In Filipino culture, the 18th birthday is most celebrated as the age of formal transition from adolescence to adulthood.  This is the age which a child is considered old enough to understand the moral consequences of his/her actions, and can be held accountable for it.  Typically, the female child is given a debutante ball as a way to formally present her to the society.  The Filipino culture continues to practice a ceremony of dancing (the cotillion), and of the 18 roses, among others.  Nikki’s was held at their house by the beach in Ibajay, Aklan on June 3, 2006.