‘Pa-Biro, Hindi Ko Akalain Totoo Pala!’ Debutante Receives 18 Piglets

Debuts are typically marked by 18 roses, 18 candles, or 18 gifts to honor young women turning 18. However, a recent 18th birthday celebration broke the mold and gained attention across various news channels.

Debutante Antonyt Cosico received 18 biik or piglets, all adorned costumes and red ribbons.

“Overwhelmed po”

Smart Parenting reached out to the celebrant from Sariaya, Quezon to ask her about her trending birthday celebration.

“Overwhelmed po, sobrang naghahalo-halong emosyon po dahil hindi ko akalain na mangyayari,” Antonyt shared.

Her mother, Raquel Cosico, revealed that Antonyt herself proposed the idea to deviate from the traditional 18 roses, 18 candles, and 18 gifts. Antonyt added, “Suggestion ko po iyon kay Mama na pa-biro, pero hindi ko po akalain na totoo po pala, hehe. Nag-agree din naman po sila.”

Initially unable to fathom having piglets at her birthday party, Antonyt was overwhelmed when her guests indeed brought them, “Kahit nung hindi pa ako nag-dedebut, hindi ko po siya naiimagine dahil hindi ko po siya maisip talaga, not until the day of my debut celebration. Sobrang saya po.”

Alongside the 18 biik, Antonyt also received items that could make up a “piggery starter pack”-- 18 Starter, 18 Grower, 18 Breeder, 18 Viepro, 18 Finisher, and 18 Stragrow, all essentials for starting a piggery business.

Piggery business

Antonyt’s request was inspired by her parents’ piggery and feed supplies business. “Naisip ko po na maganda naman yung progress po ni Mama sa pag-bubusiness niya po. Para sa akin po, gusto ko po siya gayahin. Bukod sa praktikal ito para sa hiniling ko sa kaarawan ko, isa din para makatulong sa household expenses and also sa tuition po,” Antonyt said.

Raquel admitted that their business is still in its early stages, saying, “Kaunti pa lang (pigs and feed supply.” Nevertheless, the mom imparted some lessons, “Maging open-minded sa mga bagong pwedeng pagkakitaan, kahi sa batang gulang.Kasi, kita naman niya na mahirap ang buhay.”

Guests’ benefit

The biiks will also benefit the givers themselves as Antonyt shared, “All of the participants po ay mag-benefit in the future. Sa bawat nagbigay pong biik, magbabalik po kami ng dalawang biik kapag po naging inahin na at nanganak.”

Antonyt, with the help of her parents, will take care of the piglets and breed them, making it an investment for the givers as well. Most of the participants of the 18 biik are relatives, close family friends, and Antony’s aunts and uncles.

Antonyt’s 18th birthday party also had an “after-party,” which included the traditional 18 candles, 18 toasts (shots), 18 roses, and 18 gifts.

Antonyt is set to graduate from Grade 12 this year and is planning to take up Engineering or anything in the Medicine field. She plans to use the earnings from the piggery business to help fund her college tuition fees.