Philippine Debut
Encyclopedia
The Philippine Debut is a cultural tradition
of the Filipino people
. It is a coming-of-age celebration for Philippine women that is somewhat reminiscent of the Latin American "Quinceañera
" celebration. The difference between the Quinceanera and the Philippine Debut is the age at which the celebration takes place. The Philippine debut celebrates a woman turning 18 years old, while the Quinceañera
takes place on a young lady's 15th birthday.
On their 18th birthday, Philippine women throw a large party, complete with her own hand-picked debut court of 18 people. These 18 are 9 males and 9 females who the celebrant pairs off into partners. The celebrant's court usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant similar to that of a wedding party, while the celebrant typically wears an extravagant ball gown.
The birthday celebrant along with her partner and court perform traditional debut dances for their guests. The most important dance that the celebrant and her court performs is known as the "Grand Cotillion
Dance" which is usually a classic waltz. There is also an "18 Roses Dance" where 18 males picked by the celebrant beforehand dance with her after presenting her with a single red rose. This dance is almost always preceded with the memorable "Father and Daughter Dance".
During the celebration, the debutante also has 18 chosen "candles". These "candles" are females who know the celebrant and must give a short speech on either their relationship with the celebrant and/or any special birthday wishes they have for their celebrant.
After all the food, entertainment, and Philippine Debut traditions for this wonderful occasion has gone under way, the celebrant brings the celebration to a close with a Debutante's speech in which she shares her life experience and gratitude with her beloved guests.
Philippine men receive their Debut when they turn 21 years of age.
This Philippine tradition was highlighted in a small budget film entitled The Debut starring Dante Basco
.
Culture of the Philippines
Philippine culture is related to Micronesian, Bornean, Mexican and Spanish cultures. The people today are mostly of Malayo-Polynesian origin, although there are people with Spanish, Mexican, Austro-Melanesian and Chinese blood. Geographically, the Philippines is considered part of Southeast Asia...
of the Filipino people
Filipino people
The Filipino people or Filipinos are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the islands of the Philippines. There are about 92 million Filipinos in the Philippines, and about 11 million living outside the Philippines ....
. It is a coming-of-age celebration for Philippine women that is somewhat reminiscent of the Latin American "Quinceañera
Quinceañera
Quinceañera , sometimes called "Fiesta de quince años", "Fiesta de Quinceañera", "Quince años" or simply "quince", is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of immigrants from Latin America...
" celebration. The difference between the Quinceanera and the Philippine Debut is the age at which the celebration takes place. The Philippine debut celebrates a woman turning 18 years old, while the Quinceañera
Quinceañera
Quinceañera , sometimes called "Fiesta de quince años", "Fiesta de Quinceañera", "Quince años" or simply "quince", is the celebration of a girl's fifteenth birthday in parts of Latin America and elsewhere in communities of immigrants from Latin America...
takes place on a young lady's 15th birthday.
On their 18th birthday, Philippine women throw a large party, complete with her own hand-picked debut court of 18 people. These 18 are 9 males and 9 females who the celebrant pairs off into partners. The celebrant's court usually wears a uniform formal outfit chosen by the celebrant similar to that of a wedding party, while the celebrant typically wears an extravagant ball gown.
The birthday celebrant along with her partner and court perform traditional debut dances for their guests. The most important dance that the celebrant and her court performs is known as the "Grand Cotillion
Cotillion
In American usage, a cotillion is a formal ball and social gathering, often the venue for presenting débutantes during the débutante season – usually May through December. Cotillions are also used as classes to teach social etiquette, respect and common morals for the younger ages with the...
Dance" which is usually a classic waltz. There is also an "18 Roses Dance" where 18 males picked by the celebrant beforehand dance with her after presenting her with a single red rose. This dance is almost always preceded with the memorable "Father and Daughter Dance".
During the celebration, the debutante also has 18 chosen "candles". These "candles" are females who know the celebrant and must give a short speech on either their relationship with the celebrant and/or any special birthday wishes they have for their celebrant.
After all the food, entertainment, and Philippine Debut traditions for this wonderful occasion has gone under way, the celebrant brings the celebration to a close with a Debutante's speech in which she shares her life experience and gratitude with her beloved guests.
Philippine men receive their Debut when they turn 21 years of age.
This Philippine tradition was highlighted in a small budget film entitled The Debut starring Dante Basco
Dante Basco
Danté Basco is an American actor, voice actor, poet, and dancer. He is best known for playing Rufio in the 1991 live-action Peter Pan film Hook...
.