TURNING 18 is a milestone in a girl’s life and it is usually celebrated in a special way. Terena Ines Labrador Neri had dreams of a beautiful and meaningful debut with family and dear friends but it was not meant to be - the pandemic changed it all.

Sweet Nessi had no problem accepting the fact that a party at this time of Covid 19 is a “no-no.” All she expected was a special dinner with their family of 6 as her celebration because she didn’t factor in the determination of Dad Jayjay and Mom Lotlot to give her an 18th birthday to remember.

She had no idea that in the works was a surprise party for her with the entire fam bam (uncles, aunts and cousins) in a lovely outdoor setting. With Mom Lotlot on the lead, siblings Nini, Pio and Mikkel cooked up a Coachella (popular US music festival) party theme. Yes, the motif was boho - a happy mix of bohemian/Indian/rock star ... think flower crowns, feathers, ribbons, balloons, tattoos, teepees, dream catchers, music of course, and all else that spelled F-U-N!

Nessi couldn’t believe her eyes when she arrived at the fully bedecked poolside gazebo of Circa Dos escorted by Dad Jayjay. Everything was beautifully set up. Amidst cheers from fully masked siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents, she made her way to the head of the long table for 15. What a delightful scene! It was not the debut she once dreamed about but indeed it was an 18th birthday to remember!