A dream debut for Nikki Zuluaga

When bubbly Nikki Zuluaga was only 14 years old, she knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate her debut, down to the minutest detail.

Doting parents Ralph and Ellen readily agreed to host the dinner-dance-and-lots-more party, but on one condition. She had to finish high school with honors. Two years later, Nikki, beaming with diploma on hand, graduated salutatorian from the Sacred Heart School for Girls.

With relatives and close friends, together with classmates from Velez College of Nursing, Nikki meticulously started to plan for her big day. And so it came to be.

Florist Miguel Suerte decorated the Casino Español de Cebu, a favorite venue for fun and memorable affairs, with yellow orchids and pink roses.

Nikki, radiant in her yellow bustier full-skirted gown, created by classic designer Zenaida Lachica, glowingly greeted guests with a little help from mom Ellen, who looked elegant in a red lace midi.

Shortly after a delectable buffet dinner, the well-orchestrated program, emceed by Michelle Mendez, began.

While maintaining her wishes for a simple celebration, some debut traditions had to be adhered to. Nikki, with escort Kyle Marco Gollon, graciously joined her pals in a modern cotillion masterfully choreographed by Val and Ophelia Sandiego.

Just before coffee and dessert, Nikki blew her 18 candles individually placed on top of 18 mini cakes prepared by Julie Cuenco. Lovingly, she distributed each cake to 18 special persons who have touched her young life. They included her dad Ralph, who was also celebrating his birthday on the same month, godparents Ched Albano, and Malou and Jack Mendez, her first piano teacher Zoila Jumaoas, pediatrician Dr. Guillermo Blanco, photographer Fred Umabong, pianist Ed Dakay and singer Del Ordoñez, and titos Guillermo and Lorelie Rodriguez.

Gifted with a beautiful voice, she then serenaded her invitees with some Broadway hits that included Getting to Know You from the musical The King and I and Favorite Things from The Sound of Music. Ralph and Ellen joined her as they sang a Spanish favorite, Amor. Internationally acclaimed pianist Ed Dakay and equally talented soprano Del Ordoñez also rendered a couple of songs.

At the end of a most memorable evening, guests took time to admire the 20 marvelous paintings on display, which were artistically done by Nikki and her siblings Adrian and James.

We could not help but notice how Ralph and Ellen, with their eldest son John Michael, stood ever so proud of their once-upon-a-time little princess who has blossomed into a stunning beauty.

And true to her wishes, guests did away with gifts. Instead, they generously gave to her favorite charity, the Antonia Oviedo Center for Prostituted Young Women.