KIM CHIU Celebrates Her 18th Birthday

As a showbiz fan growing up in Cebu, Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu used to watch her favorite stars celebrate their birthdays only in their home television. Back then, the pretty chinita could only wonder how it feels like to celebrate one's foray into womanhood in grand fashion.

Last night, April 26, the 2006 Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition big winner finally tasted how sweet such moment is for any young lady.

Joined by her ABS-CBN family and close relatives, Kim Chiu celebrated her 18th birthday at the classy Glass Garden in Pasig City.

For the special occasion, Kim's friends and showbiz colleagues, particularly the young Star Magic stars, came in full force to celebrate with the debutant.

It was indeed a grand celebration right from the start complete with red carpet treatment for all the guests. At exactly 8:50 in the evening, Kim, who was donning a baby pink hued gown, descended from the majestic staircase-leaving everyone inside the venue in awe.

Waiting for Kim was her father, Mr. William Chiu, who took the honor of accompanying his lovely daughter to the podium.

In an earlier interview, Kim's father said that he is still not fond with the idea of his daughter accepting suitors, much more having a boyfriend at this point.

"‘Wag muna ngayon," he openly opposed, "Hanapbuhay muna. Padamihan muna pera niya bago magpaligaw. Madali lang ‘yang ligaw 'pag madami ka nang pera."

In a tender moment between father and daughter, Mr. Chiu served as Kim's first and only formal cotillion dance for the evening.

The evening of course would not be complete without Kim's love team partner Gerald Anderson. Kim and Gerald first met in Pinoy Big Brother where they first displayed their good chemistry. After their PBB stint, Kim and Gerald instantly became one of the most popular young love teams as proven by the success of the teleserye Sana Maulit Muli and the their first lead team up movie, I've Fallen For You.

Kim and Gerald will soon be seen in the local adaptation of the hit Korean telenovela, My Girl.

Now that Kim is already 18, is Gerald thinking of seriously pursuing his screen partner to make their reel romance real?

"Naku depende po sa kanya kung gusto niya. Pero 18, dapat puwede na," beamed Gerald, totally oblivious on the comments made by Kim's father.

But what made the evening extra special for the celebrant was the presence of her relatives, which is a rare occurrence according to the young star due to geographical distance and schedule conflicts.

"Minsan hindi talaga sila nakukumpleto. Ngayon lang dahil birthday ko, sabi pa nga nung ibang auntie ko na nandirito hindi daw sila makakapunta. Dalawa lang daw sa kanila kasi may ginagawa daw sila 'tsaka ‘yong iba nagbakasyon kaya naintindihan ko naman kasi lagi naman kaming ganun," explained Kim.

Overwhelmed with the support given by her home network, Kim was reduced to tears while giving out her message.

"Thank you dahil binigyan ninyo 'ko ng ganito kalaki at ganitong kaengrandeng debut na hindi ako makapaniwala na magkakaroon ako ng ganito. Dati pinapanood ko lang siya sa TV pero ngayon ako na ýong nagdi-debut," she said, unable to control her emotion. Drowned by the applause of all her guests and well-wishers, Kim humbly punctuated her message by saying once more, "Thank you... thank you so much."

Kim's debut, aptly titled My Girl Turns 18, will be telecast on May 4 at 9:30 pm on ABS-CBN.