As we all know, 18th birthday is a big deal for us Filipinos, especially to most girls, since this marks the beginning of adulthood. Thus, this make sure that the celebration is going to be “lit” and unforgettable by usually throwing a big and extravagant party. Traditionally, it is the night when the birthday girl is in her most beautiful and dolled up self as she’s cladded in the fabulous gown of her choice, and is surrounded by her family, friends, and other loved ones who are part of the 18 candles, 18 blue bills, 18 treasures, and/or 18 roses.
While that is a dream for some, there are others who opt to celebrate this milestone differently by either totally refusing to adhere from the customary or doing other things that would make it more meaningful. Just like the gorgeous stars in this Kapamilya Snaps feature who had unique or unconventional celebrations.
Andrea Brilliantes
As she turned 18 in 2021, Andrea didn’t only have one, but two parties on the same day at an events place in Bataan. She initially arranged a simple outdoor picnic during the day for her besties Bea Borres, Christine de Guzman, and Mona Alawi, wherein she was photographed wearing red tube top and denim pants.
And by evening, her beloved fam and besties surprised her with a real and grand, yet intimate debutante experience by organizing a noir-themed fete complete with a dance, birthday cake, and short program. Andrea simply switched to a matching red skirt and completed her OOTN with a pair of black sneakers.
Liza Soberano
In 2016, Liza’s family, friends, and on-and-off-screen partner made sure to make her 18th birthday special by organizing a Bohemian-themed beach bash for her at a resort in a Talisay, Batangas.
She may not be wearing a sparkly gown that time, but the Bagani leading lady still stood out from the crowd in her black boho-chic outfit and a dainty flower crown.
Alexa Ilacad
Being a certified animal lover and animal welfare advocate that she is, Alexa was indeed over the moon when her wish for her 18th birthday in 2018 was fulfilled – to hold a simple thanksgiving celebration at an animal rehabilitation center. In the caption of the carousel of photos taken during the event that she posted on Instagram, she wrote, “A memorable debut for me is one where I would get to spend my special day around neglected and rescued dogs & cats, who are the dearest to my heart.”
Then she added, “I'm both surprised & amazed that there are wonderful, kind-hearted people who offered to take part in my simple celebration to make it extra special & memorable!” Among those who attended her paw-ty were some of her friends and supporters.
Loisa Andalio
Instead of being the one to receive, it was Loisa who gave her beloved fans a lovely treat on her 18th birthday in 2017. As her way of showing her appreciation for their relentless support to her, the Love In 40 Days lead actress staged a birthday concert at the Music Museum, in which she wore different costumes, including a gorgeous white ball gown.
Her real-and-real-life sweetheart Ronnie Alonte made a special appearance, and she thanked him by posting a snap of them together onstage, which she captioned, “Ginawa mo ding memorable ‘yung special na gabi para sa akin, salamat!”
Barbie Imperial
Barbie also had a simple bohemian-themed party for her 18th birthday in 2016, which she graced by putting on a nude dress with fur and lace accents and little flower crown. The venue indeed had a festive vibe, with guests also cladded in hippie get-ups.
Among the attendees were her fellow GirlTrends members then Loisa Andalio, Riva Quenery, and Maris Racal, as well as Hashtag Ryle Santiago.
Sofia Andres
Another actress to ditch the traditional debut was Sofia, who held her grand celebration at a posh venue in Makati City. She arrived in a red tuxedo dress that truly highlighted her womanhood and made her look absolutely sophisticated.
The The Iron Heart actress’ guests also came in smart casual attires, which suggests that the event was less formal. Among the attendees were Elisse Joson, Michelle Vito, Robi Domingo, Sue Ramirez, Dominic Roque, Bailey May, Ylona Garcia, Jane Oineza, Andrea Brillantes, Loisa Andalio, Igiboy Flores, Bugoy Drilon, and Kamille Filoteo, as well as CJ Navato, Kristel Fulgar, and Diego Loygaza, who also prepared song numbers for her.
AC Bonifacio
Since the pandemic was ravaging when she reached “Level 18” on December 15, 2020, AC just had a simple birthday celebration with her family at their home in British Columbia, Canada. They may not be able to have a grand celebration, but they made sure to make it still awesome and cheery by having an enormous balloon and floral arrangement – which were all in pink – and with the ASAP Natin ‘To regular cladded in a white form-fitting dress.
Elha Nympha
For her 18th birthday last April, Star Magic threw a surprise garden party for Elha. Probably because she didn’t anticipate it, the The Voice Kids Season 2 grand champion arrived in a blue floral dress that perfectly flaunted her glow-up.
It was attended by her beloved family, relatives, and friends, which include Macky Empuerto, Reiven Umali, Jayda Avanzado, who came in their fashionable beach outfits.
Sam Cruz
Instead of having a traditional debut, Sam had a glamorous disco-themed fete last August, which was attended by her closest friends in-and-out of showbiz, and most especially by her parents Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano and their current partners, as well as her siblings.
The up-and-coming singer was indeed sparkling gold mini dress and silver leaf crown, while her sisters Angelina and Chesca also sashayed in their vibrant teal and fuchsia numbers, respectively.
Sharlene San Pedro
Sharlene also had a pretty casual yet remarkable get-together with her closest friends during her 18th birthday in 2017. The Goin’ Bulilit alumna was dolled up in a dainty floral white dress that she complemented with a black choker.
Her guests, on the other hand, which includes her fellow former child stars CJ Navato, Miles Ocampo, Jairus Aquino, and Igi Boy Flores were cladded in laidback attires.
Belle Mariano
Another pandemic debutante was Belle, who turned 18 on June 10, 2020. Since everyone are discouraged to go out and was restricted to hold any kind of gathering, she only got to celebrate it at home with her family.
The “An Inconvenient Love” leading lady may not be wearing a gown, yet she still looked fabulous in her multicolored halter top and jeans. Her family also made it special by decking a portion of their home with pink, orange, and white balloons, as well as giving her a box of red roses and a delectable naked cake.
These celebrities are proofs that sometimes, not sticking to what we’ve been accustomed to could be more fun and better. Regardless of how you celebrated or will celebrate your milestone birthday, what matters most is that you are surrounded by your loved ones and that you are happy and satisfied with it.