Marco Polo's Grand Debutantes' Ball

Debutante. A young woman making her first formal introduction to society.

And what better way to do this than a grand celebration in the presence of family and friends? This was what Marco Polo Hotel did with the help of the Fashion Council of Cebu when they handpicked seven top debutantes of the year coming from the metro's old and prominent families.

The 2007debutantes had a grand entrance at the ballroom with their respective parents, all beaming with pride and joy as the Peace Philharmonic String Quartet provided the background music. Elegantly dressed in masterpieces done by members of the Fashion Council of Cebu, the seven pretty debutantes were: Vanetee Alvarez in a white strapless Arcy Gayatin creation; Donna Paige Lim in a baby pink Minnie Yuvienco bouffant gown; Erika Ong was in a dainty empire-cut number by Cebu's Fashion czar Philip Rodriguez; Monica Villarica was radiant in an Albert Arriba bias-cut off-shoulder gown in pink lace; while Maria Isabella Selma and twin sisters Jasmin Ellen and Jennifer Elaine Sarmiento were all dressed by  Jun Escario. Maria Isabella's gown was a strapless piece with a fully-beaded bodice; Jasmine Ellen was a pink strapless number with a chiffon draping gathered by a brooch as an accent while Jennifer Elaine was a pale blue finely beaded bodice bouffant ensemble. One thing's for sure, they all looked like royalties that one October night.

Serenading the seven lovely debutantes was the dashing and debonaire Gian Magdangal who definitely captivated everyone's attention through his impressive voice, giving justice to the beautiful songs he rendered. The ball's Queen Mother was Bo Hauri, charming wife of Marco Polo's General Manager Hans Hauri.

It was truly a night to remember and cherish forever especially to the seven lovely debutantes and their parents, as well. Cheers and welcome to society!