Intramuros-- Eliza Leonor Capalad celebrated her 18th birthday at Patio Victoria, which is owned by actress Cristina Gonzales- Romualdez. From outside this place, you couldn't imagine how beautiful it actually looks. I got down the car and thoght to myself, "Maybe a hotel party would be better". It was five o' clock in the afternoon, two hours befor her party started. The sun was just beginning to get dimmer, and the day was becoming more picturesque.

From the gate, you could see the entire view of the place: the fountain in the middle, the presidential table, the gazebo and all the tables and chairs carefully arranged for the occassion.

Guests started to enter the garden venue, and they sat down at their respective seats. It was then time for the Debutant's entrance. There was a line of torches that preceded her, making the entrance appear so grand.

The sun has set and the mood mellows. The program starts with a slide show of the young Eliza, up to the present. People laughed and cried over the slides. After this, dinner was served.

It was buffet style, with one long table full of mouth- watering food. For the entree, there was onion rings and spinach chips, with a choice of cream cheese, sour cream or honey mustard for the dip. Salad was also served. There was a choice of potato salad and caesar's salad. For those who want to make their own salad, the table served add- ons like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, ham, sweet corn, carrots, croutons, grated cheese and bacon. There were also several choices of dressings like thousand island, vinaigrette, horseradish, blue cheese and herbs and cheese. For the main course, they served rice, both plain and fried (where would we be without rice?), pancit, steamed fish with leeks in oyster sauce, morcon, embutido, roasted chicken, lechon, sweet and sour fish and fettucine with a choice of meat sauce and alfredo. For dessert, there were cream puffs (a classic), chocolate eclairs (also a classic), almond jelly, macaroons, fruit salad, custard cake, and of course, fresh fruits.

While guests were enjoying the food, some friends were called to do numbrs for the celebrant. There were three numberd: one with a minus-one, the second was a capella and the third was with guitar accompaniments. After the numbers, a toast was given to the debutant. The 18 roses were called one by one and asked to dance with the debutant. Next were the 18 candles, and as they spoke, the venue started to flood with tears.

Like every party's tradition, aftr the program comes the dancing. I've been waiting for this the whole night, because i wanted to step on the gazebo. The package comes with a mobile that's responsible for the night's music. The gazebo is what's most noticeable int the place.

The night was romantic, and people danced religiously with their partners. It was a place that one would never forget.