Our KC baby is now a lady
April 13, 2003 | 12:00am
Is at next to KC Concepcion in church last Sunday, the day before her birthday. We had a great, fun time! Too much of a fun time perhaps, because I was reminded by a well-meaning church member to keep quiet! But, I thought to myself: We were in deep conversation about the message and the Bible! Well okay, occasionally, we were not-too-quietly engrossed in discussion too! To appreciate an experience or to savor a moment! That’s the kind of dilemma one goes through when beside KC. Her vibrant passion for life and her laughter are so contaminating. One can’t help but have a great unquiet time, yes, even when tackling something as serious as the Word of God!
Ate Shawie (Sharon Cuneta, who else) and Kuya Francis (Pangilinan, my brother-in-law) met at our wedding. A few weeks after that, they started seeing each other regularly. We witnessed KC’s overflowing joy when she stood as the solo flower girl to her mom and dad’s wedding. It seemed only yesterday when KC would come to join our weekly lunches. I remember how happy she was in the presence of many, many cousins (which now total to 22 from the Pangilinan side alone). During those days less than 10 years ago, people only knew her as Ate Shawie’s daughter. We had the privilege of knowing KC as herself. Just one of the kids who would play and have fun, spend a lot of time giggling and fooling around with her cousins and sometimes in deep conversation about what troubled her heart.
We missed her when her family left for Boston and we were amazed at how wonderfully she evolved into a beautiful teener when they came back to the Philippines. She blossomed and it was clear that the days in Boston proved to be what she needed to grow as her own person. There, people treated her as an ordinary person. Her academic achievements and trophies in soccer and ice-skating were all attributed to her own hard work and as a result of the all-out support given to her by her parents. They were hers and she deserved them all.
According to Ate Shawie, her cousins from the Gamboa side are very close to KC because they grew up together and their ages were not far apart. Ate Shawie thinks that KC might have grown up thinking she was a boy because her barkadas were her cousins Paul and Chuck. She is well loved by Ate Shawie's male cousins because they had a band and KC also loved music. They had a common interest.
KC loves children. I remember how she would get so gigil when carrying her baby cousins. She loved cuddling them and playing with them. During family get-togethers, as soon as she finished kissing everybody, she would immediately approach the babies to get her share of pinching and bonding. People were concerned that she would get jealous or be affected negatively by the arrival of Frankie (whom she prefers to call Simone) but I am a witness to how she looked forward to having a sister. Last Sunday, I saw her marvel at the attention being given to Frankie by Ate Shawie. She enjoyed that moment with them. I know that KC is confident with the love that she is given and is secure with that to be able to share it with others, most especially Frankie.
KC says about her debut, "I am grateful to have people in my life and for having amazing parents and an awesome team that made the event more than whatever I’d ever asked for or wanted. I love my mom and dad more than anything. It was their party, too and I can only wish for their happiness, too. I’m still in shock and overwhelmed but I hope it was a treat for everybody else as well! I had an amazing night. First and last big one before my wedding."
A couple of years ago, Ate Shawie shared how excited she was, dreaming of KC’s debut. A few months before KC’s 18th birthday, signalling her adulthood, I saw Ate Shawie really get sentimental about her baby becoming a lady. I guess it’s only normal for any mother to feel that way. That night, she was radiant as ever, attending to the guests in KC’s debut. It was indeed a memorable affair. KC oversaw every detail of her debut. Thanks to coordinator Rita Neri of Wedding Store, the party went smoothly.
At the NBC Tent, there were bare trees with huge branches in different parts of the tent, leaves all over the floor, chairs in wrought iron and wicker (all provided for by Manila Pearl, Inc.), tables set simply, drapes of white cloth dropping from the top for a lower ceiling effect, dimmed lights and candlelight as in a forest – under the stars for that Lord of the Rings look! That’s KC’s favorite novel/movie. No wonder KC didn’t require her guests to wear "strictly formal" attire but instead wrote in the invitation "formal – just the way you like it." She shied away from making it a typical debut party.
