By: Manuel Ferdinand Ramirez de Erio with guest correspondent Julan Crisale Cordova

THE most special and so far the grandest debut I have ever attended! Last Friday night I attended the debut of Willy and Evelyn Witte's daughter Karen Faith Naval Witte at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Truly beyond the usual, Karen celebrated her 18th birthday with a “Heaven on Earth” concept based on the dreams of Karen herself. Karen's entrance was a breathtaking ascension from the somewhat 30 feet high ceiling of the grand ballroom. Her entrance was a moment of awe and wonder as she ascends gracefully from the air complete with smoke effects and confetti! The entire set was flooded with white and blue hues that effectively exuded the ambiance and atmosphere of heaven. With Doy Aradaza of Eventually Yours and dynamic creative team that leads the production and preparation of the decoration, flowers, cakes, photography and video, the night was truly the grandest debut production ever!

It was indeed a night of surprises for Karen. Philippine showbiz celebrities graced the occasion. Star in Million's Eric Santos and the charming and pretty Heart Evangelista surprised the debutant and entertained with guest with their songs. Heart shared a heart-warming message to Willy and Evelyn, the parents of Karen. “Do watch her as she grows and see her achieve her dreams.” She said.

The night also became an opportunity for the guests to take a glimpse at the private life of Karen. Multi-media presentations of Karen's life as child. It was cute to discover some things that Karen likes and dislikes. From the multi-media presentations, I feel like having personally witnessed how Karen lived as a child and grew up as lady.

That night I also witnessed how special Karen is to the family. Karen's mom Evelyn shared some thoughts for Karen. “Today is a very special for us because Karen has grown up and she not a baby anymore. She has grown up to be very lovely young lady. I wish and pray that she will live a good and long life. I also wish that she continues her studies and earn a title.” Evelyn shared.

“Now that she's 18, she must be more careful because she is now an adult. Unlike before when someone is always to there take care of her, now she must live on her own.” Evelyn added. Like any mom with growing daughter, Evelyn will surely miss Karen's ways as a child. “She's very malambing and cute…always coming to me and sitting on my lap and saying I miss you very much mom and I love you.” Evelyn said.

Evelyn didn't discount her shortcomings as a mother and a businesswoman at the same time. Having owned one of Panglao's prime beach resorts, Alona Kew While Beach Resort, Evelyn's time for business has taken some of the time that she could have spent with her kids. She acknowledges the help of Yaya Mamay who have been a part of their family for the past 20 years. Yaya Mamay was specially mentioned as among important people to whom Karen is indebted. She has been the Yaya of Karen since birth.

On the part of Karen, she wishes to be more mature and organized. As she turned 18, she expresses her gratitude to her mother, “I am thankful to God for everything wouldn't have bee possible without His will and to my mom for her support and love for me all these years. Ma, thank you for giving me this kind of party.” Karen is still uncertain of what she shall become after her 18th birthday. “That I do not know yet. Maybe, a full grown and responsible woman. They should expect me to be more ‘me' hahaha…” She quipped.

Karen's niece Liwayway Ruth Evelyn Buchmann wished for Karen's happiness and successes in life. “Tital Karen is a really good person but sometimes she acts like a child. But I like her the way she is. I don't want her to change because I love her as she is.” Liwayway said. Karen grow up close to her elder brother Benjamin. Karen and Benjamin shared wonder times as kids. “I hope shell have a great future. She's a grown up now and she has to learn to stand on her feet…If ever she needs my help, I'm just here for her.” Benjamin assured. At present, Karen is taking Business Management in Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City . Karen wants to put up a bar or a coffee shop when she finishes studies. She's been observed to be very careful with her money. She buys only those things that she needs at the moment. With her spending of money, she's a promising asset in Bohol 's entrepreneurial history.

The evening was made more special with the presence of the dashing Philippine Councilor's League – Bohol Chapter (PCL) president and Board Member Brigido “Boy” and lovely wife May Imboy who wished a successful life for Karen. “We wish that she will be successful in her chose field. We also wish for her strength and endurance especially that she's planning to indulge into business.” The Imboy couple said in an interview. Also present was Imboy's potential running mate for congressman in the third district of Bohol, former governor Rene with wife Imee Relampagos. Others present were civic leader Ondoy Clarin, philanthropist Hans with wife Lanie Schoof, Bohol Tropic's couple Jan and Geesnel Yap, fashion designer Henry Baron, young lawyer Koykoy Lim, Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan and comedy actor Bayani Agbayani.

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