Mary Ellen is 18!

CEBU, Philippines - Lovely  Mary Ellen de la Peñas knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate her 18th birthday,  a special milestone that signifies a true beginning of being a young adult. And  her loving parents Joen and Jill de las Peñas gladly obliged.

The Marquee of the Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa,  a much-desired  venue for many memorable affairs basked in a beautiful  makeover for the dazzling party.  At its center was a   magnificently  lighted gazebo  and around it the tables were bedecked with hanging crystals and silver twigs.

As the   invitees settled down  in their assigned seats, the radiant debutant,  in a powder blue gown by Cebuano designer Bernardo Flores, took center stage  as a beautifully orchestrated ballet performance by the Sandiego Dance Group  set the tone for the evening.

Proud dad Dr.  Joen de las Peñas with a rose  had the traditional first dance which was not limited to  the usual waltz but quickly   switched to steps of the  pop, the twist, the  mashed potato and  the like.

Eighteen gentlemen led by   Mary Ellen's  uncles Glen Mark Anthony and   Joseph, a long time resident of America who came solely for the occasion, her   brother John Edward,  friends  and classmates continuously "cut-in" thus completing the dance of the 18 roses representing her youthful years.

Not to be outdone, another set of 18 lovely ladies lighted 18 candles, each one with wishes for good health, a successful life and much happiness. Mom Jill, resplendent in a blue beaded gown did the honors of lighting the mother candle.  

Over a sumptuous buffet  dinner, a professionally produced technically advanced entertaining and endearing video presentation highlighted the milestones of Mary Ellen from her happy  childhood days to the present moment where  the young lady was now a budding beauty.

With much applause and cheers, Mary Ellen once again made  a spectacular entrance this time arm in arm with parents Joen and Jill. She was   simply stunning in a pale beige off-shoulder  gown encrusted with crystals and pearls complete with  a small diamond tiara which  was yet another creation of the same Cebu-based fashion designer who  outdid himself with the two evening gowns he lovingly created for the star of the celebration.  

Shortly after, lady  friends and relatives of the celebrant who all looked so prettily dressed up in identical flowing  blue gowns while their male chums, dashing in their dark suits, danced the Grand Cotillion. Debonair Vincent Williams was Mary Ellen's  attentive escort.  To the delight of the guests, it was a cotillion with a difference as  Cebu's leading choreographer Val Sandiego masterfully blended the classical dance movements with today's modern dance steps. 

Before the clock struck midnight, a five-tiered cake by Trina Ang Kokseng of  Cake Couture was ushered in. All the guests broke into the Happy Birthday song as  Mary Ellen closed her eyes to make her secret wish before  she blew out the candles.  Without a doubt, it was a fabulous evening. (FREEMAN)