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Living the dream, keeping the tradition

PAOLA LISSA: The Debutante

By Florence F. Hibionada

What makes a great evening? What deserves a celebration? How can pride and happiness be quantified? How can love and joy be tangible?

The answers found in that special night of memories and memoirs with family and friends in an evening put together afer months of preparation and tireless efforts. The date was August 27, 2005. The place, The Pavillion, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California, U.S.A. The reason of the celebration, Polly is 18.

In keeping with the Filipino tradition, Jim and Beth Fink had the best of the best prepared for their only daughter in a Debut, that formal introduction of their young lady to society on her eighteenth birthday. The tradition started during the early Spanish era in the Philippines and was carried out from generation to generation.

'A Special Day,' the Debut-program simply stated with the magical evening opened by the entrance of the Fink couple and then the Debutante herself, who was every bit the Princess that she is to the family. Then came the toast in her honor for the all the life and joy she has brought to the family, life and joy she is to be to her friends and second family.

'There is nothing negative you can say about our Polly,' the proud Dad in Jim said as he raised the glass amidst yells of 'cheers!'

The evening saw a presentation of 'Polly through the years' where in every picture taken and family affair held, these moments were livened by her presence as she evolved into everybody's baby, then Manang Polly to her younger cousins, ever dependable, ever lovable.

The evening also saw the traditional 18 roses-waltz, the first rose and first dance by 7 year-old cousin, Brad Hibionada and continued with each of the 18 roses symbolic of her 18 years of journey to and thru life. Grandfather, Tatay Ramon Hibionada had the last rose and her Eighteenth dance.

There was also the 18-candle ceremony that each carried special wishes and thoughts from 18 of the special people in her life.

'Thank you for teaching me everything,' her Tita Cel Hibionada lovingly and aptly said for beyond the innate charm Polly have, lies the wisdom and compassion that makes her a gem beyond the 18 years of life.

From the 'Lakers' charm given by her Tito Mike and Tita Rose Flores, (Polly's first words being 'Go Lakers!') to the bicycle charm of Tito Jun and Tita Maya Hibionada ( first bike lessons she had with them), the bracelet will carry 18 wonderful memories. There was also the Eiffel Tower charm from longtime family friend, Monica Placencia, reminder of Polly's recent European travel with her parents and symbolic of her future travels, the bible charm from her grandmother, Nanay Elsa Hibionada, the minivan charm from her most-loved cousins, Tita M and Uncle Jer, the Gradys.

As weddings are to the brides, Debuts are for the Debutantes and that is precisely what Polly got, deserving of only the best in that one night made so special just for her.

Why? Because the family's baby is now a lady who has grown to become a mature, compassionate person rooted to her Filipino values complimented by her American upbringing.

It was her turn to shine and she truly did that night.

Polly at 18 lived the tradition of a 'coming-out' debut-party, most beautiful in a beaded Thai-silk gown specially created for her by her Godfather, the renowned Alberto 'Bingbing' Sanchez who flew in from the Philippines. And living the dream of what she really is to Jim and Beth, Polly showed everyone how she is befitting of the Queen Victoria Silver Tiara with pink Swarovski and Austrian crystals. Just one of the many precious gifts of her parents acquired in an auction.

Decorator was Southern California's largest wedding and event florist, Apex décor and Flowers, considered as one of the best in the industry. Apex was to be the ultimate choice after the Debutante's uncle, florist to the stars in Philippine Cinema Robert Blancaflor had to cancel his trip. Pink roses adorned The Pavillion alongside Pink and White Dendrobium orchids, Pink Lilies and Hydrangeas.

Birthday cake was made by the Disneyland Hotel's pastry chef - a three-layered Victorian designed Chocolate cake with Chocolate Ganache Filling and buttercream icing. Covered with Pink roses and Gerber daisies, the cake magically laid on a table filled with Pink rose petals.

Guests enjoyed formal dining - Cream of Fennel Soup with Tarragon and Proscuitto, Grilled Chicken Breast marinated with ginger, cilantro and pesto with black bean and corn relish, twice-baked potato tower and Asparagus spears in roasted Roma tomatoes. Desert was memorable in itself and delicious to say the least - spiced poached pear in phyllo-dough with fresh strawberries,chocolate and whipped cream.

Memento of Polly's Debut were 'party favors' of handmade beeswax candle with Pink dried larkspur flower in a glass votive holder. There was also Pink pillow mints in organza bags, all inside a personalized pink translucent bag and pink rosary-bead bracelets sent from the Philippines.

The Debut-party started at 6 in the evening and ended at midnight. One night made extra special by the presence of closest family friends in Lourdes Gasacao-Fry flew in from Hongkong, East Coast 'aunts' Jelaine Orozco and Monette Tirona-Taffalla, Salen Gayomali-Teylan with husband Rico and children who came from Oregon. It was not to be missed as well by Titas from the Philippines, Eva Barrios and Elma Baron and Tito Marson Laforteza who rushed in time to be in California for the big family event. A special 'thank you' was extended by Polly to them alongside her endless gratitude to the over a hundred in attendance.

Friends and extended family in Christina Perez, couple Steve and Anna White, Apollo, Susie Hilado with children Ysa and Jordan, Tony and Fely Padilla, Ric, Dolores 'Nening' Hervias and baby, Mama Rose Flores, Mike and Josie Chiu, the Bañez Family, Eva Kyle, Olet and Ica Campos, Anchie, Janni and baby Cheska Campos, Nanay Onin Dedel, Fred and Hilda Yapjoco.

There as well were couple Jobert and Hazel Villanueva, Loubert Dichupa and daughter Chelsea, the Lie Family and favorite Tito Ryan Fernandez, the list of well-wishers continue and truly made Polly's night, her Eighteenth birthday one great night to remember.

'It was like getting married by yourself,' Polly said of her joy that evening.

Highlight of the night was the 'Father and Daughter Dance' - none of the waltzes but 'royal' steps still of twist and boogies danced to the tune of the Countours' 'Do you love me.' Tradition after all, is what we make out of it. Yet the evening was to slow down as tears were shed on the video montage that brought nostalgic and touching recollections to a number of visiting family members present.

Attire was formal, Barong and suit and tie for the men with the Debutante's father, Jim a 'stand-out' on his Tuxedo.

Guests stayed at the Disneyland Hotel, nearby Disney Grand California Hotel and Marriot Hotel in Anaheim.

Truly one night to remember as everybody's baby came out to be everybody's young lady.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Debutante - Paola Lissa 'Polly' Hibionada.