Confetti, Chaos, and Trying Not to Trip in Heels

A Crash Course in Glitter, Glam, and Getting Through It.

So, I got invited to my first-ever debut birthday party.

If you’re as clueless as I was, a debut is basically a sweet 16 on steroids, except it’s for turning 18, and everyone’s expectations are dialed up to eleven.

thought I was just attending a birthday bash. Little did I know, I was walking into a marathon of social etiquette, formal wear, and more pink decor than I knew existed.

But before that... At first, I figured a nice Sunday dress and some decent shoes would cut it. Wrong.

Sabi nila, 'mag itim kayo mga inday!'

Ugh! Black gown? Really.

With the help of my childhood friend na lahat na yata ng klase ng party eh napuntahan na. She says, it's not just the dress darling, it's how you gonna add spark and stand out with all people in black.

Okay, then I picked the dress.

.... and the jewelries.

Buti na lang nakalkal ko ang mana ko mula sa aking Lelang na ibinaon pa sa putik ang mga alahas niya para daw di makuha ng mga tulisang Pilipino at mga sundalong Hapon noong world War 2!

The moment I arrived, it felt like I’d stumbled into the Met Gala, but with fewer celebs and more glitter. There were gowns that could double as wedding dresses, suits sharper than my social skills, and enough makeup to stock a beauty store.

If you’re not blinded by the sequins within the first five minutes, congratulations—you’ve passed level one.

And the photos. Oh, the photos.

If you’re not posing every five minutes, are you even at a debut?

I have my sneakers at the car, sa tuwing nate tempt ako na kunin sa labas, naririnig ko sa utak ko; 'kayanin mo iyan inday!'

My toes are burnin' like hell!

Finally, after what felt like an eternity (but was probably just a few hours), it was time to leave. I hobbled out, clutching a party favor that I’ll likely never use...

Pero... nah!

Souvenir ko 'yon kung paano ako naka survive!