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Kapamilya Snaps: Look back on how these 25 stars celebrated their 18th birthday! 

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Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>For us Filipinos, 18th birthday is often touted as a big deal, especially for the ladies, as it marks the beginning of their journey to adulthood. Traditionally, it is celebrated by holding a huge party with a program that is usually comprised of 18 roses, 18 candles, 18 treasures, and/or 18 bills, with the debutante dressed in a fabulous gown, as well as the attendees. But as time goes by, there are some who have opted to mark it in other ways, especially in the past two years due to the pandemic.</p><p>And in this episode of Kapamilya Snaps, let us look back on how some of our favorite actresses celebrated their 18th birthday party!</p><div> </div><div><strong>Belle Mariano</strong></div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/hesintoher" target="_blank"><u><strong>He’s Into Her</strong></u></a> leading lady was among those who had no choice but to mark their debuts at home in 2020 since the country then was under community quarantine. She seemingly had a simple setup, as seen in the snaps that she uploaded, yet complete with balloons, a two-tiered naked chocolate cake, and a box of red roses.</p><p>She may not be allowed to invite friends to come over, yet Belle still received plenty of best wishes from her colleagues and showbiz friends.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Jane de Leon</strong></div><p>Being the new generation Darna, color red has been attached to Jane. And coincidentally, it was also the color of her voluminous ball gown when she celebrated her 18th birthday in 2016. It was seemingly fairytale-inspired, based on the decors of the venue and the shimmering tiara that she paired her studded and embroidered red frock.</p><p>It can also be deduced that the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/darna" target="_blank"><u><strong>Mars Ravelo’s Darna</strong></u></a> lead actress was really happy and grateful during that glitzy night.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Janella Salvador</strong></div><p>She may not have initial plans on organizing a party for her debut in 2016, but being one of the popular young artists of her generation, Janella’s Star Magic family made sure to make her feel special by surprising her with one. </p><p>And instead of being the one to receive, it was the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/darna" target="_blank"><u><strong>Mars Ravelo’s Darna</strong></u></a> star who shared gifts to the less fortunate by having her “18 blessings,” which was her way of celebrating her 18th birthday and paying it forward after all the success that she has received through the years.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Andrea Brillantes</strong></div><p>Andrea wouldn’t be dubbed “Debutante of the Year” by Metro magazine for nothing. </p><p>Aside from dressing up like the goddesses or muses in renaissance paintings for her 18th birthday photoshoot, she also graced the cover and pages of Metro, and mesmerized us with her sexiness and splendor in another comparably relaxed pictorial. </p><p>She didn’t only have one, but two parties that were organized by her family and besties comprised by Bea Borres, CJ de Guzman, and Mona Alawi. The first one was a surprise outdoor picnic that happened during the day, while the second one was a glam noir-themed party that was held later that night.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Francine Diaz</strong></div><p>Her debut celebration may have to be postponed for around a month, but it was all definitely worth it as Francine was able to achieve her aspired dreamland-inspired ball. She first teased us about when she uploaded photos and reels taken from her whimsical birthday shoots days before and exactly on her birthday last January 2022. Besides, she also graced the pages of two magazines, one of which was Metro. </p><p>Francine’s ethereal, flawless beauty indeed stood out amid the dreamlike venue and her fancy gowns, as seen in the photos and clips captured during her special day.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Liza Soberano</strong></div><p>She may not have worn a glamorous dress on her debut nor had an opulent celebration, but Liza’s laidback Bohemian-themed bash on a beach in Batangas in 2016 mounted by her loved ones is arguably #PartyGoals for many of us. And instead of the traditional 18 candles or roses, she received 18 songs from her guests during the simple yet remarkable program. </p><p>But prior to this, Liza hosted multiple charity events, wherein she met orphans, marginalized children, breast cancer patients, and elderlies. True to her real name, she has already been a beacon of hope for a lot of people at a young age.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Kathryn Bernardo </strong></div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/2good2betrue" target="_blank"><u><strong>2 Good 2 Be True</strong></u></a> leading lady indeed lived up to her Teen Queen moniker during her 18th birthday in 2014 as she transformed into a true royalty in sweetheart-embellished pink gown by Francis Libiran that she wore in the main program. </p><p>Guests adhered to the black, white, and pink motif, which included Sam Milby, Julia Montes, and Enrique Gil. But most importantly, her reel-and-real life sweetheart Daniel Padilla was right by her side all throughout that wonderful night.