Thea sparkles as debutante

MANILA, Philippines - Thea Tolentino celebrated her 18th birthday last Aug. 16 at the Villa Morales Resort in Calamba, Laguna.

The debutante sparkled in a floor-length cut-out black gown — embellished with crystals — created by Francis Libiran.

Thea’s butterfly-themed debut was attended by her family, friends, fellow Kapuso talents and other showbiz personalities.

The Half Sisters star wasn’t the mean girl she portrays in the hit Afternoon Prime drama series. Thea was every bit the opposite — a simple girl thankful of her blessings. This was attested by the participants of the 18 Wings, who didn’t only present their symbolic gifts to Thea, but also had well-wishes for her. Among them were Gladys Reyes (whom Thea worked with in Pyra) and Maritess “Tessbomb” Maranon. It wasn’t long before Thea shed tears, overwhelmed by their love and support.

Even some of the Protégé Female Battle Champ’s guests couldn’t help but get emotional. During the 18 Candles, fellow contestants Elle Ramirez and Zandra Summer held back tears of joy when they expressed how happy they were of their friend’s success. Direk Gina Alajar, who stood as Thea’s mentor in Protégé, also shared her fondness for the budding kontrabida.

When it was time for the 18 Roses, Thea’s guy friends/co-stars got the chance to dance with her. The participants included Teen Gen stars Juancho Trivino, Abel Estanislao, and Mikoy Morales (who was also part of Protégé), as well as Protégé Male Battle Champ Jeric Gonzales, and The Half Sisters stars Jomari Yllana and Derrick Monasterio.

Thea was serenaded by her friends. Aside from Derrick and Abel, Thea’s “special friend” Mikoy rendered a song he personally wrote for her.

Catch Thea in The Half Sisters, weekdays after Eat, Bulaga! on the GMA Afternoon Prime block.