By: Marky Ramone Go

April Dheanes, who recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday, took a moment to reflect on the personal growth and maturation she experienced during her teenage years. During those countless flashes of self-discovery, she also cultivated her interests, honed her abilities, and nurtured her talents. The person she is today is a result of the valuable lessons she learned about building genuine connections during her early years. These formative experiences have played a crucial role in shaping the young woman who recently celebrated her debut. They have provided her with a deep understanding of herself and the world, enabling her to embark on the journey into adulthood with confidence.

A Realized Passage to Adulthood

“In my journey toward maturity, I have experienced transformative changes that have shaped me into a more mature individual,” April said. “The growth in emotional intelligence, self-awareness, decision-making, resilience, empathy, and balanced priorities has contributed to my overall development,” she added when asked how her journey to becoming a lady transformed herself.

April was able to navigate life's challenges with greater wisdom, empathy, and grace by embracing and adapting to changes. She explains that eagerly anticipating obstacles has consistently propelled her character's evolution from a playful girl to a determined woman who is now focused on achieving personal growth, maturity, and success.

April, like many young women her age, prefers to keep an open mind when it comes to fashion, embracing new ideas and trends. “I am now more sensitive and trendier when it comes to choosing my outfit than ever before.”

Looking Ahead to Fulfilling Dreams

When it comes to her life goals, April has a long list, but her top three priorities are traveling the world, making a positive impact on the lives of others, and living life with purpose. "My frustrations stems from feeling like I’m not making enough progress towards achieving my goals, not having enough time to do it all and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do." April says. "However, I am learning to cope with that by having a winning mentality, like the more I fear of failing, the more I will be encouraged and driven to overcome it and succeed".

As April enters her "dalaga" years, she eagerly anticipates the chance to discover new opportunities and widening her world. This involves acquiring a new skill and consistently growing as an individual. “I am thrilled about embracing new challenges and making a positive impact in the world. I am also excited about strengthening my relationship with family and friends, as well as discovering new ways to establish meaningful connections with people.”

Saying “Yes” to Romance

Although April misses the carefree days of her teenage years, she has now shifted her focus towards more serious matters. One example is entering into a romantic relationship. "Yes, I am proud to say that I have a boyfriend," April replied enthusiastically when asked if her parents now allow her to be in a romantic relationship.

Having a boyfriend is just one of the many things in her life that makes April filled with gratitude. She considers material things as blessings but favors more the collection of happy memories and experiences as her most valuable asset.

"These wonderful memories created during this significant milestone will forever hold a special place in my heart", April said. "As I journey into adulthood, I am grateful for these gifts that continue to shape me, inspire me, and remind me of the beauty and depth of life's experiences”

When asked where she sees herself in 10 years, April returns to a key goal of hers: making a positive impact on the world around her. Following that train of ambition, she envisions a future for herself as a nurse thriving in a totally new environment while providing compassionate care

The blissful family that April would strive for was the icing on the cake. In addition to her professional successes, she has what in her own description "I see a happy family, where love, understanding, and support reign.”

Celebrating her Memorable Debut

In contrast to many girls today who prefer extravagant holidays or expensive gifts like a brand-new car to celebrate their 18th birthday, April made the deliberate choice to celebrate her debut in a traditional manner.

And it sure was the right decision. "My 18th debut Birthday party was an amazing experience! It was a great way to celebrate my transition into adulthood with my closest friends and family. Everyone had a great time dancing, dining in and playing games. It was a night I will never forget"

The debut program of April was a showcase of meticulous planning and thoughtful execution, evident in the unfolding moments of the event. Every aspect of the soiree, from the captivating entrance to the heartfelt speeches, the exchange of gifts, the mesmerizing musical performances, and the deeply moving father-daughter dance, collectively made for an evening that will be cherished forever.

These exceptional moments forged enduring memories for both her and her guests, serving as a reminder of the abundance of joy, love, and celebration that filled the atmosphere. April's debut was a significant moment for both herself, her family, relatives, and friends, as it showcased the importance of coming together, and celebrating together, a special someone’s coming of age party.

April as a Lady

“To be considered a lady is an honor that comes with great responsibility. It encompasses elegance, grace, self-respect, respect for others, confidence, inner strength, lifelong learning, empathy, compassion, influence, and leadership”, April said in the most Miss Philippines-way possible.

While venturing into the world of beauty queens remain a possibility, one thing is certain: April will lead a successful life by forging a path that radiates inspiration and uplifts others. She has demonstrated remarkable resilience in facing challenges and has grown from her experiences, using the wisdom and knowledge she has acquired to cultivate kindness, strength, and dignity.