Angel's Debut Party

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Here in the P.I., a girl's 18th birthday is a Big Deal. A coming-out, it's called a Debut Party and the girl is the Debutante. For boys, it is their 21st. This night was all about Angel.

We were invited by Angel's mother, Carmela (Elay, pronounced ELL-eye). You might remember Elay from a year ago when we were doing the Taal volcano refugee relief effort.

We had to park a couple blocks away but ended up in front of the house Joelet used to live in. The street urchins quickly gathered around because a foreigner in these parts - especially a white foreigner - is a rarity, a curiosity. I snapped a shot of them after we got out of the truck:

When we arrived at the venue (Pines & Palms - FB Link), the music was too loud for me (ears & hearing not quite what they used to be), so I hoofed it back to the truck to get my ear plugs. Right away, there were my street buddies peppering me with questions, asking my name. I said let's get another pic, they included a neighbor girl as well:

These things are called tricycles/trikes. They are a very common form of transport here and the bane of my existence. They are too slow, most drivers won't move to the right, stuff like that:

As in all other venues, the signs are posted for masks and social distancing but the layout of the place really made it impossible for distancing. I think they are required by law to post those. The theme for the evening was Bohemian - i.e., hippie. Here is my flower child companion:

Other than the 2-3 event photographers, I think I was the only person there with an actual camera not part of a cell phone. The entire affair was well done, the food was good although I wish the staff had made use of the chafing dish and lit them up. After dinner, the emcee took over and introduced one of Angel's cousins, who serenaded her & us with You Are My Sunshine:

Next came the dance, mainly her boy cousins, her Kuya (older brother), friends. It reminded me of a dollar dance at a wedding where the guys take turns dancing with the bride but, instead of money, a flower was given.

Next, each gift-giver was called up to say a few words to the debutante and pose for a picture. Here is Joelet's turn: