More than a ‘nice cake’ and family dinner

FAIRY-TALE princess Julia Montes in a Pepsi Herrera gown.

All Julia Montes wanted for her 18th birthday was a nice cake and a simple celebration with her family.

But thanks to her network ABS-CBN, Julia got much more than that—a grand fairy tale-themed party that entailed two elaborate outfit changes and a star-studded guest list.

Held at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City on March 19, and hosted by Matteo Guidicelli and Robi Domingo, the dreamy event was attended by Julia’s family, friends, show biz colleagues and past teleserye co-actors Dawn Zulueta, Helen Gamboa, Susan Roces, Kathryn Bernardo, Melissa Ricks and, of course, her escort and rumored suitor Coco Martin.

Julia related: “I teased him while we were dancing. The music was playing too long and we were like, ‘This isn’t stopping anytime soon!’ We were just laughing the whole time.”

COCO Martin shares a light moment with the debutante.

The affair was emotional as it was glitzy. Prior to the party, Julia said her birthday wish was to see her estranged German dad. It was not to be. Even so, Julia was grateful because her mom Gemma, grandma Flory and brother Patrick were around. The debutante turned emotional when her family feted her with inspirational messages.

“I’m so blessed to have them,” she said. “I can still say that my party was complete.” Allan Policarpio

Photos by Nice Print Photography