Still, people came dressed to kill. Many had their gowns and suits done and bought especially for that evening.
Having an escort was something she didn’t welcome because she felt funny about the idea of one day looking at the pictures with an escort she could’ve grown to dislike! There were no 18 roses or candles for that matter because she couldn’t imagine requesting her friends to go through the required rehearsals for the cotillon. It was a very cozy, relaxed atmosphere at NBC’s party place.
Since it was a taped event, she was caring enough to inform her guests through a small note enclosed in the invitation that read: "This event will be covered by ABS-CBN Channel 2. In coming to the affair, you agree to be included in the video coverage and airing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." (Airing, by the way, is at 9:30 tonight on ABS-CBN 2). Knowing how long taping a show typically is, I was glad to be prepared. But what I thought would be a typical, grueling taping (where guests’ comfort and rights are often ignored) turned out to be an enjoyable, super memorable party that had entertainment (which included 30 personal favorite songs of KC) as spice and not as the main ingredient. I hardly even noticed that it was being taped. Hats off to the staff and crew of the special, which was headed by stage director Freddie Santos and TV coverage director Olive Lamasan.
KC looked stunning in her Joe Salazar gown and later in the night when she changed to a Paul Cabral outfit perfect for dancing and partying. Fanny Serrano did her makeup which enhanced her princess-like features.
KC made guest-interaction her top priority. We were encouraged to mingle and walk around what with the 30 food options served in various food tables in strategic parts of the tent! A toast to Le Souffle headed by chef Jesse Sincioco (with the fabulous cake by Pastry Bin). While food tripping, it was normal to chance upon old friends and chat for a while. It was typical for the guests to come back to their table only to take a few bites and go for their next food conquest, anticipating another encounter with another friend or acquaintance.
The children were made very welcome by a big screen TV with videos to keep them company just by the tent’s entrance. There were small tables and chairs and even kiddie food to make them say, "yummy!" At one point, Frankie had a cake blowing for Ate KC in the kiddie area. It was great making kids part of such a grown-up affair such as KC’s debut. We were so glad for having shared that evening with our nieces, nephews and children. Makes one think that having children around in an Ate’s party is not really a distraction but a great opportunity to celebrate together a new phase in her life. And oh, by the way, the kids brought home loot bags especially prepared for the little ones to enjoy. And the yayas, well they brought home memories of having had their picture taken with their favorite stars. Truly a night they will never forget (it was their alagas they occasionally forgot, unfortunately!).
Guests came in full-force starting off with Jericho Rosales (who was introduced as KC’s crush) and Piolo Pascual (who was introduced as Sharon’s crush naman!). South Border sang, a special ballet number by Russian master Anatoli Panassiukov, a performance by the International School Dance Company which KC is a part of, and Regine Velasquez whose presence touched Ate Shawie so much because Regine went straight to The Tent from the airport upon her arrival from the US. KC’s closest friends from school were present with one flying in from London just to attend the affair.
