Kelley Therese Maranan at 18

 

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

 

Birth, baptism, high-school graduation, the first driver’s license, are all milestones for teenage boys and girls; however, for a young lady, there is the coming- out party, an introduction to the world with its roots in high-society gatherings called the “Debut.”

In Mexico, the party to introduce a young girl is called the “Quincinera” so the teen gets to celebrate her fifteenth birthday amongst family and friends in a grand party. Here in the United States, the “Sweet Sixteen” event is a highlight in a young girl’s life, usually participated in by other cocelebrants, or solo, and for us Filipinos, the debut is for the eighteen- year-old young lady who is supposedly old enough to accept suitors and be wooed by possible future husbands — that is, if parents can afford to spend for such events.

That was the old school practice but now, with women assuming positions and careers once available only to men, and not necessarily to marry them, the goal of such an event is just that–to formally introduce the birthday girl to society, and welcome her into adulthood.

The Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel is a beautiful venue for all kinds of milestones. I have gone there for three weddings, a convention, a boat show, two corporate parties and, recently, the debut of Kelley Therese Maranan, daughter of Ron and Teri Maranan, one that I had the pleasure of being invited to attend.

She is truly a pretty young lady. Petite, slim but athletic, blessed with her alluring Filipina feature, from her tan complexion to her flowing dark hair, bright eyes and ready smile, the way she greeted her friends and family, her short speech and the way she carried herself, Kelley Therese was truly a daughter any parent can be proud of, a girl with a bright future ahead of her, and why not?

From a tender age of ten, Kelley Therese was a piano virtuoso, winning First and Second Place in the American Guild Piano Competition in Illinois. At age 12, she was quite a competitive athlete, achieving the rank of First Degree Black Belt in Karate, while in school, being a hard working student that she is, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

A natural born leader, Kelley Therese ,served as Class President at St.Viator High School in Arlington Heights while playing Varsity La Crosse, basketball even golf. Rounding off her talents also include performing in musicals, participating in student government and is currently a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, the Ambassador’s Club, the Campus Ministry, and the Spanish Club.

Described as being kind and selfless by her friends, she volunteers at the St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly in Palatine home and does what she can for the group called Feed My Starving Children.

Her older brother Kevin Ron is currently enrolled as Junior at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and dotes over her baby sister who hopes to pursue a degree in Dentistry at the same university after High School, the same degree as her mom, Teri. With that, Kelley Therese is already planning to do volunteer work as a dentist and provide smiles to needy children with the not for profit organization called Smile Train.

I have seen this young, vibrant lady perform at her debut, witnessed her talent and poise, heard about her accomplishments, athletic achievements, and saw how much she respected and loved her family, and how she is also proud to be a Filipino American. She is on the right path to being a future leader, a young woman with a mission. We wish Kelley Therese Maranan all the blessings in her young life, as she starts her journey with the inspiration derived from generations before her, but one that has started with her own family.

Message from Kelley – “As a little girl there was nothing more I desired than to feel like a princess, even if it was just for a night. I dreamed about these beautiful dresses, the grand entrance, and all of my family and friends gathered around me. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards God and my parents. Not every girl is given such an opportunity and yet I was fortunate to have my fairy tale come true. I cannot stress enough how much I love my parents. To my brother, thank you for being my role model and protector. To all my friends and family, thank you for being my mentors throughout this journey by giving me the gift of dreams answered. Again, thank you for helping me celebrate this milestone.

Ron and Teri Maranan want to thank all their guests for taking the time to celebrate Kelley Therese’s 18th birthday. They are truly humbled by the show of love and support that they have received from family and friends not just today, but also over the last several months.

We thank God for bestowing his blessings upon our family. For without God, none of this would have been possible. So many people have helped with various aspects of the planning and we can say this cotillion would not have been nearly as beautiful or as organized without Girlie Pascual and choreographer Rose Hipona and her husband Arnold.

The Cotillion entourage, L-R: Ethan Santos, Jonathan Cruz, Melvic Jusi, Randy Zagozdan, Christian Cruz, Albert Lopez, Niko Angulo, Kevin Ron; Partner: Joshua Placencio. (R-L): Julia Santos, Paige Patano, Emma Jacobson, Ashley Lopez, Brittany Steineke, Daisy Flores, Amie Triplitt, Katie Oswald.

Ronald Maranan, Teri Maranan, Kevin Ron Maranan

 

Ron and Teri Maranan want to thank all their guests for taking the time to celebrate Kelley Therese’s 18th birthday. They are truly humbled by the show of love and support that they have received from family and friends not just today, but also over the last several months. We thank God for bestowing his blessings upon our family. For without God, none of this would have been possible. So many people have helped with various aspects of the planning and we can say this cotillion would not have been nearly as beautiful or as organized without Girlie Pascual and choreographer Rose Hipona and her husband Arnold.

Message from Kelley – As a little girl there was nothing more I desired than to feel like a princess, even if it was just for a night. I dreamed about these beautiful dresses, the grand entrance, and all of my family and friends gathered around me. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards God and my parents. Not every girl is given such an opportunity and yet I was fortunate to have my fairy tale come true. I cannot stress enough how much I love my parents. To my brother, thank you for being my role model and protector. To all my friends and family, thank you for being my mentors throughout this journey by giving me the gift of dreams answered. Again, thank you for helping me celebrate this milestone.

(Kelley Therese is currently a senior at Saint Viator High School. She is currently involved in student government, musical, golf, and varsity lacrosse. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. On top of that, she is a black belt in taekwondo. Her future plans include attending the University of Illinois at Chicago. She desires to pursue dentistry, just like her mother. )