A night of dance, music, wine and glamor for Risa
The Royal Family. Rica O. Peña, Sarah
O. Peña, debutante Risa O. Peña Judgee
Lopez Peña and Rita O. Peña
This is the second and final installment on our feature on one of the biggest events of the year --- the debut of Risa Peña, daughter of Judgee Lopez Peña and Sarah Opulencia Peña.
After dinner, 18 of Risa's closest friends lighted a candle and said wishes for her. Then, 18 of Risa's relatives and family friends chose a specific gift or symbol which best embodies the debutante.
Don-don Balagtas, Lilibeth ”Baba”
Balagtas, Judge Dan Balagtas, Benjo
Balagtas and Brian Balagtas
For the cotillion or the traditional dance performed by the debutante and her close friends, Risa chose the Laendler, a dance which has its origin in Austria and choreographed by William Recabar. Alex Soncio created the gowns of the cotillion dancers.
After that, there was the 18 roses tradition, where 18 male relatives and friends participated.
Risa Maria Lourdes O. Peña with
her 18 candles
Fr. Jonas Mijares, OSA together with the USA Troubadours gave a special number to the debutante. Risa's sister, Rica recited a sonnet by William Shakespeare and gave a testimonial to the debutante.
For the souvenirs, the Peña family gave the guests perfume bottles brought from Egypt.
The Tres Marias: Rita O. Peña,
Rica o. Peña and Risa O. Peña
Risa then changed into her second dress which was made by the chic and elegant fashion house New Yorker.
There was a beautiful fireworks display which filled up the whole sky as the 300 guests of the Peñas officially welcomed Risa into society.
The Peña residence at
Ledesco Village
However, the party was not yet over. The Overmode and Crossover band played as the guests partied until the wee hours in the morning.
The Peñas indeed made another mark in the social scene. All of these would not have been possible if it weren't for the talent and creativity of Bony Gaverza and Nonoy Ybiernas who made all the preparations for this debut. This is one event that will be forever etched in the memories of people because it was meticulously planned and done in good taste. Leave it to the Peñas to make an event truly unforgettable. After all, Judgee and Sarah would give anything for their children who have continuously made them proud.