Anthony and I shared the table with Viva big boss Vic Del Rosario, Ernest Escaler, Dondi and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, and Monique Villonco (who was blooming so much that night – I was so embarrassed for not having recognized her! She looked great in her elegant black outfit.). Nearby were seated the Pangilinan and the Cuneta clans. We sat near the entrance that we became the "accidental" welcoming party. Those we welcomed included Senator Loren Legarda, Ricco and Tina Ocampo, Perry Pe and Robina Gokongwei-Pe, SP and Annette Sumulong, Hans and Carol Sy, Rikki and Beng Dee, Lisa Gokongwei, Berna Romulo-Puyat, Keren Pascual, Robert and Millet Mananquil, Lance and Jay Gokongwei (All of them belong to "The Eating Club" which Sharon and Kiko are part of.), Aga and Charlene Muhlach, Ricky Davao, Kris Aquino, ZsaZsa Padilla, Kuya Germs, Rudy Fernandez, Cesar Montano, Nadia Montenegro, Karylle with dad Dr. Tatlonghari, Ram and Judy Antonio, Rowell Santiago, Tita Virgie Ramos and Girlie Rodis, Arsi Baltazar, Joed Serrano and Roby Taroza. Seen also in their best were Rev. Gus Lising with his gorgeous wife Sally, Roderick Paulate, best friends Direks Joey Reyes and Manny Castañeda, Joe Salazar, Ben Chan, Tirso Cruz with wife Lyn, Tim Yap, Jesi Mendez. Channel 2 bosses Charo Santos-Concio, Cory Vidanes, Malou Santos, Tita Angge, Mother Lily (who was truly enchanting), shared the table with the powerful duo "Da King" himself Fernando Poe Jr. and lovely wife Susan Roces in a shining and stunning emerald green gown. Others who came as the party was moving to its climax were Judy Ann Santos, Joyce Jimenez, Randy Santiago, Agot Isidro with husband Manu Sandejas. Whew, what a bunch! Each of KC’s lady guests brought home a bracelet handmade by Viman bags and accessories which were carefully placed in boxes made with glossy magazines by Godskrafts of Smokey Mountain.
It means so much to KC to share her blessings with others, that’s why she opted not to be given gifts. Because of her passion for the environment and kids, she requested her guests to donate to the following:
• Happy Earth #1 Twin Peaks Blue Ridge, Quezon City. Tel 647-774; Contact is Penny Reyes Velasco.
• Pangarap Shelter #2505 Taft Ave. cor. Escobal St. Pasay City Tel: 551-3733 Contact person is Bro. Francisco Tanega.
• House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. # 79 Cambridge St. Provident Village, Marikina City. Tel: 948-2355 Contact person is Glady Bunao.
• Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project LBI Building Kalayaan Ave, Diliman, Q.C. Tel 433-3220 Contact person is Flory Tabio.
Although there was a well that was placed strategically in the venue for guests to give their pledges, very few recognized it for its purpose. Late donations are very welcome by these organizations. This will make KC truly happy.
"Being a father to KC has given me the chance to be guardian and mentor to her, to be teacher and counselor. It has given me the chance to care for her and watch out for her. The role of dad was always something I looked forward to and it happened right away with her. It gave me a greater sense of responsibility. It also was a joy to share this responsibility of parenting with Sharon." That‘s Francis and his thoughts on KC.
"Dazed nga ako. In denial! Proud of her lang talaga. Just so hard to let go..." Sharon explains her feelings.
KC has indeed arrived but not without giving credit to where credit is due. She is her own person but she never ceases to acknowledge that she is where she is right now because of family and genuine friends who have stood by her and who have helped her make her dreams come true.
That day at church, I witnessed KC reach out to her mom several times (as I was seated between KC and Sharon), touching her tenderly as if to assure her she was just close by. Ate Shawie, in return, would hold KC’s hand and kiss it so gently. I was so blessed by this exchange of tender affection, this show of pure love. With that picture still vivid in my mind, I ponder this thought: KC may now be a lady, but something tells me, she’ll always be her mother’s baby.
Ate Shawie (Sharon Cuneta, who else) and Kuya Francis (Pangilinan, my brother-in-law) met at our wedding. A few weeks after that, they started seeing each other regularly. We witnessed KC’s overflowing joy when she stood as the solo flower girl to her mom and dad’s wedding. It seemed only yesterday when KC would come to join our weekly lunches. I remember how happy she was in the presence of many, many cousins (which now total to 22 from the Pangilinan side alone). During those days less than 10 years ago, people only knew her as Ate Shawie’s daughter. We had the privilege of knowing KC as herself. Just one of the kids who would play and have fun, spend a lot of time giggling and fooling around with her cousins and sometimes in deep conversation about what troubled her heart.
