The Fil-Minnesotan Association announces the presentation of nine lovely  Debutantes and their handsome escorts at its annual Debutantes Ball on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the Hilton Airport Hotel in Bloomington. Cocktails will start at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Music will be provided by Quadronics DJ Services. Formal attire is requested.

A genteel celebration of culture, this event is also a celebration of the accomplishments of these young Filipino women and their arrival into adult    society, done with elegance and formality. For the young women, it is a moment never to be forgotten.

For the young men, it is a memorable participation in a coming-of-age celebration in the cultural tradition of  the Filipino people, reflecting a part of their heritage from Spain. The Debutantes are presented by their parents or guardians as their personal achievements are highlighted. Following the presentation, the debutantes and their escorts perform the “Cotillion,” a formal dance choreographed especially for them by Joy Dava, assisted by Kathryn Navarro and Andrew Jison.

Fil-Minnesotan Association Debutantes of 2012, from left, Anna Calubayan, Mariel Roque, Gabrielle Hornilla, Nikki Alojado, Mona Santa Ana, Jackie Sliter, Inna Sioco, Alexa Dava, and Alicia Waletzki.

This year’s debutantes are Dominique Rae Honoridez Alojado, Anna Melissa Amon Calubayan, Alexa Granda Dava, Gabrielle La’O Hornilla, Mariel Perez Roque, Monaline Rose Santa Ana, Jacqueline Lenore Sliter, Inna Sioco, and Alicia Maria Waletzki.

These nine debutantes are escorted by Raffai Atienza, Thomas Joseph Cardenas, Jr., Paolo Debuque, Francis Hebres, Joseph Mari Malinao, Blake Andrew Mintalar, Mark K. Peloski, Warren Tropezado, and Wilmar Jose Tropezado. This year’s Cotillion emcees are Jeannine Malinao and Ralph Richard Santiago.

A competitive scholarship grant from Dr. E.G.Balcos is awarded to one  deserving debutante and one deserving escort. Recipients are chosen based           on academic excellence, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, volunteer work, and community involvement.

The scholarship selection, facilitated by Lita Malicsi, is done by a panel of judges composed of the Fil-Minnesotan Association executive officers, Dr. David Ong, Jocelyn Quebral, Marivic Malic, Annie Lubansky, Mercy Navarro, Nonna Palo, Darwin Yasis, Aleth Flores.

Fil-Minnesotan Association Presents Escorts of 2012, from left, Frankie Hebres, Raffai Atienza, Mark Peloski, Blake Mintalar, Wilmar Tropezado, Warren Tropezado, TJ Cardenas, Josh Malinao, and Paolo Debuque.

Overall, the Debutantes Ball is an event that builds character, develops confidence, and teaches collaboration. Most of all, it fosters cultural awareness and creates strong and lasting friendships.

For dinner reservations, you may contact FMA President Dr. David Ong at 651-356-5424, Event Chair Dr. Jose Uriarte at 612-333-1512, or Event Co-Chair Lita Malicsi at 612-861-2397. Find out more online at www.fil-minnesotan.org.