FLORIELI GEISEL C. PO

EMBRACING NEW LIFE ADVENTURES AT 18

By'; Mylene Campos

Debuts are quite magical and memorable. It’s also a time that's well celebrated, as a young lady turns into an adult. For debutante Florieli, being 18 is a big deal. She recognizes her coming of age as a milestone to adulthood that comes with privileges and legal implications. However, turning 18 hasn’t changed anything for her, as she feels like she’s still the same person, only a year older. She shared, “I could honestly say that it takes more than just a number to change a person. Everything takes time.”

OF DREAMS AND FRUSTRATIONS | Like any hopeful young woman, Florieli dreams of finishing college and being successful in life. “I want to have a stable source of income and be able to give back to my family. It'll be my way of thanking them for everything that they've worked hard for, so we could live a comfortable life."

Florieli doesn't easily get frustrated in life. She may have failed on a few things along the way, but she saw these challenges as her motivation to do better. "Woody Allen said, if you’re not failing every now and then, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative,” she shared.

The debutante looks forward to embracing new adventures in life, as there’s still so much more for her to experience. She shared, “I haven’t made up my mind yet as to what I specifically want because I am used to impromptu plans whether with friends or family. I find this arrangement more enjoyable compared to having a somewhat ‘itinerary’ for life.”

LIFE INSPIRATIONS AND WORDS OF WISDOM | Many people give her inspiration in life, but her family and friends, especially her parents, are the ones who inspire her the most. “My parents are my inspiration because, despite everything that has happened, through thick and thin, they're still there for me. They always encourage me, and also motivate me even when I don't succeed in certain things,” she shared.

Getting into a relationship may have entered Fiorieli’s mind, but she's chosen not to pursue anything until she's finished college. She shared, “my parents may or may not allow me, but I am firm with my decision that I will prioritize my studies over everything else.” The debutante has been following the advice of her parents about concentrating fully on her education. “College in itself is a daunting task. Having suitors will not only be a distraction. It might also compromise my goal of finishing my course. Besides, there will be plenty of time for those after graduation.”

10 YEARS FROM NOW | Like any good daughter, Florieli also pictures herself working in their family’s business and continuing what her parents have built. She also wants her family to live in a spacious and comfortable home. Most of all, she wants to live a stress-free life. “I know it’s impossible to be free from stress, but I do hope to experience only the least stressful ones,” she added.

A MEMORABLE CELEBRATION | Florieli’s debut was full of wonder. They may have encountered some minor slips throughout the preparation and the day itself, but nothing could ruin one of the most unforgettable nights of her life.

The young woman shared how exhausting it was to prepare for her debut. “I felt stressed out with all the decision-making because I was in Manila, while my parents and some suppliers were in Tacloban. It was hard to juggle my academics and the preparations all at the same time. Even though we began planning at the start of 2018, I still had a hard time coordinating with the suppliers in Manila, especially when it came to the gown and shoe fittings, and the pre-debut shoots. There was always some conflict in my class schedule. I also had to go to my dress fittings several times, and at different locations in Manila. There was even a time when I did all of my fittings in one day. It was tiring." Florieli also did a lot of pre-debut shoots, which were done in Las Casas and Studio Namu. "The pictorials were exhausting but fun," she shared.

On top of everything that she was doing, Florieli recalled how she was hardly in the supplier meetings because she could only go home to Tacloban during her long breaks from school. "Sometimes I would talk to the suppliers through the phone, which was still a strenuous process. There was even a time when I went home during the Undas (All Saint’s Day) break and did a meeting with the food tasting committee all at the same time. It was the only opportunity to meet the vendors all together, as we needed to finalize the details for the event."

Florieli came home a week before the debut and found that things weren't polished yet. She even did another pre-debut shoot just days before the party and attended more meetings before her big day. Now, despite her obstacles, she was pleased with the outcome. "I had a fun time. It was an experience I would never forget,” she shared.

CHERISHED MOMENTS & GIFTS | Florieli’s favorite moment during the event was her grand entrance, as it made her feel happy to see the people she loved all together to celebrate her special day. “I was overwhelmed to see everyone who came and made the time to join me.” Her most favorite moment would be the dance with her father. "He’s the most important man in my life,” she shared.

Like any birthday celebrant who received presents, Florieli feels most grateful for the party that she had. “The best and my most favorite gift was the debut. Being able to spend my special day with friends and family is truly the best gift one could ever have,” she shared.

She also received a few special presents like a promise ring and some self-portraits. She added, “the promise ring is a favorite of mine because it signifies the commitment between me and my parents. I also liked the self-portraits because each one was handmade by the person who gave it to me.”