I grew up in a family where number of girls were dominant than the number of guys. My mom had 5 siblings. She had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Growing in a family where tradition is followed, I saw how my mom and titas (aunts) celebrate their 18th birthday debut. While Spanish culture celebrate the transition of childhood to womanhood at the age of 15, Filipino Culture celebrates it at 18. I recall seeing pictures of my mom where you can really tell it was taken from way back then because of this crazy hair-do she had. There was also a picture of her dancing with my Lolo (grandfather) and her brothers that's all dressed up in their fancy clothes. My mom also had a picture of her with my Lola (grandmother), her sisters and her closest friends. Everyone who was important to my mom's life was there. It was just perfect.
Seeing how perfect it was made me want to want what she had. I remember telling her that I wanted to have that kind of moment too. I know until now that having that party is my ultimate wish. Year after year, my parents ask me what I want for my birthday. And until now, I still remember telling them "wala po, ipunin nio nalang para sa debut ko (nothing, just save your money for my debut)." I was aware that throwing that kind of party isn't going to be cheap. 14th, 15th, 16th birthday came by fast. When my 17th birthday came, I couldn't help but count the remaining 365 days 'til I get to experience my perfect night. When November of 2009 came, I couldn't believe what I heard.
"We might be leaving next year for the States." From that moment on, I just froze. I didn't know if I should be happy or sad. This was the family plan ever since i was 3 yrs. old. By the time I graduated high school I was so ready to leave my life back home. But having to spend 1 year in college, having the chance to meet new friends and knowing that I had to leave them just broke my heart. It was just months before I celebrate my 18th birthday. The big night is almost in reach. All my life I did nothing but plan this soon to be perfect night. I had my best girl friends to do my 18 candles and my best guy friends to do my 18 roses. Everything was set. January 26th of the year 2010 came. All I could do was cry. All the planning that I did came to waste because we had to start all over again.
April 30th, 2011. My supposed to be perfect night. A night where I wear my perfect dress, dance with Princes and kings, and hear wishes from Princesses and Queens. All of it gone. 'Til this day, I wish to have that perfect night. I envy every girl who got the chance to experience this magical evening and will continue to envy them for the rest of my life. They had what I wanted. They had what I dreamed of. All i could do is hope that my wish still comes true, if not for my birthday-my wedding night will do. :')
