When I was a kid, I never thought of having a grande 18th birthday celebration, or the so-called "debut". When people asked me, I just shrugged my shoulders and and answer with a firm "NO!". I even thought of just asking money from my parents and buy the things I want and travel.

Growing up, I met a lot of people. With that, I was invited in various debut celebrations and was even part of some surprise birthdays. Every time I attend one, my desire to have my own celebration developed. And only earlier this year did I decide to have a debut for my 18th birthday. I knew we were not in the best situation that time to spend so much money for my birthday. But I prayed to God, because I know he will provide. 

I talked to my eldest sister about it because I knew she could help us. I told her to convince my parents and that I really want it this time. And God answered my prayers. My parents agreed. And I swear I was the happiest kid that time. I feel so blessed for my family, and that sister of mine for being ready to help and provide.

So how did I prepare for my most awaited event?

1. Think of a theme

I consulted a lot of people in this one. It was really hard to think of a theme because I didn't if I could pull it off. I decided to have Alice in Wonderland, and then it became Winter Wonderland, and in the end, Whimsical Wonderland. Now that was kind of a general/safe and I was fine with that. I don't even know if my debut looked like it. Lol.

2. Started listing people I want to be included in my 18's

It wasn't an easy task, you know. As much as I wanted to put everyone in there, I can't :( So I had to prioritize people and all. Even added two sets of 18's to accommodate friends that I really wanted to be included.

3. Reserve the venue

My mother helped me with this one. I can't go with my first choice because it's too expensive. And so we went to a pavilion which looked fine and 'naturely' and my theme is wonderland so it was okay really. I was so happy that it was available on my chosen date of debut which was a week after my real birthday. After our reservation, everything felt really. Like I'm really going to have a debut and I loved the feeling.

4. Catering Service, Emcee, and light and sound system

This one was crucial since they'll be the one to arrange the venue and cook the food. Good thing my mother's friend know someone who's known in this business and does really well in his job. The catering service we chose already has a reputation and I kind of felt at ease knowing this. I could see the light that time, everything was so tangible, I can help imagine my night. Lol :))) And yung caterer din nagsuggest na dapat may number ako on my debut, dance number preferably. I was like, WHAAAAT :o Pero ayun, uhh, I'll talk about it later :)) As for the emcee, the caterer referred one who also has a reputation in the business already, the problem is, she has another event that day. The caterer called another one, and she was free that day. So we thought we were done with the emcee. But when we came back to the caterer, he told us the emcee has an event pala. So we were like, WHAAAAT. He called again another one but he's not free. Now, the emcee called our original choice. Turns out, we could do something about it. Medyo inusad from 6:00pm to 7:00pm yung start ng party ko, to give time para makapunta yung emcee from another event. Now the other problem is, mahal ang TF. Pero my mother pushed it para daw sa ikasasaya ng debut ko :""> And yung caterer na rin nag-contact sa lights and sound system :) You see, di talaga kelangan ng coordinator =))))

5. Photo/Video Coverage

Now this one was easy because we have a friend who's doing this business. At first, I was opting for a photo coverage only since it's too expensive. And nahihiya na rin ako sa parents ko, ang laki ng gastos. But good thing, this friend of our's convinced me to take the photo and video coverage with photobooth and he'll give me P5k off. I was so thankful that time. And guess what, I got a surprise same day edit on my debut. Super na-touch ako dun :""">

6. Gowns and dress and dancing clothes

I decided na dalawang palit lang ako, aside from my dancing clothes. Lol. Yung tito ko ang tumahi and okay din kasi nasabi ko yung gusto ko. And kami na rin namili and bumili ng tela. I searched for inspirations ng design. And I chose the simple ones.

7. Dance and Song number

At first sobrang ayokong mag-perform, kasi naman wala akong talent!! Pero since alam naman ng lahat na frustrated singer and dancer ako, I decided to do both for fun :) Felt super blessed to have supportive cousins and friends na ready sa kahihiyan maturuan and masamahan lang ako kumanta and sumayaw. 1 month before nagstart na ko magpractice ng song number with cousins and friends, and yung dance number din with my dancer blockmates/friends. Medyo nagkaproblem pa with my dance number, I thought hindi siya mapupush kasi nabawasan sila nang nabawasan until tatlo na lang baback-up sakin and may prob pa sa scheds so hirap kami sa practice, pero they said we have to do it. And thankful lang ako kasi pinilit nila ko ituloy :">

8. Invitations

I asked my friend who did my photo/video coverage to help me in this one. I told him the style I wanted, which was like a fan (pamaypay) and then siya na nag-layout and edit. So I had two styles on invitations, one for those included in the 18's and another simple invitation for those invited. 

9. Pre-debut Photoshoot

I had to fix my outfits and the venue of the photoshoot. For the venue, we just chose to do it in my Aunt's house. They have such big house and garden and we also went near the clubhouse of the subdivison. For the outfits, I bought some, I borrowed some from a friend and cousins, and my Aunt (the one who owns the house) lent me some of her clothes. Everything went well. I was kind of shy and medyo iisa yung ngiti ko lol. Pa-sweet lang kasi hehehehe.

10. Myself

And the most important part of the preparations is to prepare myself, not just for the debut but for the greater world ahead of me. Being 18 entails a lot of responsibilities. People expect more from you. You have to be matured in acting and in making decisions. Other than that, I chose to stay 'me', to still be myself but wiser and bolder. :) Still the same Marize, but Marize version 2.0 =))

Will post photos and the happenings on that special night next time :)

Here's to the girl..
who just sat on a corner,
got evil stares at her,
shoved away 'cause it's the popular girl's friend's spot,
fought for her right,
and did not win because she's just that girl.

Here's to the girl..
who stopped her tears from falling,
went away to stay on a darker spot,
felt the heavy stares of everyone on her,
humiliated after what happened,
and she will never be the same again 'cause she's just that girl.

Here's to the friends..
who followed the girl to her spot,
decided to stay with her even after the humiliation,
stated random reasons for doing so,
even if they just meant that's what friends are for,
and they are the friends the girl never thought who'd do that.

Here's to the bullies..
who feels they own the world,
who thinks what they're doing is cool,
who looks down on other people,
well, may God's grace be upon you,
your friendship is admirable but it's not friendship when you don't correct each other's wrongdoings.

Here's to that girl..
who cries every time,
who feels so lowly,
who thinks she's alone,
well, you have a God who loves you and is ready to do anything for you,
stand up and raise your head high, the situation you were in does not define who you are now.

A derp who's interested in all sorts of life(food, travel, fashion, hair, nails, random cute stuff) but above all GOD. I am a dancer, singer, painter, artist.. oh, I mean I wish I was those. I'm still a student though, a proud ISKA. Favorite color is green, it's refreshing. Movies and Books are my best friends. I love adventures and I'm always in to new and extraordinary things.