Those who attended the recent birthday celebration of Joanne Laurel would describe her as a princess or a Cinderella. However, a more fitting Filipino description would be “bongga ka ‘day!” Joanne looked very regal in her long pink gown with matching “bling-bling” that flashed throughout the night. She changed her attire four times during the evening, showing off two long gowns, one evening dress and jeans for her hip-hop dance.

Joanne’s hair was done specially for her by Danny De Vega, who also did her makeup as well as that of her cotillion court. The tiara Joanne wore also reinforced her princess look.

I witnessed Joanne grew up to what she is now. She is my niece, the daughter of Joel and Susie Laurel. I used to take her to her pre-school in West Covina, California when she was six-years-old. The family later moved to Washington State and made Seattle our home. Joanne went to Blanchet High School. She now attends the University of Washington with the hopes of becoming a pharmacist. Joanne celebrating her 18th birthday reminds me that I am now aging. That’s okay. I am happy to be part of Joanne’s life.

The debutante’s ball in Filipino tradition is a rite of passage, a mark of a girl’s transition to womanhood. The custom traces its roots to 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Joanne’s debut was elaborately planned. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Seattle. Guests came as far as the Philippines and other parts of the United States. It also served as a reunion for my family. Guests were fed an exquisite plated menu, with filet mignon and sea bass as the dinner entrée as the Heartlight Band played popular tunes. Tess Mendoza, Edgar Mesina and Eva Sabiniano sang several ballads.

The traditional cotillion ushered the evening’s ballroom dancing. Joanne’s court was first to come out to introduce the debutante, escorted by her parents. Joanne’s own escort, Willimark Obenza, then led her through the cotillion which incorporated a series of charming Viennese waltzes. Indeed, her court of nine young Fil-Am ladies in the peak of their youth was a picture of loveliness, health, self-assurance, boundless expectations and joie de vivre.

Jojo Rabara rendered a special song as Joanne and her father danced. The cotillion court entertained the guests with choreographed dance numbers followed by the vocal performance of Michelle Valle and Nicole Banal.

The debutante’s ball included a formal presentation of 18 roses and 18 candles to Joanne from her family and friends. At the end of the program, it was time for Joanne to thank all who made the party possible. It was touching to see Joanne give her parents, Joel and Susie, a hug of gratitude.

Guests then danced the night away. Visiting members of our family from the Philippines and Los Angeles had an extended celebration before heading home. We were treated by the Laurels to an Argosy Cruise. We took in the wonderful views including Seattle landmarks like Bill Gates’ residence. After the cruise, we had dinner at the Laurels who served us Dungeness crabs, baked salmon, fresh oysters, barbecued steak, and clam soup. We were all tired but happy.

For Joanne’s mother, the debut was an opportunity for her daughter to polish her social skills, remind her of her heritage and relive her own dreams. For Joanne’s father, it was time to show off the lovely young woman who stole his heart the day she was born. For both Joel and Susie, it was also a time to write checks. A lot of checks.

Joanne I’m sure will remember her coming of age ball for a long, long time. It will be one of her most treasured memories.