The choreography for this dance is usually done to depict courtship among the dancers. This is, traditionally, a waltz danced by nine pairs of the debutante’s friends or relatives. Many are familiar with this highlight in a debut party. Play a kundiman for the Cotillion de Honor. Coordinate their outfits by having your girl’s escort wear a barong. The Filipino debutante enters her party on the arm of an escort-usually a brother, male cousin, or even a close friend. Or use Filipino fabric such as jusi or pina for the gown’s detail. Perhaps you could have a modernized terno made for your girl. The gown is one element in the party where you can emphasize your Filipino theme. The debutante is presented in a lavish gown fit for a princess. Through the years, though, 18 treasures, 18 shots and even 18 thousands have been incorporated into the program. In the Philippines, debutantes get to celebrate their special day exclusively, unlike in other parts of the world where the new 18-year-olds join other debutantes as they are presented to society as a group.Ī traditional Filipino debut program would consist of the Cotillion de Honor dance, 18 Roses and 18 candles/wishes. Party planner Chacha Datu of Lifestyle Party Planners says: Congratulations! Your daughter will soon enter the adult world as a young lady! How do we give her a traditional Filipino debut?” Riza Fe Belleza writes: “ We live in Canada and my daughter’s turning 18.