MANILA, Philippines - A girl's debut is undeniably one of the most important moments of her life. For Alex Madrigal Eduque, her 18th birthday went well beyond a celebration of life. It also signified the realization of a lifelong dream for the homeless families who will benefit from the intimate black and white affair that Alex threw for close family and friends last Sept. 6 at the home of her beloved late grand-aunt, Doña Consuelo Madrigal.

For the third year in a row, Alex has chosen to share her special day with a cause that is dearest to her heart?building homes with Christian Housing Ministry, Habitat for Humanity Philippines. In 2006, she asked her parents to donate a number of houses for families who live in Baseco, Tondo, Manila.

The succeeding year, she chose to inculcate the importance of giving back by throwing a Habitat Birthday Building Bash, where dignitaries, relatives and schoolmates joined her for a day of sieving, painting and building with home partners in Habitat?s Taguig site.

For her grand debut, Alex chose to throw a fundraising ball and invited family and friends to donate funds for houses in lieu of gifts.

Her desire to help the needy fueled her drive to aim high in her endeavors to provide shelter for the homeless. Alex says, ?The longest lasting and the best birthday gift for me is the fulfillment of knowing that on my 18th birthday, hindi lang ako yung masaya, napasaya ko rin yung iba kasi they [get to have] houses and that gift will be there forever and they?ll be able to pass that on to their children.?

The funds raised that night reached over her P2 million target. As a result of the debutante?s and her guests? generosity, her birthday wish to build an Alex Habitat Village became a reality.

Habitat International recently gave Alex the Habitat for Humanity Nehemiah Award for 2008 and a $10,000 donation, which she will use for the Alex Village.

The Nehemiah Award for Distinguished Volunteer Services is awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional service to the mission of Habitat for Humanity, and have motivated and inspired others to reach new heights of achievement.