Sharon's Baby Frankie Pangilinan Turns 18 and the Celebration Was All About Family

Sharon Cuneta and Francis Pangilinan's eldest daughter Simone Francesca Emanuelle, or Frankie, celebrated her 18th birthday at the Shangri-la Fort in Bonifacio Global City on Saturday, December 15, and it was a debut like no other in the world of local showbusiness.

Based on the photos that have been posted on social media with the hashtag #ToBeFrank, there weren't a lot of big names in attendance, no big bands to play, no grand entrances — the celebration was all about family and Frankie's closest friends, just the way the debutante wanted it.

Still, the party was nothing short of fabulous as it had all the elements of old Hollywood glamour, from the gilded accents care of event stylist Gideon Hermosa and the elegant New York City-themed birthday cake by Heny Sison to Frankie's rose-inspired red ball gown by Mark Bumgarner and makeup by Juan Sarte.

This beautiful video between father and daughter was captured during their first dance. 

Frankie's youngest brother Miguel swooped in for the second dance, and the 9-year old showed he's got the moves!

Frankie's 18 candles included her eldest sister KC, who gave a heartfelt message.

When it was time to blow the birthday candles, the whole family gathered around the massive cake to sing Frankie a happy birthday, including KC's French boyfriend, Pierre Lassart.

The Pangilinans didn't need to hire performers to keep the guests entertained — the whole family just came together and did what they do best. After all, mom Sharon is the Megastar, and her kids obviously inherited her talent for performing. 

According to a post on Instagram by Sharon, "There were no professional singers who performed. We had my long-time musical director Mel Villena and his AMP band who played such beautiful standard songs (Told you - Frankie’s an old soul! Like me, she was born a 'manang.')"

She and husband Francis serenaded Frankie with "The Way You Look Tonight," and "the rest of the singing, Frankie did," she added.   

The debutante did a few numbers in her red gown, including "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Dream A Little Dream of Me," then shared the stage with youngest sister Miel for a duet of "A Million Dreams" from the movie "The Greatest Showman."

Frankie later changed into a glittery black outfit for another round of show-stopping tunes, including an upbeat rendition of the 1964 Doris Day classic "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps."

On the side, there were a lot of heartwarming family moments happening among the party guests: 

Sharon's aunt Helen Gamboa, her late mom's sister, came with daughter Ciara Sotto and grandson Crixus.

  

Kris Aquino couldn't make it to the event, but her sons Josh and Bimby were present and even escorted Sharon into the ballroom.

Actress Sunshine Cruz came with her daughters Chesca, Samantha, and Angelina.

Frankie's uncle Gian Sotto, the son of Helen Gamboa, also came with wife Joy and their five children.

We have no doubt the debutante had a blast. Happy birthday, Frankie!