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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
Abigail Salem Alba celebrated her 18th birthday with a most enjoyable and unique debut at La Proa, L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City recently.
The motif was “Breakfast at Tiffanys”, a hit movie of long ago, starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Her loving parents, PNP Supt. Roderick and Leilani Salem-Alba, certainly splurged on their eldest daughter, having almost lost her to a serious illness when she was but a toddler. It was a glamorously formal affair with 250 guests, including Abby's ninongs and ninangs, executives and employees of ABS-CBN Bacolod where Leilani is station manager, relatives and close friends of Abigail, and her parents.
The guests, who were all dressed up in their formal attire, oohed and aahed at the magnificent décor, with the stage set off by a white trellis backdrop that looked like delicate lace from afar. There was a huge velvet sofa in the middle surrounded by all the favorite things a young girl loves.
At a signal from the band, Abigail's siblings made their entrance, followed by her parents and finally, the debutante who looked simply ravishing in her fully-beaded long evening gown by John-john Ditching, who also made Leilani's elegant magenta gown.
The program featured the presentation of 18 roses to the debutante by 18 handsome young men. There were giggles and teasing from the young girls as Abigail danced with each presentor. The popular Kulay Pikata entertained the audience with popular songs. Other special numbers were rendered by Token Lizares, Ali Visitacion and Marty Go, and surprise, surprise – Roderick Alba serenaded his debutante with a beautiful song.
Soon, the entire Alba family got into the act with a specially-choreographed number. Leilani's moving recollection about how they almost lost Abby when she got very sick brought tears among the audience. There was more dancing after the sumptuous dinner, with the young guests swinging to their hearts' content.
Enjoy your life, Abby. You are one very lucky and special girl! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!*
