← Free Resources

Free Guide & Checklist

The Filipino Debut Planning Checklist

Every step from 12 months out to the night itself, including the 18 roses, candles, and treasures lists your host will need.

How to use this checklist

A Filipino debut is a wedding-sized production for one night. The venue, caterer, and photographer book out first, so the early phases matter more than families expect. Work top to bottom, tick items as you finish them, and your progress stays saved in this browser.

The names builder at the bottom is the part most families leave until the last week. Fill it in early: your host or emcee needs every name, relationship, and one line about each person to write the introductions, and the participants need time to confirm.

Dates in each phase assume a debut in Metro Manila with 100 to 200 guests. For a smaller celebration you can compress the early phases; for a December date, start earlier.

0 of 53 completed0%

The Filipino Debut Planning Checklist

lumebyrob.com · Professional Event Host & Emcee, Philippines

12+ Months Before

0/7

Popular venues and photographers in Metro Manila are booked a year ahead for December and summer dates.

8–10 Months Before

0/7

Book the host early. A debut host who has met the family scripts a far better night than one hired the month before.

6 Months Before

0/7

Ask each 18 roses, candles, and treasures participant personally, and give them a deadline.

3–4 Months Before

0/7

Send invitations early enough for balikbayan relatives to book flights.

1–2 Months Before

0/7

Collect the personal messages for the 18s now. Chasing them in the last week is the most common source of stress.

2 Weeks Before

0/7

Put every supplier's call time and contact on one sheet and give a copy to two relatives.

Week Of

0/6

The Night

0/5

The 18s names builder

Fill these in as participants confirm. Your host uses the relationship and the note to write each introduction. Everything you type stays in this browser, and the printed page includes the lists.

18 Roses

The men in her life. Each presents a rose and shares a dance. The first is usually her father, the last her escort.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

18 Candles

The women in her life. Each lights a candle and offers a wish.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

18 Treasures

Gifts with meaning, from relatives and friends. The giver explains the gift.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18

More checklists

Frequently Asked Questions