Fil-Am Debutantes’ Ball

Welcome to the Fil-Am Greater Atlanta Debutante Program! If you are interested in becoming a debutante or would like more information on what the experience entails, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Read on to learn about the program, requirements, and responsibilities.

History of Fil-Am’s Debutante Ball

It was in 1994, a good twenty years since Fil-Am was formed, that the idea of recognizing our young accomplished Filipino-American ladies and presenting them to the growing Filipino-American society in Greater Atlanta came to mind. In 1994, Fil-Am President Gloria Sabiniano and Didi O’Connor initiated what came to be a special occasion, the Fil-Am Debutantes ball, an “Atlanta Fil-Am tradition.”

After 24 years, Fil-Am has hosted 8 Debutantes’ Balls and a total of 69 Debutantes. These Debutantes met and bonded with other girls like them who had dreams to fulfill. Since then, all have moved on with their lives bringing with them fond memories of that wonderful moment in their young lives. Some have married and have wonderful lives with their young families, and some have gone on to discover their purpose in this world. Wherever they are now, one thing holds true: they will always treasure those months of hard work and bonding that led to their big night, the Debutantes’ Ball.

Fil-Am Debutantes Over the Years

  • 1994 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Gloria Sabiniano): Michelle Janice Atuan, Donna Marie Caranto, Ann Kristine Del Rosario, Karen Agnes De Mesa,

    Janet Tactay Minano, Corinne Lee Rollolazo, Hester Kay Sabiniano, Genevieve Medina Vidanes, Dawn Crawmer Villanueva, Abigail Anne Zapata

  • 1997 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Nenette Guerrero): Kathleen May Theresa Canlas, Joahanne Zita Cayanan, Rachel Jessica De Gracia, Nichole Danyiel Elliott, Maria Christina Hagler, Lady Christiane Jaramillo, Joyce Minano, Nitcelle Bedro Namgeanfar, Christina Vinluan, Danielle Helen Watson

  • 2000 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Linda Agustin): Lisa Aguilar, Wilma Alfelor, Maria Cristina Baccay, Maria Elleanor Baccay, Barbara Caranto,

    Ashley Culverson, Irene De La Concha, Tiffany Elliott, Kim Librojo, Eileen Pascual, Pauline Fernandez Pellicer, Valerie Prosianos

  • 2003 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Nene Salgado): Jamie Joyce Alberto, Mia Burns, Cindy Ann Caranto, Christine De Los Reyes, Brittney Elliott,

    Melissa Therese Estacio, Pria Margarita Faraon, Jihan Soraya Kamalvand, Jennifer Dawn Petty, Stacey May Sado, Lauren Nichole Soriano

  • 2006 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Jim Hiett): Tristin Amber Blackburn, Barbie Courtney Dye, Angelie De Gracia Ella, Jassey Kris Hilotin, Ariel Lee Johnson, Rochelle Castro Ocampo, Katrina McIntosh Zimmerman

  • 2009 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Marites Pellicer): Nicole Blanco, Monica Chokshi, Elizabeth Coe, Nicole Flores, Rissa Gacusan, Jennofer Hilotin, Kimberly O’Brien

  • 2013 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Elsie Vidanes): Loren Ofel Cielo, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Davis, Nicole Victoria De Los Reyes, Pia Marie Manacop, Mailin Estrella Simmons

  • 2017 Debutantes (Fil-Am President: Lilia Hagler): Michelle Teresa Dulog, Sheena Dee Erickson, Alexis Makayla Langham, Kylene Meredith Mackey, Shereen Jordan Ragheb, Nellie Kristine Turner

FAQs

  • The Fil-Am Greater Atlanta Debutante Program aims to introduce young women to the rich traditions of Filipino culture while empowering them to embrace their growth, accomplishments, and personal heritage. It offers a platform for young ladies in the Filipino-American community to showcase their values, talents, and dedication to cultural preservation while participating in a celebration of Filipino customs.

  • Debutantes are expected to:

    • Be a current, bona fide member of the Fil-Am Greater Atlanta community.

    • Be between the ages of 16 and 19 during the year of the event.

    • Obtain parental consent to participate.

    Additionally, debutantes will take part in various activities leading up to the ball, including:

    • Selling tickets: Debutantes are required to sell at least 20 dinner-dance tickets to their family, friends, and community members.

    • Advertising: Debutantes must solicit a minimum of five full-page advertisements, totaling $500, for the event's souvenir program. Any additional ads will be split 50/50 between the debutante and the Fil-Am Association.

    • Rehearsals: Active participation in rehearsals, including the father-daughter dance segment.

    • Community Engagement: Debutantes are encouraged to contribute to community events and fundraising efforts.

  • The participation fee for the debutante program is $600. This fee is non-refundable and covers the following:

    • Debutante’s dinner

    • Cake and flowers (e.g., boutonnieres and corsages)

    • Printing of tickets, invitations, and the souvenir program

    • Entertainment (music and sound system)

    • Decorations and stage setup

    • Photography services (official photographer only)

    The fee may be paid in installments, and the debutante’s family must agree to the fee upon submission of the Commitment Form.

  • We are limiting the amount of participants to 10 this year. If you’re interested in participating, apply now!

  • es, there are specific dress code guidelines for all participants:

    • Debutante:

      • White bouffant gown (should not touch the floor)

      • White arm-length gloves

      • Tiara

      • White shoes (maximum 2-inch heels; no black shoes)

    • Escort:

      • Black tuxedo

      • Black shoes

      • White gloves

    • Debutante’s Mother:

      • Formal long dress (any color except black or white)

    • Debutante’s Father:

      • Tuxedo

    These attire guidelines are in place to maintain the formal nature of the event.

  • The proceeds from participant fees and advertisements are the only sources of income for the event, ensuring that no treasury funds from the Fil-Am Association are used to cover expenses. The debutantes’ families play a key role in fundraising by soliciting ads and selling dinner-dance tickets.

  • The Fil-Am Greater Atlanta’s Board of Directors, along with several dedicated committees, is responsible for organizing the event. A special Finance Committee manages the event’s transactions and finances. Fil-Am also provides an official photographer and videographer, sharing the costs among all debutantes.

  • If you are interested in becoming a debutante, please fill out our online form.