Sophia Angela Asistio, daughter of Nadia Montenegro and actor Baron Geisler, had an unforgettable time at her intimate debut celebration.
Sophia turned 18 on August 13, 2024.
On Sunday, August 18, she celebrated her special day with an intimate 1950s Old Hollywood glam-themed gathering at the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City.
Sophia welcomed her entry into adulthood, surrounded by her closest family and friends.
Naturally, she (fourth from left) was joined by her mom (third from the left) and her siblings (L-R): Ysha, Ynna, Alynna, Yssa, Anykka, and Sam.
Read: Nadia Montenegro's daughter Sophia Asistio celebrates debut
Joining the event from the world of showbiz were several notable personalities, including Maricel Soriano, who is pictured below with Nadia.
Also in attendance at the party were GMA-7's Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group Annette Gozon-Valdes (pictured below, right) together with her husband, Shintaro Valdes (second from right).
Beside Nadia was her sister Tanya Montenegro (2nd from right).
(L-R) Nadia's dear friends, Lotlot de Leon and Arlene Muhlach were spotted with film director Joyce Bernal.
Arlene and Lotlot participated in the "18 Bills" tradition, where 18 guests each shared a message and presented a blue PHP1,000 bill to the debutante. However, both forgot to bring their bills.
Lotlot humorously remarked, "Yung sa amin, dito yung hilera, Gcash na lang. Oo, kasi hindi kami handa, anak."
On a serious note, Lotlot told Sophia, "I just wanna wish you a happy, happy birthday. Stay happy. And may all your dreams and prayers come true.
"I will always be praying for you and you know na nandito lang ako. Okay? I love you. Happy birthday, darling."
For her part, Arlene began her speech by recalling how Nadia asked her to participate and share some fond memories of Sophia, especially when she was a baby.
However, Arlene admitted her faulty memory prevented her from doing so, "You know, your mom asked me two days ago. Sabi niya, 'Arlene, were you there when I gave birth to Sophia?' Sabi ko, 'Yeah, I was.'
"Sabi ko ganyan. 'Can you give me details?' Sabi ko, 'Naku ha, ako pinakamaling person to ask...'
"I have a very faulty memory. But, I remember everything about all of you. You, your sisters, your brother. I was a witness to all of you growing up."
Arlene offered words of wisdom, advising Sophia to prepare for the challenges of adulthood.
She emphasized that Sophia should never let her mistakes define her, "Ang sa akin lang naman, a tip, as you enter adulthood. Life is not... siyempre nakapag-isip ako sa tagal.
"May medyo naka-formulate ako ng sabihin ko. Life is never, always a bed of roses, di ba? So, there are ups and downs.
"Sometimes you'll make mistakes. But, even if you do make mistakes, if and when you fall, get up.
"Dust yourself off. Hold your head up high and move on. Because your mistakes should never define who you are."
Interestingly, Atty. Maggie Garduque was also present at the party.
Atty. Maggie is the lawyer representing Jojo Nones and Richard Cruz—the two independent contractors of GMA Network who were recently accused of rape by actor Sandro Muhlach, Arlene's nephew.
Read: Sandro Muhlach formally files complaint at NBI
Atty. Maggie was also part of the "18 Bills."
Before handing her cash gift to Sophia, she shared a heartfelt message, saying, "Open pa rin yung bahay namin. May kuwarto ka dun.
"So, anytime na gusto mong pumunta, makakapunta ka. So the whole family is always with you. You've been through a lot, we've been through a lot.
"And always remember na nandito kami sayo and lagi ka pa rin namin iga-guide. Happy, happy birthday, Sophia. We love you."
GMA-7 actor Pancho Magno also came.
Other celebrities who attended the party included Rommel Padilla and news anchors Christine Bersola-Babao and Julius Babao.
Former That's Entertainment member Bimbo Bautista (left) and wife Rosemarie Mora (middle) with Lotlot.
Although Sophia's dad, Baron, was unable to attend, his sisters Grace and Ana, along with four of Baron's nieces and nephews, came.
READ MORE:
- Baron Geisler, binati ang anak kay Nadia sa 18th birthday nito
- Baron Geisler asked to comment on Nadia Montenegro's statement
- Nadia Montenegro, tinulungan daw magbago si Baron Geisler
- Nadia Montenegro finally admits to having a daughter with Baron Geisler