Aurora, 'princess' of love & light

How do you fete a family's "princess" like Aurora Dorothy Hain? On her 18th birthday recently, Dora, the appellation for her by her loved ones, had a spectacular "Luminous Night" celebration that seemed to be a cross between Cirque du Soleil and Wizard of Oz at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Hotel.

- BUM D. TENORIO, JR.

In the breathtaking ballroom abloom with flowers, the debutante performed a death-defying, no-harness aerial number at the beginning of the program. Later in the night, a gigantic birthday cake slowly dropped from the ceiling.

"Dora is our family's selfless 'princess,'" says her grandmother and namesake Aurora Hain.

"She's a sweet girl, full of compassion, kindness and wisdom," says her mom Kelly.

"She's a cheerful child filled with humility and love," says her father Dondon.

"She's my anchor, the light in my darkness," says her older sister Queenie.

"I am incomplete without her," says her eldest brother John.

Even on ordinary days, Dora's family will shower her with those accolades. Love, she says, is the basic fiber that her family is made of.

"My family is my best friend," says Dora, a Grade 12 student at Southville International School. "Aside from being a complete, happy family, I can say that the best thing about having them is the bond we share. With my family, everybody can be himself or herself without fearing judgment."