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Julia Montes</strong></div><p>ABS-CBN’s Daytime Drama Queen also looked like she jumped out of a fairytale book on her celebration held in 2013 at an events place that featured an indoor lake, a carriage, and a castle-themed cake. </p><p>Cladded in an elaborate red ball gown created by Pepsi Herrera, she was escorted by her perennial on-screen partner, <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/angprobinsyano" target="_blank"><u><strong>FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano</strong></u></a> actor-director Coco Martin. Her 18 roses were comprised by John Lloyd Cruz, Enrique Gil, and Daniel Padilla; while Kathryn Bernardo, Dawn Zulueta, and Denise Laurel were part of her 18 treasures. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Alexa Ilacad</strong></div><p>Being a certified animal lover and advocate that she is, Alexa opted to spend her special day in 2018 with rescued dogs and cats instead of having a grand ball. Alexa played with the rescued animals and even helped prepare a meal for them in her simple white dress. </p><p>She wrote in the caption of her post regarding the event: “A memorable debut for me is one where I would get to spend my special day around neglected and rescued dogs &amp; cats, who are the dearest to my heart. I&#x27;m both surprised &amp; amazed that there are wonderful, kind-hearted people who offered to take part in my simple celebration to make it extra special &amp; memorable! I didn&#x27;t expect it to be so pretty for me &amp; rewarding for my furry animal friends!”</p><div> </div><div><strong>Loisa Andalio</strong></div><p>Another Kapamilya actress to shy away from the traditional debut celebration was Loisa, who marked the beginning of her adulthood with a concert for her ever-supportive fans. The special guests included Yeng Constantino and Maris Racal, as well as Hashtag members Jimboy Martin, Paulo Angeles, and Ryle Santiago.<br/>Of course, her beloved boyfriend and now <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/love40days2022" target="_blank"><u><strong>Love In 40 Days</strong></u></a> leading man Ronnie Alonte made it more special by preparing a surprise for her.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Heaven Peralejo</strong></div><div> </div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/afamilyaffair" target="_blank"><u><strong>A Family Affair</strong></u></a> actress also had a grand party for her 18th birthday in 2017. Just on her pre-debut shoot, we already had an inkling that she would surely bring her guests to fantasy dream. </p><p>And it was indeed true as one of the highlights of that whimsical night was when Heaven performed a song while animated images were projected on her immaculately white long gown. She seemingly switched to a blue dress after the party.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Jane Oineza</strong></div><p>She may be inside Kuya’s house when she turned 18 in 2014, but Jane’s <strong>Pinoy Big Brother All In</strong> housemates made sure to make her celebration still special and memorable by organizing a simple party that was attended by her family and few close friends. </p><p>And as soon as she went back to the outside world, Jane had her second celebration that was attended by more guests and was held in a bigger and grander venue. She also looked like every bit of a princess in her embellished white gown and her book-inspired cake was truly eye-catching!</p><div> </div><div><strong>Barbie Imperial</strong></div><p>Barbie had a simple boho chic-themed party for her 18th birthday in 2016. Guests wore flower crowns and sat on soft mats for a more festive vibe.</p><p>It was attended by Barbie’s family and close friends, which included her former fellow GirlTrends Loisa Andalio and Maris Racal as part of her 18 candles, as well as Hashtag Ryle Santiago.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Sofia Andres</strong></div><p>To begin her womanhood, Sofia opted for a simple yet sophisticated party to begin her womanhood. Sofia also shied away from wearing a ball gown, as she instead stunned in a Jot Losa classy red tuxedo dress. </p><p>As requested by the birthday girl, her showbiz friends CJ Navato, Kristel Fulgar, Daryl Ong, and Diego Loyzaga also prepared song numbers for her.</p><div> </div><div><strong>AC Bonifacio</strong></div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/asap" target="_blank"><u><strong>ASAP Natin ‘To</strong></u></a> mainstay also didn’t only have one, but two parties when she turned 18 last year. The first one was an all-pink revelry held in Canada, wherein only her family was able to attend that time. </p><p>A few months later, AC was treated to a surprise birthday bash by her Star Magic family when she returned to Manila. It was Riverdale-inspired since it can be recalled that she was cast on the teen series in early 2021.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Elha Nympha</strong></div><p>A few days after wowing us with her pre-debut photoshoot that captured her growth and beauty as a young woman, Elha was in utter disbelief when her Star Magic family gifted her with a surprise party for her 18th birthday last April. Aside from her family and relatives, it was also attended by some of her friends, which included fellow OPM singers Jayda Avanzado, Reiven Umali, and Mackie Empuerto.