By: Manuel Ferdinand Ramirez de Erio

John Keats immortal line, “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever” was once more celebrated last Friday, November 3, when Vanessa Loraña Kascher of Talibon town, a second year Accountancy student of the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, celebrated her 18th birthday in a fantastic event at the Sandugo Grand Ball of the Bohol Tropic Resort this city.

Vanessa, who spent most of her childhood years in Tubigon, Bohol very first memory as an adult was made extra special thru the efforts and preparation for her debut party made personally by her mother Mildred Loraña Kascher with the support of her father Alfons Kascher. “I will cherish forever the memory of the whole event since my mother worked a lot for the preparation and arrangement of everything. The success of the event is really due to parents.” Vanessa quipped.

Vanessa's love for music was evident when she sung The Wind Beneath My Wings dedicated to her mama and papa. “It is impossible to fly when you don't have the wings and the wind to push you up. My mama and papa gave me the opportunity to spread my wings as an adult and the essential support to help me soar high” she shared. Her mama Mildred can still recall the memories when she was pregnant. “It was the most fulfilling experience as a woman, especially when I was about to deliver the baby in Germany . I waited 3 days for the delivery. Eventually, I gave birth to Vanessa thru caesarian operation” Mildred recalled.

That was 18 years ago. Today, Vanessa has grown up as desirably as she is brought up by her mother. “I did well on my part as a mother. I gave her everything that I believe is best for her…opportunities, love and support.” Mildred said. Vanessa indeed grew to become a real beauty and even excelled in her class. She is a princess with desirable qualities—with inner beauty glowing more interestingly to compliment her sweet and charming physical beauty. Vanessa is a simple young woman with big dreams and flexible in dealing with people at different of economic status.

“She knows how to interact with the poor, the middle class and those in the higher level of the society… I believe she can handle well the responsibility entailed with the freedom I gave her as an adult. I am confident that she is able to make choices and decide on her own with full responsibility…she's a perfect daughter—a daughter that every parent would wish to have” Mildred said with a smile.

Vanessa's entry to adulthood was bounded with wishes from her parents and from friends. “We wish for her success in her studies, her future career, good health and a happy love life” Shared her parents. Her friends likewise wished for her to be successful, happy and contented in her life. The -message of Fr. Val Pinlac was among the highlights of the celebration. Fr. Val heartfelt and sincere message instilled the value of life and gratitude for the privilege and blessings that Vanessa has enjoyed being the only child in the family. “You are now a woman…a person who knows how to live life well…you are educated, formed and nurtured in a quality school. As you live your life, the only treasure you need is to value of life. Make wise use of your freedom and remain faithful to your creator.” Fr. Val lovingly said to Vanessa. Vanessa's escort was her boyfriend Jonas Brillata who said that if she was music in his life, Vanessa would be Jazz. “You really need time to really appreciate the beauty of her [Vanessa] soul.” He shared. The successful debut was a product of almost endless preparation and tiresome arrangements. Not to mention that she just finished her final exam the week before the debut. She expressed her genuine gra

The Cotillion was composed of 18 Roses, namely: Joven Pedralba, Ronland Kuts, Lord Francis Garcia, Mario Magat III, Wyn Michael Merabiles, Theodore Vergara, Marvin Itable, Christian Goloya, Christian Angelo Laborte, Lionel Medidas, Joseph Earl Ermita, Warren Clyde Tompong, Jose Manuel Longos, Ryan Montuya, Josephus Vinent Silagan, Jester Don Tuñacao, Vern Gamutan and Dennis Baldero. On the other hand, the 18 candles were Marissa Jauslin, Jobelle Cabatingan, Hazel Faith Casurra, Jenessa Escabarte, Karla Magno, Jacqueline Illi, Dominique Encabo, Cheryl Amor Marie Eastman, Lhara Mae Pigano, Cleo Dalagan, Hazel Suico, Mima Herra Miranda, Raisa Athena Bantol, Georgia Jauslin, Hyacinth Mae Rayas, Maria Goretti Labella, Sheena Mitzi Rose Rayas and Ronelia Gigawin.

The generous line up of treasures were: Atty. Albert R. Tinampay with Blanche Laborte; John Recio with Ofelia Tesorio; Atty. Nerio Zamora II with Georgia Jauslin; Wilfried Reiner with Darlyn Balasco; Edmond Luquers with Cleo Dadagan; Thomas Boetch with Barbara Illi; Eric Ora with Daisy Tuquib; Tom Mcallaster with Cory Ann Verge; Toshio Mita with Jaybee Bullecer; Theodorico Rojas with Candy Starr Uy; Cynthia Pedralba with Louella Bantal; engr. David Collins with Wilfreda Cellins; Dioscoro Uy with Jona Uy; Borris Hebeberer with Irena Heberer; and, Rev. Fr. Valentino Pinla with Sister Amelia Marie Jasmin. Vanessa is thankful to Henry Baron for her gown, Quimson Pawnshop & Jewelry, H2O Band for the entertainment, Hotel La Roca and Bohol Tropics for the accommodation, Jojies Bakeshop for the cake, Doy Aradaza for event directing and choreography and Cebu's Steal Shoots for the photography. The presence of the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran together with the Rotary Medical Mission Team from Australia , Vanessa teachers in the elementary and high school with Rev. Fr. Val Pinlac, the special song number of Apple Avarquez and Eva Santos made the event extra special.

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