We missed her when her family left for Boston and we were amazed at how wonderfully she evolved into a beautiful teener when they came back to the Philippines. She blossomed and it was clear that the days in Boston proved to be what she needed to grow as her own person. There, people treated her as an ordinary person. Her academic achievements and trophies in soccer and ice-skating were all attributed to her own hard work and as a result of the all-out support given to her by her parents. They were hers and she deserved them all.
A couple of years ago, Ate Shawie shared how excited she was, dreaming of KC’s debut. A few months before KC’s 18th birthday, signalling her adulthood, I saw Ate Shawie really get sentimental about her baby becoming a lady. I guess it’s only normal for any mother to feel that way. That night, she was radiant as ever, attending to the guests in KC’s debut. It was indeed a memorable affair. KC oversaw every detail of her debut. Thanks to coordinator Rita Neri of Wedding Store, the party went smoothly.
At the NBC Tent, there were bare trees with huge branches in different parts of the tent, leaves all over the floor, chairs in wrought iron and wicker (all provided for by Manila Pearl, Inc.), tables set simply, drapes of white cloth dropping from the top for a lower ceiling effect, dimmed lights and candlelight as in a forest – under the stars for that Lord of the Rings look! That’s KC’s favorite novel/movie. No wonder KC didn’t require her guests to wear "strictly formal" attire but instead wrote in the invitation "formal – just the way you like it." She shied away from making it a typical debut party.
Still, people came dressed to kill. Many had their gowns and suits done and bought especially for that evening.
Having an escort was something she didn’t welcome because she felt funny about the idea of one day looking at the pictures with an escort she could’ve grown to dislike! There were no 18 roses or candles for that matter because she couldn’t imagine requesting her friends to go through the required rehearsals for the cotillon. It was a very cozy, relaxed atmosphere at NBC’s party place.
Since it was a taped event, she was caring enough to inform her guests through a small note enclosed in the invitation that read: "This event will be covered by ABS-CBN Channel 2. In coming to the affair, you agree to be included in the video coverage and airing. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause." (Airing, by the way, is at 9:30 tonight on ABS-CBN 2). Knowing how long taping a show typically is, I was glad to be prepared. But what I thought would be a typical, grueling taping (where guests’ comfort and rights are often ignored) turned out to be an enjoyable, super memorable party that had entertainment (which included 30 personal favorite songs of KC) as spice and not as the main ingredient. I hardly even noticed that it was being taped. Hats off to the staff and crew of the special, which was headed by stage director Freddie Santos and TV coverage director Olive Lamasan.
KC looked stunning in her Joe Salazar gown and later in the night when she changed to a Paul Cabral outfit perfect for dancing and partying. Fanny Serrano did her makeup which enhanced her princess-like features.
KC made guest-interaction her top priority. We were encouraged to mingle and walk around what with the 30 food options served in various food tables in strategic parts of the tent! A toast to Le Souffle headed by chef Jesse Sincioco (with the fabulous cake by Pastry Bin). While food tripping, it was normal to chance upon old friends and chat for a while. It was typical for the guests to come back to their table only to take a few bites and go for their next food conquest, anticipating another encounter with another friend or acquaintance.
The children were made very welcome by a big screen TV with videos to keep them company just by the tent’s entrance. There were small tables and chairs and even kiddie food to make them say, "yummy!" At one point, Frankie had a cake blowing for Ate KC in the kiddie area. It was great making kids part of such a grown-up affair such as KC’s debut. We were so glad for having shared that evening with our nieces, nephews and children. Makes one think that having children around in an Ate’s party is not really a distraction but a great opportunity to celebrate together a new phase in her life. And oh, by the way, the kids brought home loot bags especially prepared for the little ones to enjoy. And the yayas, well they brought home memories of having had their picture taken with their favorite stars. Truly a night they will never forget (it was their alagas they occasionally forgot, unfortunately!).
