Risa O. Peña at 18: A rare gem
Risa Maria Lourdes O. Peņa
* She proves to be a well-rounded individual by excelling in sports, passionate about the arts, graphic design and music. What gives Risa the greatest fulfillment is when she's able to extend help to her less fortunate brothers and sisters
ILOILO'S top society power couple Judgee Lopez-Peña and Sarah Opolencia-Peña may be known for throwing the best parties in town and actively participating in various civic-oriented causes but what the public does not know is that the couple's topmost priority and their most treasured possessions are their three intelligent, pretty and brilliant daughters Rita, Risa and Rica.
Risa's debut gown
by New Yorker
That is why it comes as no surprise that the couple only give their daughters the best, most especially when celebrating important milestones such as the introduction into society of their second daughter, Risa Maria Lourdes.
Risa is a young lady who is blessed with good looks, intelligence and wit. She has been excelling during her pre-school days at the Iloilo Montessori International School. She spent her elementary education at Assumption-Iloilo where she became involved with student politics and became the President of the Student Council when she was in the 6th grade. She graduated with honors and garnered the most number of awards in her batch, namely the Sports Award for Swimming, the Journalism Award and the Simplicity Award.
Risa's debut gown
by Patis Tesoro
For her high school education, she was accepted at the prestigious Philippine Science High School without reviewing at all. Despite this, she consistently made it to the Director's List and continually excelled in various extra-curricular activities.
Risa became the 5th Councilor and Majority Floor Leader during the Boys and Girls Week of the Rotary Club of Iloilo City.
Risa is currently an incoming sophomore at the Ateneo de Manila University where she is taking up BS Management Major in Legal Management.
Risa with her Papa Judgee
in Israel
Being the determined and hard-working person that Risa is, she still managed to excel in her academics and actively participates in different business, social and spiritual organizations in the said university.
She also proves to be a well-rounded individual by excelling in sports such as swimming, badminton and track and field. Moreover, she is also passionate about the arts wherein she considers painting as one of her hobbies. She is also blessed with a good voice. Risa also developed an interest in graphic design as well as video-editing.
Risa with her Mama Sarah
However, for Risa, what gives her the greatest fulfillment is when she's able to extend help to her less fortunate brothers and sisters. That is why she is active in a lot of charity works specifically a feeding and gift-giving program in memory of her late grand uncle Fernando "Junjie" Lopez, Jr, which she spearheaded. It is through her dedication to help the less fortunate which propelled her to pursue the legal profession after she graduates from college.
As one can see, Risa is indeed the kind of daughter any parent would love to have. That is why as she celebrates her debut, her parents only want to give her the best and nothing less.
Risa with her Mama Bobbie after her
elementary graduation from
Assumption-Iloilo
The celebration, which will be held this Saturday, April 14 at the Peña's posh residence at Ledesco Village, is indeed another party that everybody should look forward to. Risa, who loves the finer things in life specifically European royalty, opted to have this as her party's theme.
The sprawling residence of the Peñas will be filled with red and gold decors reminiscent of the Versailles Palace in France, which became an inspiration for the debutante in planning her party. Risa wanted to capture the opulent lifestyle during those times hence she tapped the talents of Bony Gaverza and moi in making all the preparations. Risa also asked Iloilo's top caterer Wilson Esperancilla to prepare the sumptuous dinner for her debut.
Risa (far left) during the awards
ceremony of the Regional PRISAA
Swimming Meet
The debutante will have two gowns. Her first dress is inspired by the heroine Christine of the musical play "The Phantom of the Opera". It is composed of five layers of fabric. The gown is hand dyed flesh colored taffeta topped by a light floral brocade organza, then three layers of pale gold illusion tulle on which embroidered stars are lovingly beaded with gold pearls and spangles that are scattered throughout the voluminous skirt. Finally, the corseted bustier is a picture of simplicity with the tiniest of puffed off-the-shoulder sleeves. This exquisite ball gown is created by great artist Patis Tesoro. Risa's second dress evokes "Old Hollywood" glamour in a Bordeaux Chantilly lace set against a nude backdrop artfully accentuated with a jeweled serpentine braid made by chic and elegant fashion house New Yorker. On the other hand, the dresses of the cotillion dancers of the debutante were made by Alex Soncio.
Risa gave a Christmas party for the
children of Barangay Simon Ledesma
at Jaro
Since the debutante is well-loved by people close to her and her family, guests from abroad, nationally and locally are all set in their fineries to join the Peña famille as they officially present Risa to society as a young lady.
Indeed, this is one event that will be forever etched in the memories of people not only because it will be a grand and lavish affair but more importantly because Risa is a rare gem whose important milestone is certainly worth celebrating.