The eighteenth birthday of

Sofia

A night in black and champagne.
A court that knows the steps.

Makati

Reply by 20 September Add to calendar

The debutante

Eighteen years of Sofia.

She was the baby who would not sleep unless someone was singing. She is now the girl who runs the family playlist, argues with her titos about basketball, and has never once been on time for anything except a dance rehearsal.

Tonight the family gathers to watch her walk in. Eighteen roses, eighteen candles, eighteen treasures, and a dance floor that will not close until she says so. We would love for you to be there.

Mama, Papa, and Kuya Diego

Sofia in evening light
Photographed in August, Makati

The program

How the night unfolds.

  1. Cocktails

    Champagne and canapés in the foyer. Find your name at the seating board.

  2. Grand entrance

    The court enters first. Then Sofia, with Papa. Please be seated by 6:50.

  3. Dinner

    A four-course dinner. Choose your main when you reply.

  4. Eighteen roses

    Eighteen dances with the men who raised her, taught her, and put up with her.

  5. Eighteen candles

    Eighteen wishes from the women who know her best. Tissues on every table.

  6. Eighteen treasures

    Small gifts, big stories. Sofia's cousins have been planning this for a year.

  7. The dance floor opens

    Sofia's playlist. Dancing until the shoes come off.

The court

Eighteen who will walk in with her.

Nine escorts, nine ladies. Rehearsal is Saturday, 3 October, 2:00 PM at the venue. Court, please confirm on the same form below.

Ladies of the court

  1. Bea Santiago
  2. Chloe Reyes
  3. Danica Lim
  4. Gabbie Tan
  5. Isabel Cruz
  6. Julia Mendoza
  7. Kiara Villanueva
  8. Lauren Sy
  9. Mika Ocampo

Escorts

  1. Andre Bautista
  2. Carlos Dela Cruz
  3. Diego Marquez
  4. Enzo Ramos
  5. Gio Fernandez
  6. Jacob Torres
  7. Luis Garcia
  8. Matteo Santos
  9. Rafa Aquino

Getting there

The Grand Ballroom, Makati.

Venue

The Grand Ballroom

Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. Enter through the hotel lobby; the ballroom is on the second floor, past the grand staircase.

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Parking

Valet and self-park

Valet at the hotel driveway is complimentary for the night. Self-parking in the basement is validated at the ballroom door. Rideshare drop-off is at the same driveway.

Candles on a cake in a dim room

Dress code

Black tie optional, in black and champagne.

Long gowns and cocktail dresses, suits and barongs. Metallics are welcome. The ballroom is cold, so a wrap is wise. Comfortable shoes for later; you will want them.

  • Black
  • Champagne
  • Gold
  • Ivory
  • Cocoa

No sportswear, no sneakers, and no white gowns. That one is Sofia's.

Questions

The things you were going to ask.

Can I bring a plus one?

Seats are limited, so this celebration is for named guests only. If your invitation says "and guest", bring them and add the seat when you reply.

Is there a theme for the roses, candles, and treasures?

Yes. Each has been shared privately with the people involved, along with their cue and their song. If you are one of them and have not heard from Kuya Diego, message him.

What about gifts?

Your presence is the gift. If you would like to give something, Sofia is saving for a semester abroad and a contribution would mean the world. Details are on the card.

Will there be a photo booth?

Yes, in the foyer from 6:00 PM until the last dance. Tag anything you post with #SofiaShinesAt18.

Are children welcome?

Yes. There is a kids' table with its own menu, and a quiet room off the foyer for anyone who needs an early night.

RSVP

Will you join the celebration?

Please reply by 20 September 2026 so the court and the caterer have a final count.

Attendance

Opens your mail app with the reply written out. No account needed.

Save the date

Put it in your phone.

Saturday, 10 October 2026. Cocktails from 6:00 PM, grand entrance at 7:00 PM, The Grand Ballroom, Makati.

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