she purchased from one of the exclusive boutiques in America looked every inch a glowing, grown up lady, full of life and ready to conquer the world.

Adhering to some debut traditions, the celebrator sat on a chair on stage beside a multi-tiered apple, carrot and walnut cake lovingly created by master baker Sandra Lim. Her cousins and friends, some from Manila and neighboring islands  showered her with 18  long-stemmed roses with 18 good wishes to match.

After a sumptuous dinner  prepared by Cebu’s foremost catering service, Creative Cuisine, invitees took to the dance floor but not before loving dad Manny swirled Michelle to  a waltz and upbeat dance number.

Then a much-welcomed pause that accommodated  the well-received program was the fire dance  that mesmerized everyone. A lively limbo-rock soon followed.

The evening ended with an endearing message and toast that came from the heart by the debutant’s grandfather  Benny Ricafort. An appreciative touching response came  from a girl who during this particular night turned into a young woman parents dream of.

Michelle shared one–of-a-kind necklaces and  specially designed cupcakes with all the invitees for being instrumental in making this an unforgettable affair to remember for years to come.