KC TURNS 18, WAITS FOR PRINCE CHARMING
by Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 10, 2003

PRINCESS FOR A NIGHT. Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Concepcion shares her blessings upon turning 18. Photo by Joan Bondoc, INS

UNLIKE her famous mother Sharon Cuneta who got married at 18, Maria Kristina Cassandra "KC" Concepcion, who held the first of her two-day 18th birthday celebration on Monday, is still waiting for her Prince Charming.

She made the announcement to over a hundred newsmen who joined her at the NBC Tent at The Fort Bonifacio Global City last Monday night.

But KC already has a clear picture of her Prince Charming.

"He has to be faithful, he has to be able to get along with my family, and he has to be someone like my Dad Kiko -- a responsible and loving father to his kids."

Dad Kiko is Senator Francis Pangilinan, KC's stepfather, whom Sharon married years after she split-up with actor Gabby Concepcion, KC's biological father who is now based in the United States.

The debutante only has praises for the senator, saying "he's so great a father that he could write a handbook on fatherhood." She also described him as "a father who is strict for the right reasons."

The gathering at the NBC Tent last Monday was "reserved for friends in the media," as announced by Sharon earlier. Another celebration was held last Tuesday exclusively for KC's family, relatives and classmates at the International School in Makati.

The megastar, the senator and kid sister Frankie were with KC during Monday's celebration.

"I don't want to grow up," KC told the large group of reporters and photographers present that night. "I'll always be a kid. But I'm excited about this milestone in my life in which you are also a part.

"You have closely watched me grow up to be what I am now. Most of you probably even saw me through my first cry into the world."

But dressed in a cream halter top pantsuit with a turquoise obi that she herself designed for Sari-Sari, KC looked less of the child that she wants to remain.

She has grown up to be a beautiful woman who didn't even want to celebrate her debut.

"She wanted something loose, simple and mysterious," said Freddie Santos, the man behind the transformation of The Tent into an enchanted forest.

"Even the birthday cake looks elegant but really simple," Santos said of the five-tiered fondant cake from Pank Ceng of Pastry Bin.

The program for the Tuesday night celebration did not even have an emcee and the traditional cotillon de honor.

Last Monday's celebration lasted for only two hours, and only rap artist Francis Magalona and singer Picasso performed.

AND MOM, DAD, TOO. KC with her familyómom Sharon Cuneta, dad Francis Pangilinan, sister Frankie. Photo by Joan Bondoc, INS

Santos facilitated an interview with the debutante for some members of the press at 8:30 p.m., but KC and her family bade their guests goodbye 30 minutes later.

"She has to leave now to prepare for her classes tomorrow," Sharon explained to the obviously disappointed newsmen.

In keeping with the low-key celebration, the 500 guests on Tuesday night were requested to bring gifts, not for the birthday celebrator, but for the children of Pangarap Shelter and House of Refuge, which, along with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), are the beneficiaries of KC's birthday party.

"It's my way of sharing all my blessings," she said.

KC plans to pursue a course related to media.

"I basically grew up exposed to it (media), anyway," she said.

"I think want to be a director than an actress someday."

KC still has plenty of dreams, but it's only a matter of time until she fulfills them.