Janaya’s 18th Birthday

Milpitas, CA | Shot on March, 2023

Learning and embracing other cultures is something that I am always fond of. I try my best not to be ignorant of anyone’s culture, especially my own. Jo Koy said it best when it comes to comparing how cultures celebrate womanhood: “Mexican’s have quincineras. Filipinos: DEBUT!”

I had the honor to capture (and celebrate) with my friends, the Llaneza family, the debut of their daughter, Janaya. Truth be told, it’s been a while since I’ve shot something like this where there’s so much action going on, especially with all the dances and the family dynamics. The cotillion court looked beautiful and handsome, and the debutante stunned with her dress and her hula performance (shout out to Kawailehua Hula Ohana!). From coast to coast, family made their way to celebrate with the birthday girl and it never slowed down the whole night.