Guests came in full-force starting off with Jericho Rosales (who was introduced as KC’s crush) and Piolo Pascual (who was introduced as Sharon’s crush naman!). South Border sang, a special ballet number by Russian master Anatoli Panassiukov, a performance by the International School Dance Company which KC is a part of, and Regine Velasquez whose presence touched Ate Shawie so much because Regine went straight to The Tent from the airport upon her arrival from the US. KC’s closest friends from school were present with one flying in from London just to attend the affair.
Anthony and I shared the table with Viva big boss Vic Del Rosario, Ernest Escaler, Dondi and Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, and Monique Villonco (who was blooming so much that night – I was so embarrassed for not having recognized her! She looked great in her elegant black outfit.). Nearby were seated the Pangilinan and the Cuneta clans. We sat near the entrance that we became the "accidental" welcoming party. Those we welcomed included Senator Loren Legarda, Ricco and Tina Ocampo, Perry Pe and Robina Gokongwei-Pe, SP and Annette Sumulong, Hans and Carol Sy, Rikki and Beng Dee, Lisa Gokongwei, Berna Romulo-Puyat, Keren Pascual, Robert and Millet Mananquil, Lance and Jay Gokongwei (All of them belong to "The Eating Club" which Sharon and Kiko are part of.), Aga and Charlene Muhlach, Ricky Davao, Kris Aquino, ZsaZsa Padilla, Kuya Germs, Rudy Fernandez, Cesar Montano, Nadia Montenegro, Karylle with dad Dr. Tatlonghari, Ram and Judy Antonio, Rowell Santiago, Tita Virgie Ramos and Girlie Rodis, Arsi Baltazar, Joed Serrano and Roby Taroza. Seen also in their best were Rev. Gus Lising with his gorgeous wife Sally, Roderick Paulate, best friends Direks Joey Reyes and Manny Castañeda, Joe Salazar, Ben Chan, Tirso Cruz with wife Lyn, Tim Yap, Jesi Mendez. Channel 2 bosses Charo Santos-Concio, Cory Vidanes, Malou Santos, Tita Angge, Mother Lily (who was truly enchanting), shared the table with the powerful duo "Da King" himself Fernando Poe Jr. and lovely wife Susan Roces in a shining and stunning emerald green gown. Others who came as the party was moving to its climax were Judy Ann Santos, Joyce Jimenez, Randy Santiago, Agot Isidro with husband Manu Sandejas. Whew, what a bunch! Each of KC’s lady guests brought home a bracelet handmade by Viman bags and accessories which were carefully placed in boxes made with glossy magazines by Godskrafts of Smokey Mountain.
• Happy Earth #1 Twin Peaks Blue Ridge, Quezon City. Tel 647-774; Contact is Penny Reyes Velasco.
• Pangarap Shelter #2505 Taft Ave. cor. Escobal St. Pasay City Tel: 551-3733 Contact person is Bro. Francisco Tanega.
• House of Refuge Foundation, Inc. # 79 Cambridge St. Provident Village, Marikina City. Tel: 948-2355 Contact person is Glady Bunao.
• Humpback Whale Research and Conservation Project LBI Building Kalayaan Ave, Diliman, Q.C. Tel 433-3220 Contact person is Flory Tabio.
Although there was a well that was placed strategically in the venue for guests to give their pledges, very few recognized it for its purpose. Late donations are very welcome by these organizations. This will make KC truly happy.
"Dazed nga ako. In denial! Proud of her lang talaga. Just so hard to let go..." Sharon explains her feelings.
KC has indeed arrived but not without giving credit to where credit is due. She is her own person but she never ceases to acknowledge that she is where she is right now because of family and genuine friends who have stood by her and who have helped her make her dreams come true.
That day at church, I witnessed KC reach out to her mom several times (as I was seated between KC and Sharon), touching her tenderly as if to assure her she was just close by. Ate Shawie, in return, would hold KC’s hand and kiss it so gently. I was so blessed by this exchange of tender affection, this show of pure love. With that picture still vivid in my mind, I ponder this thought: KC may now be a lady, but something tells me, she’ll always be her mother’s baby.
BrandSpace Articles
<
>