Life never stops taking unexpected turns, which is why turning eighteen has always been a big deal for me. Just like most of the teenage girls out there, I, too, dreamt of having my own 18th birthday celebration at the age of thirteen. With this being such a huge milestone, I told myself I wanted it to be nothing short of a fairy tale... So fast forward to the year 2017, my parents started turning that fairy tale dream of mine into a reality. From hiring an events planner and stylist, booking a host and catering service, securing a venue, scouting for suppliers and fashion designers to preparing everything pre-debut related — my 18th birthday celebration last September 1, 2018 reminded me of all the blessings I have in my life.
Turning 18 definitely sounded super intimidating, but there was I! People always say they want to stay forever young, but not for me — I actually really love growing up. There are so many things I get to learn every single day, and while life may not always get better, I'm pretty sure I get smarter! Looking back, I would say I'm wholeheartedly grateful for #MichUniverse2018. Being surrounded by the people who matter to me the most made me feel like a true beauty queen. And as I look back on it once again, I want to thank so many people. To the women who made the otherwise stressful preparation time bearable and even exciting, thank you. I have hit rock bottom and reached cloud 9 on multiple occasions, but beyond the tears, arguments, and misunderstandings were always a big hug and a warm blanket. So to my sister and my mom, words cannot express how grateful I am for the blessings that you are. My vision for #MichUniverse2018 came true and it would not have been possible if it weren't for the two of you.
To my friends, family, relatives, and everyone else who made #MichUniverse2018 memorable, thank you for making my heart full. Though I still have many bridges to cross, thank you for spending the previous chapters of my life with me.
A Few Hours Before the Actual Event
Grand Entrance and Opening Prayer
18 Roses
Intermission Number
Ice Breaker: Who Will Be the Next Mich Universe?
Second Entrance
Debut Highlights
My coming of age turned out to be what I have always imagined it to be. To be frank, however, it took me more than 18 years to realize that I would rather have a small celebration instead of a ballroom full of people I now barely interact with. If I were to be completely honest, components of my life have changed dramatically throughout the years: my home, my friends, my dreams, and my headspace. I used to daydream about how life would be when I turn 18 and now that I'm 21, I never thought I had it all wrong. Come to think of it, having a small celebration probably would have been more meaningful.
Nevertheless, life is too short to dwell on regrets. What I like about my debut is that I will always have something to look back on. It's a no-brainer that people come and go and the only thing permanent in this world is change, but #MichUniverse2018 will serve as my testament that for once in my life, things actually fell into place. The love that I felt that day is incomparable to the regrets I have now.
Before I end this sentimental blog post, I want to take this space to thank the people who went out of their ways and threw a birthday surprise for me as well. To Crazy Broke Asians (Meldrick, Kristelle, Linnel, and Azel), thank you for surprising me with balloons and confettis in my hotel room and for spending the night with me in Solaire. Ordering McDonald's and getting locked out of our rooms are memories I will never forget. Lol!
To The Big Three (Azel and Linnel), just when I thought I couldn't be more surprised, thank you for visiting me in my house and giving me the cakes and DIY Punch Box.
To Michimicmaeryzaria (Ria, Micole, Khryza, and Henrie Mae), thank you for coming over and surprising me with the cake, makeup, and tarpaulin.
To my besties (Sharlynne and Mika), thank you for making my house pretty. Lol! Thank you for the balloons, banners, cake, and other party decorations <3 Sharlynne, thank you for your chess board gift as well!
To my family, I'm grateful for so many things... but you are certainly at the top of my list. Thank you for making my fairy tale dream come true and for simultaneously hitting the nail on the head. I love you.
Events Styling: Amante Fleurs*
Events Coordination: Simply Sparkle Events*
Debut Venue: Casa Ibarra
Pre-Debut Venue: Villa Milagros
Gown: Jerome Salaya-Ang*
Make-up: Glenny Jeong
Hairstyling: Russell Gonzaga*
Emcee: Drew Asuncion
Photo and Video: Art of Gelo
Invitation: PopGram Printing
Photobooth: IStory Productions
Cake: Hearts and Bells
*highly recommended
