Confidently beautiful with a heart at 18

“Confidently beautiful with a heart at 18”

Sun.Star Davao, July 1, 2017

            Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach’s iconic blue ball gown on her coronation night made such a lasting impression on Tiffany Aleanna Cruz Lim that when she was asked by young Dabawenya fashion designer Maizy Colleen what gown she had in mind for her 18^th birthday, the debutante requested it to be her inspiration.

            “And, Maizy just knew what to do. I wanted something bold with jewel tones so she created a royal blue ball gown with individually handsewn lace appliqués down to the hemline and adorned them with exquisite Swarovski crystals in shades of royal to dark blue. The gown’s crystals stunningly twinkled under the lights”, smiles the statuesque Tiffany, the eldest daughter of entrepreneurs Alexander Lim Jr. and Jo Ann Cruz-Lim.

           "The original debut theme was the Disney film “Enchanted”. However, as ideas progressed and I became more hands-on, each new element improved into something I specifically favored. In the end, I was not restricted to one theme. Together, it became one whole magical concept that represented who I was as a person, and a kaleidoscope of the things that I loved”, intimates Tiffany, a Grade 12 student at Ateneo de Davao University.

            At the Davao Convention and Trade Center, Golden Touch’s event stylist Noel Tanza elegantly decorated the ballroom with whimsical trees mimicking cherry blossoms. On the other hand, the three-tiered ivory-colored fondant cake by Marilie Garbo was gorgeously bedecked with dainty icing flowers and lovely silk butterflies.

            Much like the debut theme, Tiffany’s pre-debut shoot and teaser by Simply Gray Studio and styled by Sofia Sibala, highlighted the debutante’s myriad of facets and looks from metropolitan, vintage, sweet and fierce.

            "The teaser was a take on my adventurous side, willing to experience novel things”, declares the multi-talented Tiffany who plays the piano and guitar, creates and sells hyperrealistic portraits, does boxing and Krav Maga, and enjoys creative writing and singing. The consistent honor student is likewise the club president of “Kawal”, the official yearbook of the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School.

        During the 18 Roses, each dance was uniquely choreographed with customized music and dance moves ranging from hip hop, waltz, and freestyle. 

  

            On the other hand, the special people representing the 18 Candles carried lighted lamps as they gracefully walked across the ballroom while their speeches were shown through a video.

                Pastor Richard Guion, a dear family friend, led the 18 Treasures and began his heartwarming tribute by giving a blessing. “He reminded me that the celebration was not about me, but God”, discloses Tiffany.

            In his touching speech, Daddy Alex lovingly describes Tiffany as a gracious person with a kind soul. “She cares because she wants to, not because she needs to.  Smart and tough, Tiffany is my inspiration to be a better person and dad”, discloses the proud father.

            That captivating evening, Mommy Jo Ann also shared a priceless advice to her firstborn, “Life may not always be perfect like in fairy tales but remember that your family is here to give you all the love and support you need. Spread your wings and reach for your dreams. Know your self-worth and always be thankful for all the things that you are blessed with”.

            With faith in the Lord, a supportive family and strong determination, nothing can definitely stop Tiffany, the future doctor, from pursuing her goals as she faces each step of the way, confidently beautiful with a heart.

  E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.