Rhian personally chose La Lola co-star JC de Vera to be her escort for the special event. Why him? Rhian said: "Because we're going through something together. Parang pumapasok kami sa isang bagay na exciting, pero nakakatakot, and we're going through it together. ‘Tsaka siguro the growing up part because he's been so good in helping me out to this whole La Lola thing. Gusto ko also na samahan niya din ako sa growing-up-together thing."

Before proceeding to the function room, guests wrote their birthday message for the debutante.

Although an ABS-CBN regular, singer Mark Bautista was invited by Rhian to her party. Mark and Rhian worked with each other in Sundo, the horror film produced by Viva Films and GMA Films. This Robin Padilla starrer is expected to be shown in cinemas starting October 22. 

The rumor linking Rhian Ramos to Mark Herras was debunked by both. During an interview with Startalk last month, Mark quickly brushed off the gossip: "Linawin ko lang po, hindi po. Magkaibigan kami ni Rhian. Close friends kami, at buti na lang close kami at alam namin ang mga issue."

Singer Jay-R arrived together with actor Paolo Paraiso, who was part of the cotillion. Jay-R will portray the role of an executive in La Lola.

Iza Calzado's wish for the debutante: "I wish you love, laughter and, of course, success and the wisdom that comes with growing up and experiencing life." Rhian cited Iza (in photo) as one of her favorite actresses. They worked together in the GMA Films horror movie Ouija, which also starred Judy Ann Santos and Jolina Magdangal.

A blooming Kris Bernal arrived together with Aljur Abrenica. Kris instantly attracted the throng of photographers stationed at the entrance of the Rigodon Ballroom.

Rhian is not bothered about what people may think of her decision to tap JC as her escort. "I don't know how people would think of it. Pero ako personally, pinili ko siya [JC] as my last dance kasi, show or no show, nasa akin pa rin yung decision. Debut ko naman yun."

La Lola co-star Keempee de Leon was also Rhian's guest. Keempee is no stranger to roles and plots about cross-genders, which is basically the story of La Lola. He has portrayed gay roles in the past.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) caught Rhian and JC in a playful mood a few minutes before the start of the party. JC was Rhian's last-dance partner in the traditional 18 Roses.

Marvin Agustin, though nervous at first, did a good job hosting the night's program. Rhian later revealed that she hopes to work someday with Marvin in a film project. Marvin had a cameo role in the recently shown movie I.T.A.L.Y., where Rhian portrayed one of the lead characters.

As expected, Rhian's first dance that evening was her father, Mr. Gareth Howell. Mr. Howell was quiet throughout the event. When host Marvin addressed Mr. Howell as a "man of few words" Rhian snapped back playfully, "He's not a man of few words."

One of Rhian's dance partners that evening was La Salle Green Archer Simon Atkins. The young actress, however, brushed off talks that the good-looking cager is her current boyfriend. "Once and for all, Simon is not my boyfriend! We're very good friends noon at hanggang nga­yon. I'm just so happy na nakarating siya and he was part of my 18 Roses dance."

GMA-7 Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante took time out to personally greet Rhian on her special day. The network executive fondly looked back to when she first saw Rhian in a TV ad that prompted her to sign up the then unknown model.

Rhian greets her 18 Roses—male showbiz and non-showbiz close friends, among them Richard Gomez, Mark Herras, Dominic Roco, Paolo Paraiso, Mike Tan, Victor, Aljur Abrenica, photographer Jay Tablante, and JC de Vera.

As part of the evening's presentation, Rhian and her escort and La Lola leading man JC de Vera performed a special dance number together with the cast of the new series.

The theme of Rhian's party was in line with the colors representing La Lola. "Dahil yung La Lola, ibig sabihin sa akin nun, transformation—from a man to a woman—ganun din yung debut ko, from a young girl growing up to be a woman. So, transformation talaga siya. Gusto ko, yung color motif ng La Lola, yun din yung color motif ng birthday ko: black, red, and white," she described in an interview a few days before the celebration.

Bagging the lead role in a primetime series was the best gift she received for her 18th birthday, said Rhian. Standing beside her La Lola-inspired cake to blow out the lighted candles, the debutante gleefully remarked: "I have to do this in one breath."

Leading the ceremonial toast in honor of the debutante was GMA Films President Annette Gozon-Abrogar, who reminded Rhian of her responsibilities to be a good role model, particularly for the youth.

Cakes for everyone: Aside from the wine toast, the special event featured the presentation of cakes intended for all the guests that evening.

Mark Bautista, who said that he's honored and happy to be invited by Rhian, rendered the songs "I Need You" and "The Way You Look Tonight." Later that evening, the retro-‘60s-inspired band, The Bloomfields, kept everyone dancing and shaking on the dance floor.

Rhian—or Rhian Denise Ramos Howell in real life—was joined by her ever supportive parents, Mrs. Clara Ramos-Howell and Mr. Gareth Howell.

Rhian's gown that evening was specially made by esteemed designer Richard Papa.

Rhian admitted being hurt by the intrigues and the incessant proliferation of hate mail against her. "Nung ako lang, kaya ko pang magtapang-tapangan, e. Pero nung hini-hit na nila yung mga co-stars ko, kapatid ko, family ko, dun na ako nasaktan, nainis, nagalit, na-frustrate. Talagang tinanong ko na, ‘Bakit ba ‘to nangyayari sa akin, hindi ko naman sila kilala?" she said in a previous interview.

Rhian's immediate family was present during the celebration. Part of the evening's highlight was the showing of various personal photos documenting the debutante's journey from childhood to maturity.

Rhian and escort JC listen happily to GMA-7 Senior Vice President for Entertainment Wilma Galvante.