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Karina Bautista</strong></div><p>Another young actress who had a quarantine debut was Karina, who marked her 18th birthday during the height of the pandemic in April 2020. However, she didn’t let the lockdown spoil her celebration by dressing up in a printed white dress, having bouquets of roses and lots of balloons, and feasting on the cakes and cupcakes that she received that day. </p><p>A year later, the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/hoyloveyou" target="_blank"><u><strong>Hoy Love You 3</strong></u></a> actress made sure to make up with the grand celebration she didn’t have by holding a posh party for her 19th birthday last year. She captioned the carousel of photos: “Well a lot has hit me with this pandemic and getting older. It has opened me to what is truly essential in this life. It may sound cliché but to wake up every morning is truly a blessing.”</p><div> </div><div><strong>Sharlene San Pedro</strong></div><p>The <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/goinbulilit" target="_blank"><u><strong>Goin’ Bulilit</strong></u></a> alumna wasn’t able to hold her emotions during her surprise 18th birthday celebration organized by her adoring fans in 2017. Sharlene wore a dainty floral white dress for that simple yet memorable day, and was joined by closest friends in showbiz, who she practically grew up with, namely, CJ Navato, Miles Ocampo, Jairus Aquino and Igi Boy Flores.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Kira Balinger</strong></div><p>Dressed in an elegant floral white ensemble designed by Mark Bumgarner, one would surely gosh over how Kira was indeed every inch a fairy princess during her floral-themed 18th birthday in 2018. In an IG post, she thanked the esteemed designer and expressed her appreciation to his work by writing, “It’s everything I wanted, a break from all the huge ballgowns. It matched my theme and it fit perfectly.”</p><p>Tagged #LivinLaVidaKira, the party apparently had a tropical motif as the venue was adorned with tropical greenery and millennial pink drapes to recreate a “Havana haven.” Even Kira’s unique cake was perfect for the theme.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Ylona Garcia</strong></div><p>There’s definitely no doubt that Ylona was really born to be a star as all eyes were on her during her 1950s-themed debut party in March 2020 – a few days before the lockdowns were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </p><p>Wearing a classy ball gown created by Patricia Santos, Ylona sang a medley of classic love songs to entertain her guests. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Sam Cruz</strong></div><p>A week prior and exactly on her birthday last August, Sam delighted her IG followers with photos of her in pink outfits taken during her pre-debut pictorial. </p><p>Since it was her 18th birthday, her loving parents Sunshine Cruz and Cesar Montano made it extra happy and special as they both attended her glamorous disco-themed party a few days later, along with their respective current partners, and her siblings. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Julia Barretto</strong></div><p>With how lavish and fabulous her grand carnival-themed debut was, there’s definitely no wonder that Julia made headlines in 2015. The stage may be brightly lit since it was carousel-inspired, but her flawless beauty and stunning massive red ball gown created by Michael Cinco still stood out.</p><p>It further became the talk of the town then since apart from signifying the beginning of her adulthood journey, it also served as a family reunion for the famous Barretto clan. Her then-love team partner Iñigo Pascual was her escort, while Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Karen Davila was among her celebrity guests.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Anne Curtis</strong></div><p>Those who were able to follow the life of Anne on-and-off-cam through the years would know that she’s been kikay ever since she was young. And that could be attested by her pink glitzy party when she turned 18 in 2003.</p><p>It was a traditional one, with the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/itsshowtime" target="_blank"><u><strong>It’s Showtime</strong></u></a> host reportedly receiving extravagant gifts for her 18 treasures, including a diamond ring from her mother and a Barbie doll dressed in a pink frock similar to what she donned at the party. Live butterflies were to be released during her 18 roses, in which her best friend Luis Manzano was the second rose bearer.</p><div> </div><div><strong>Kim Chiu</strong></div><p> Initially reluctant to hold a party for her debut in 2008, Kim’s family and Star Magic handler were able to convince her eventually, thus the “My Girl Turns 18” happened. The majestic celebration, which was attended by some of her family and friends was aired as an ABS-CBN TV special a few weeks later.</p><p>The Chinita Princess had three gowns that night, which were all Francis Libiran creations, as well as a towering multi-layered cake. She also replaced the traditional 18 roses with a modern cotillion, wherein her first dance was her beloved father, while her last was her then-loveteam partner Gerald Anderson. </p><div> </div><div><strong>Kristine Hermosa</strong></div><p>Last, but definitely not the least, is Kristine, who still found the time to celebrate her 18th birthday despite her busy schedule from filming the hit teleserye <strong>Pangako Sa ‘Yo</strong>.</p><p>Her ethereal beauty indeed shone brighter that night in the three gowns that she wore for the event: first was the white number that she donned to welcome the guests, then the off-shoulder sapphire blue ensemble embellished with Swarovski crystals that she put on for the ceremony proper, and the gray frock that she had for the after-party.</p><p>It was, of course, star-studded, with Jericho Rosales, Piolo Pascual, and Jodi Sta. Maria as among the participants of her 18 roses and candles.</p>

Find out how some of our favorite stars celebrated their 18th birthdays in this Kapamilya Snaps feature!