Turning 18 and loving it
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 Dr. Joen de las Peñas and Jill de la Peñas gladly obliged.
The Marquee of the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, a much-desired venue for many memorable affairs, was beautifully made-over for the dazzling party. At its center was a lighted gazebo and around it the tables were decked 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 centerstage as a beautifully orchestrated ballet performance by the Sandiego Dance Group set the tone for the evening.
Proud dad, Dr. Joen 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 residents of America, who came 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 lit 18 candles, each one with wishes for good health, a successful life and happiness. Mom Jill, resplendent in a blue-beaded gown did the honor of lighting the mother candle.
Over a sumptuous buffet dinner, a professionally produced, technically-advanced, entertaining and endearing video highlighted the milestones of Mary Ellen from her happy childhood to the present.
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 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. 
Lady friends and relatives of the celebrant, who looked so prettily grown-up dressed in identical flowing blue gowns, and the 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 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.
