KC’s debut gown, in the words of its designer Joe Salazar, is a “fantasy, fairy tale-inspired gown, off-white shade, no floral design on the décor, glitters made of Swarovski stones, with a train two meters long.” Salazar, says Sharon, “is not particularly close to our family,” but his grand talent made him the family’s choice.

(YES! May 2003 issue) 

Maria Kristina Cassandra, with Mom Sharon, and Simone Francesca Emmanuelle, with
Dad Francis, at the Manila Peninsula minutes before the start of an exciting family event.

(YES! May 2003 issue)

KC has a spontaneously intimate moment with her mom after doing a duet for their guests. The next day, KC tells YES!: “This is a time to say thank you.”

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Her debut, says KC, was gift enough from Mom Sharon. But the excited mother, not content with footing the bill, also gifted KC with heart-shaped earrings and a ring studded with pink diamonds from Kristine Jewelry. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, her stepdad, gave her an Omega chain made of South Sea pearls.

And Gabby Concepcion, her father, sent her, through his sister Sandy, a white-gold bracelet with a heart-shaped charm—Model 925 from Tiffany and Co. Engraved on one side of the charm are the letters “KC,” and on the other side, the words “Love Papa, GAC,” the initials standing for Gabby Arellano Concepcion.

Here, sitting on a make-believe well, KC looks like all her young dreams have just come true.

(YES! May 2003 issue)

“They made it all happen,” says KC of the people behind the scenes. “They knew exactly how it should be. It was so magical and so unpredictable. Even I didn’t know what to expect.”

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Robert Blancaflor created the magical ambiance both inside and outside the Tent.

(YES! May 2003 issue)

KC and the International School’s Manila Dance Company (2002-2003), of which she is a member.

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Piolo Pascual, KC’s Second Big Crush, sings “For Once in My Life.”

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Rivermaya’s Rico Blanco, who is KC’s Third Big Crush, is the third performer. He sings “Umaaraw, Umuulan.”

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Sharon with the daughters of her Tita Helen Gamboa and Kris Aquino (third from left).

(YES! May 2003 issue)

KC, who admits to having a sweet tooth, chose a “very sweet” five-tier fondant cake by Penk Ching and Shen Chen of Pastry Bin. It came adorned with red Swarovski crystals, fresh strawberries, cherries with stems, and red berries. Before blowing its 18 candles, KC offers a simple, “Thank you, Lord. Amen.”

(YES! May 2003 issue)

Mother and daughter kiss after doing a duet.

(YES! May 2003 issue)

The view from the outside.

(YES! May 2003 issue)