Risa turns 18
Iloilo society's power couple Judgee Lopez-Peña and Sarah Opolencia-Peña once again gave the party of the year. Sarah, who was chosen as Iloilo's number one hostess by the Philippine Tatler, indeed lived up to her title as she celebrated Risa Maria Lourdes O. Peña, her second daughter's debut celebration last Saturday at their posh residence in Ledesco Village.
The couple would give anything for their children who continuously made them proud. Risa has consistently excelled in her academics and extra-curricular activities starting from her preschool days up to the time when she's in college. She is also very athletic and is a veteran swimmer. Moreover, she's passionate about the arts and loves to paint. The debutante also happens to be a Dean's Lister at the Ateneo de Manila University where she is taking up BS Management major in Legal Management. That is why Judgee and Sarah wanted to give a grand and lavish affair for Risa because she truly deserves such celebration for all the accomplishments she had.
Cotillon Dancers (Girls)
Risa, who has always had a fascination for European royalty, chose this as the theme of her party. Every detail was carefully planned and the whole party was well-executed.
To start off, there were lighted torches displayed at the whole block to guide the guests to where the party is. When the guests arrived at the residence of the couple, there was a boudoir, reminiscent of the times of Marie Antoinette. This boudoir served as a place for relaxation as the guests wait for their turn to register.
Cotillon Dancers (Boys)
The guests were then ushered inside the house of the Peñas to the sprawling garden where the celebration was held. Indeed, a romantic atmosphere was evoked as red flowers filled the place. Everywhere you look there were gold pillars draped in burgundy cloth with red flowers so as to be consistent with the European royalty theme. The stage was inspired by the palace of Versailles in France where there were gold fleur de leis that filled the thrown of the debutante.
Rica, Sarah, Judge and Rita Peña
The guests were entertained by the powerful voices of the University of San Agustin (USA) Troubadours headed by Arnie Lubasan. The program started with the entrance of the family of the debutante. The eldest daughter, Rita Carla Fernandina O. Peña then welcomed the guests in behalf of the family. To give the guests a glimpse of how the debutante evolved into a young lady, a video presentation of her life was shown.
Risa and Don Balagtas
After that, the USA Troubadours sang "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" which happens to be one of the favorite songs of the debutante. Then, Risa entered from the terrace of her house and crossed a bridge where she was welcomed by the members of her cotillion. The debutante was dressed in an exquisite Patis Tesoro creation. Her ball gown is inspired by the Queen of Austria, Sisi, as well as the character of Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera". She then greeted her guests and when she arrived onstage, she sang "What a Wonderful World" and dedicated this song to her parents.
Patis Tesoro, Marivic Madrigal Vaquez
and Atty. Joemarie Treñas
The opening prayer was led by the debutante's younger sister, Rica Marie Isabel O. Peña. The guests then enjoyed the sumptuous dinner prepared by the family's favorite chef, Wilson Esperancilla.
More on this big happening in our next issue.