The FIlipino Debut has been a tradition that has been celebrated for many years, and like many other coming of age ceremonies, it should be valued. The Debut is important for many reasons, such as preserving traditions. Moreover, we should still make an effort to celebrate the debut today, and preserve this tradition that our ancestors have passed down to us, as well as welcoming us to adulthood, and becoming an individual.

The first reason the Debut is worth maintaining is that it preserves our traditions. In our current age, we understand how important it is to preserve traditions that we have been given to by our parents and past generations. Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami had also stated to preserve coming of age ceremonies, as he says, "Truly, customs and traditions are part of our history. Celebrating them on various occasions is a way of reviving and conserving them..." This shows traditions can be preserved in multiple ways. Preserving traditions allows us with the past, while still looking to the future.

The second reason the Debut should be preserved is they welcome us to adulthood. As we know, the core reason why we celebrate the Debut- and other coming of age ceremonies- is that they welcome us to adulthood. They open our mind to new responsibilities and decisions we have to make in life. Celebrated with 18 other individuals, the debutante -or the girl who is turning 18- is given 18 roses to show that they are ready for romance, and are also given 18 candles to represent the glow of wisdom and experience. It shows us, like many other coming of age ceremonies, the Debut is a right of passage to welcome us to become mature adults.

The third reason we should preserve the Debut is that they give us a sense of identity. As we grow up, we understand ourselves more and see who we are clearer than just the vague words we call ourselves as children. We see what job we want to pursue, or how you want to be respected. As you are celebrating your Debut, you are becoming more mature and seeking who you are. Understanding yourself is vital to growing up. Stated by Jennifer O' Donnell, she has mentioned, "For children, coming of age can be exciting as they separate from their parents and form new social circles." This shows an example of seeing our identity. From what you want, to who your friends are, they show identity. Furthermore, part of seeing your identity is growing up, becoming an adult, and seeing the real you. Which comes back to our entire purpose of this paper -we should preserve the Debut.

Some people might argue that, "This is a waste of money for one birthday," or "Why should we make a big significance for an event?" or even, "Why is this only for girls? That isn't fair." All these statements are true, the Debut is meant for girls, and it is in fact true that a lot of money is spent for such ceremony. The Debut can cost up to 600,000 pesos (Pesos are the currency in the Philippines) and in America is a whopping $12,000! 

However, this coming of age ceremony should not be seen as a mere waste of money and time. As stated before, they are a gift from our ancestors, a very fragile one. Which all fragile articles should be handled with care, like our traditions. If not careful, it can be dropped and lost forever. Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami had also stated about preserving traditions, and said, "The local traditions are important as they are pillars of culture/ heritage of any nation. They are valuable for people who regard them as genuine treasures that should be well-preserved and documented..." This shows traditions, like coming-of-age ceremonies, should be treated with respect and should definitely be preserved.

In conclusion, the Debut should be preserved and maintained. For it preserves traditions and welcomes us to adulthood, and helps us become our own individual as we enter adolescence. And so, it should be celebrated, just as soon as your debutante becomes 18 years old.

#

Sources:

"Debut Guides." Hizon's Catering. n.d.
https://hizonscatering.com/planning-guide/uso-pa-baang-debut/

Jahdhami, Abdulaziz Al. (2018). "Preserving Culture, a Responsibility For All." Omano Observer. 
https://www.omanobserver.om/preserving-culture-a-responsibility-for-all/

Donnell, Jennifer O'. (2021). "How Different Cultures Recognize a Child's Coming of Age." VeryWell Family. 
https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-does-coming-of-age-mean-3288528

Escalona, Katrina. (2018) "Real Life Fairytale: A Girl's 18th Birthday in the Philippines." Culture Trip.
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/real-life-fairytale-a-girls-18th-birthday-in-the-philippines/