AYA MONTERO @ 18

March 19, 2011. Verdant Pavillion, PINR It was a scene straight out from a lavish musical extravaganza replete with a multitude of back up dancers executing perfectly synchronized dance steps

Set to the blockbuster rhythm of Kate Perry's monster hit "Firework", it was the most amazing and most spectacular dance opening for a debutante's ball ever witnessed in Bohol. 

Of course, it had to be for it was the coming out party for the youngest of Frank & Nila Montero's two daughters

Christened as Amira Alia Paredes Montero, Aya as we fondly call her, was actually born on March 21, 1993 exactly 20 years ago

The debutante and Mark So, the meticulous and creative Cebu City- based event organizer agreed on a masquerade ball as the theme for the big event

The eye- catching invite to Bohol's grandest debut

THE DANCE DIVA

The most spectacular opening number ever for a debutante's ball

I have always believed that a coming out party should not only be an occasion to highlight the very special attributes of the debutante but also an opportunity to showcase her talents be it in the performing arts or in creative arts

If there's one thing can do with ease & fluidity and with grace and perfect timing, it is dancing. 

Yes, Terpsichore, the goddess & muse of dance, had bestowed on Aya the grace and poise of a danseuse. In fact, had she not pursued a business degree at CIE in Cebu and presently, in Northwood University in Florida, USA to complete her academic requirements, she would have taken the route that a prima ballerina takes

PRE- PRODUCTION

One of the highlights of the affair was an MTV- styled  music video production where Aya would lipsynch to Rhianna's "Only Girl in the World" hit song

After she was dolled up by one of Cebu's top make up mavens and stylists, Aya and the video crew then proceeded to shoot the video in different locales within and outside cosmopolitan Cebu. 

Ever the trouper, Aya executed everything with nary a whimper and after a couple of days of hard work and reshoots, it was a wrap

Here are some of the video snippets of the event:

Coming Up: Aya Montero @ 18 Part 2 

But before Part 2 is released, let me greet my sest a wonderful and unforgettable birthday today!

Cheers!