The Glittering Debut of Iah

When Iah (Mabatid) had her coming out party last November 23, it was the most glittering and a star-studded affair with celebrities from Manila coming in to attend her grand 18th birthday celebration.

With the theme of the 30s "Great Gatsby," Iah wore a Philip Tampus gown, with all the guests in formal black and white gowns for the ladies and tux for the gentlemen.

The formal affair, held at the posh Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino's Grand Ballroom, had movie stars, the likes of Gerald Anderson and John Prats, the latter partly hosting the program. Recording artist Marco Sison titillated the guests when he dished out songs of today and yesteryears, and dedicated songs for the debutante. Seen enjoying the evening's entertainment was former Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young who graced the occasion.

Highlight of the celebration was the greatest surprise of Iah's life when Mom Niña Mabatid, owner of Pinoy Care, presented Iah her gift of love - a brand new Bantam Car. To her great surprise, Iah broke into tears - of course, tears of happiness. Her Mom Niña then gave her the key of the car which (another surprise) was brought right inside the ballroom. Even the guests were all astonished!

Relatives, friends and classmates of Iah from USC had a ball during this grand birthday celebration. Before the guests started to have ballroom dancing, Iah blew the candles on her five-tier birthday cake. As the affair came to a close, John Prats was heard to say: "Oh my, it was the most expensive birthday party I've ever attended!"