DEBUTANTE’S SPEECH
Good evening everyone — ladies and gentlemen, friends and acquaintances. I am very much delighted that you are able to come and share this momentous event in my life.
Indeed, this is a significant affair for me and for my family. Not only are my chums present but also other people who in some way or another have touched my life in my eighteen years of existence. Those eighteen years seem to be just a breeze. I still vividly remember my childhood days — those wonderful, happy, carefree days when all I do are eat, sleep, play, and watch The Sound of Music. The only worries I had those days were my Addition and Subtraction problems in Preparatory Arithmetic, and some petty quarrels with a few classmates. Other than that, life was as easy as A,B,C and do-re-mi.
Then all of a sudden, I woke up and even the slightest things worried me. Will this dress fit me? Am I too thin, or on the contrary am I gaining weight? Oh no, I’ve got pimples! Lo and behold: I have a crush on that guy! But more importantly I had to be concerned with my term paper in Social Studies, the two-column proof I had to finish in Geometry, and the cell processes I had to comprehend in Anatomy and Physiology! Out of the blue, “the country isn’t that restful”, anymore.
But still, stepping into a new phase of my life isn’t all that vile. Honestly speaking, I find myself liking the initial taste of this “lady-like stage” thing. I have established a circle of friends with whom I share my thoughts, ideas, and secrets. We share our beauty tips if there’re any, and we go over the latest fashion together. In each other’s company, we’ve tried to shove hefty amounts of Medical terms and information into our bloated minds, thanks to our favorite study technique: CRAMMING! Then after the exams, together, we go pray in the Prayer Room to ask for ‘Divine Providence’! My friends and I laugh… a lot! That’s concrete indication of my glee whenever I’m with them. And for all that, thanks a lot to my friends — Inah, Mae-Mae, Angel, Rozzette, Rose Ann. Thank you so much! And of course thanks to my gal cousins: Clarisse and Dayne. We trio also love to laugh and sing together. We’re not only cousins, but buddies as well. And thanks to all their parents because first of all, they’ve granted us the pleasure of their presence and next, if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have such wonderful friends.
But the most important thing about coming of age is the responsibilities that lie ahead of me. I am now entrusted with more tasks. I am aware that I have to be reliable enough to do things properly — especially now that I’m a Second Year Nursing student and things aren’t getting easier. I know that it is my responsibility to study. And still, studying is not the only entity I have to think about. There are the minor house chores I have to keep an eye on. These are hard, I know that. But thanks to my parents, who teach me that these are vital to my development. In fact, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my parents — Papa and Mama for everything…. Just everything! Sobrang salamat po sa lahat-lahat! Words are just not enough to show all of you here how much these two people love me. And that love, I should say, is genuine and abounding love. I may not be the prettiest, or the kindest, or the wittiest, or the tallest daughter in the world. But I know that I am one of the luckiest… because I have parents who love me so much. They even took the time and effort despite of their busy schedules, to organize such an event for me. Imagine that? I didn’t push them to arrange a cotillion party for me. In fact, I told them it’s alright for me to have a simple party. I mean, I know how very costly this is for them. But still, they went on with all these anyway! Why? Because they love me and they always want the best for me.
Pa, Ma… I love you too. I love you so much — so much that I’ll reach my dreams not only for myself but also for you and for Maris. Para po sa inyo kung anuman ang mga mararating ko. And yes, you’ve guessed it right, hindi po muna ako mag-aasawa!
And of course, I’d like to thank Maris as well. She’s the only little sister I have. I have waited eleven years for a sibling. And when God gave her to us, my life has never been happier! Ayis baby, I love you! Andito lang lagi si Ate para sa’yo kahit na minsan ay inaaway kita. Lambing lang yon, bunso.
Then I’d like to thank each and everyone of you for coming to my debut party. You all have proved how much special I am to you. Thanks so much, especially to the people who have spent their time and energy just to make this happy day possible. Thanks to my family — Papa, Mama and Maris. Also, thanks to my relatives — my aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course my grandparents.
And thank you very much to the cotilloners: Clarisse, Rose Anne, Inah, Gia, Dayne, Mae-Mae, Michelle, Marjorie, Noel, Lymwel, Mart, Ace, Allan & Carlo, Brian, and Ludgie. Also, thanks very much to my escort, Aron.
I really, really have to thank Levie, our correographer and the over-all director of this event. Thanks po for all your ideas and all your help. You’ve been very reliable and very resourceful. Without you, a wonderful program would not be possible.
Last but not the least, I’d like to thank God for giving me such wonderful people. I’m surrounded by angels! I want to thank the Lord for everything. I don’t know what virtuous act I did for me to deserve all of these. Lord, I know You’re here with us, and we thank You for making all of these possible. Thank You dear God, and we love You.
Again, thanks to all of you. Thanks for helping make this night a memorable one. This day will always be treasured in my heart. Have a pleasant evening, everyone.
