For Filipino women, turning 18 is a reason for celebration. Not only is the 18th birthday a big deal in its own right, but in Filipino culture it’s customary to have a coming-of-age ceremony and a grand party to mark the occasion. However, while the details are up to you and whoever else is tasked with planning the party, there are some Filipino 18th birthday debut traditions that you won’t want to miss.

But first you’ll need a theme for the Filipina debut. Themes can take on just about any shape and color as long as the guest of honor and other attendees are up for it, but a traditional theme is much different from a more modern and interpretive take on Filipina debuts. While both modern and traditional themes have quite a bit of overlap, you’ll have a lot more liberty to take chances with a modern debut theme, which can take shape in many possible ways.

A traditional debut, on the other hand, will more closely resemble a ball or formal dance with strict adherence to customs that have historically been a part of debuts. Things like 18 roses, 18 candles and 18 treasures are common Filipina debut traditions, in addition to the grand cotillion waltz dance and a special father-daughter dance. 

That said, many of the details are up for interpretation, and each Filipina debut will likely have its own spin on which traditions to keep and which ones to reimagine or do without. After all, a Filipina debut is both a coming-of-age celebration as well as a celebration of Filipino culture, so it’s important to include both.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are five Filipina debut traditions to consider.

1. The Grand Cotillion Waltz Dance

Much of the preparation for any Filipina debut has to do with the grand cotillion waltz dance. Lasting between five and 12 minutes, the waltz dance typically requires months of planning and rehearsal prior to the debut party. Per cotillion etiquette, this group dance is performed by the debutante and her closest 18 friends.

Paired off in nine couples, this dance is usually the highlight of the night, with 18 participants enacting a choreographed dance that is commonly a waltz — though modern interpretations may bend the rules a bit for another type of song if the debutante and her friends feel that something else may be more appropriate.

2. Eighteen Roses

Typically bookended by a father-daughter dance and a dance with a boyfriend or suitor, the 18 roses custom is a Filipina debut tradition that plays off of the theme of the 18th birthday. In it, 18 of her closest male friends present the guest of honor with a long-stemmed red rose, after which a short dance between the two takes place.

While it’s common to start things off with a father-daughter dance, the dances can actually be done in any order, especially with more modern debut parties. During the proceedings, a DJ or announcer may also introduce each dancer and give a quick background about their relationship to the debutante.

3. Eighteen Candles

After the 18 roses part of the ceremony, now it’s the ladies’ turn. Just like the men, 18 ladies with close relationships to the debutante such as family members and friends will each light a candle and tell a story about the guest of honor. Traditionally, they’re meant to be inspiring and supportive to mark her entrance into adulthood, but some modern debuts may be more like a roast where funny or harmlessly provoking stories are shared.

Following the trip down memory lane, a candle is lit and presented to the debutante. After the last speech, all the candles are collected and ceremoniously blown out together. Typically, the mother gives the first speech and the last speech is given by the debutante’s best friend.

4. Eighteen Treasures

It’s a rather new practice at Filipina debuts, but it looks like this one is going to stay. Building on the 18 candles tradition, 18 treasures combines gift giving, speeches and comedy all in one. Unlike other traditions, this one’s also mixed-gender, so anyone can take part. The idea is this: eighteen of the debutante’s closest friends and relatives present a gift and a speech for the debutante while she’s seated nearby. The speeches themselves are wide-ranging from imparting wisdom to telling a joke or funny anecdote.

In addition to the 18 treasures Filipina debut tradition, it’s possible to play up the number 18 in other ways such as 18 shots, 18 blue bills or some other fun activity involving the number 18. Eighteen shots takes the same form of the 18 treasures practice, but with alcohol instead of gifts, while 18 blue bills stands for the giving of cash gifts — blue refers to the color of the Philippine one thousand peso note.

For modern Filipina debuts, the only limit here is your creativity. 

5. The Father and Daughter Dance

Like the grand cotillion waltz dance, this Filipina debut tradition is one of the high points of the evening. It may not require the preparation of a group dance, but it is a poignant and sentimental part of Filipino debut history. Signifying the shift away from childhood and the acceptance of womanhood, the father-daughter dance is a moment that both father and daughter will cherish forever.

Whether the dance takes place during the 18 roses ceremony, the last dance of the evening is typically reserved for the father. If the father is unable to attend, a close male relative such as a father-figure, caretaker or grandparent may fill the role. After the last dance, everyone will be invited onto the dance floor for one last blowout — though the dancing could last for hours!

Reserve Your Filipina Debut Venue Today

Here at Occasions4.us, we know that a Filipina debut is full of traditions and lots of shared memories. With the right venue and convenient, all-in pricing, we can help turn your Filipina debut dreams into reality. 

We’ve partnered with five of the most exclusive venues in the Las Vegas area — including The Legacy Golf Club, Wildhorse Golf Club, Spanish Trail Country Club, Aliante Golf Club and Primm Valley Golf Club — and our close relationships with vendors and onsite event coordinators means that you’ll get to enjoy the evening instead of working.With complete venue setup, cleanup and plenty of upgrade options if you want us to do it all, we’ve got you covered. Request an event proposal today!