This is the heart-breaking moment a teenager bursts into tears at her 18th birthday party - dancing with a teddy bear adorned with her late father's face.
Aljean Legaspino was celebrating her 'debut party' in Davo, Philippines, where it is tradition that the birthday girl has her first dance to mark her entry into adulthood with her father.
Ms Legaspino's father Rogelio was killed in a car accident four years ago, and the family said the self-confessed 'daddy's girl' was heartbroken that he would not be there to dance with her.
While another male relative, such as an uncle or brother, are known to step in when a father is not around for the dance, Ms Legaspino's relatives said they knew the the would rather dance alone, than have someone try take her father's place.
The birthday girl was expecting to awkwardly give the dance a miss, but her family surprised her by presenting her with a large teddy bear which they had ordered and printed Rogelio's picture to wrap around the bears head.
When it came to the big moment, Ms Legaspino broke down as she clutched the bear and a bundle of roses while slowly dancing in her red dress with tears pouring down her face.
Ms Legaspino's cousin Janine said all of the guests were moved by the gesture and many were crying at the event on August 20.
She said: 'Aljean was so close to her father. Everyone knew it would be hard for her to reach this milestone in her life without him.
'We knew she was feeling sad about not being able to dance with him.
'We did this small gesture so that Aljean could feel close to him again. I am sure that he is looking down over her and protecting her. He would have been so proud.'
Speaking afterwards, Ms Legaspino said it was a very bitter sweet moment. She added: 'I was crying so much. It was very emotional.
'I was sad but I was so overwhelmed that my family had done that. It was a very special moment and it will be the most memorable part.'
This article has been adapted from its original source.
