BYUH married couple say celebrating a gender reveal is about sharing good news and spending time with loved ones
According to Prospect Magazine, gender reveal celebrations were started by a blogger, Jenna Karvunidis, when she revealed the gender of her baby by cutting through a cake with pink filling inside. However, Prospect Magazine says, since the trend became more popular, gender reveals have become more competitive and dangerous. BYUH students shared their positive views on gender reveals, saying it is all about the intention of the celebration.
Making connections through celebrations
Hannz Jayme, a senior from Bacolod, Philippines, majoring in political science, described the day she and her husband revealed the gender of their baby. She said the celebration was simple, intimate and only close friends and family were present during the event. Jayme’s husband, Kit-Lee Leduna, a senior from Bacolod, Philippines, majoring in business management, said, “We had a reverse surprise. Me and Hannz already knew the gender of the baby and the celebration was to really surprise our guests.”
Jayme said their friends helped them prepare for the party. “They designed the tables, carried the balloons and designed the car.” She added aside from the surprise of revealing the gender of their baby, it was also the presence of their guests who made it more special. Leduna said, “For me, it was seeing their reactions” when they finally popped the balloon and found out it was a baby boy.
Angela Kate Cruz-Murcillos, a sophomore from Cebu, Philippines, majoring in biology, said she attended the celebration. She said, “It was fun. Everyone was excited to know the gender of Hannz and Kit’s baby.” Murcillos shared she made new friends during the celebration.
Murcillos said the day was simple yet memorable, not only because of the stories and the food they shared, but also because everyone did help in making it more significant for the expecting couple. Murcillos said the most special part of the celebration for her was when Kit and Hannz finally popped the balloon, revealing their baby was a boy.
Jayme said another reason for their celebration is because their families are far from them. She said, “We celebrated with our close friends in order for us to be happy and not sad during the gender reveal.” She said their families in the Philippines were connected through video call for them to witness the reveal. Jayme said, “It was not just all about us. It was also about the people who were there.”
Celebrating with the right intentions
Jayme said gender reveals are events couples are not obligated to do. She said, “I am a super simple person, with or without [the gender reveal] is fine with me.” Leduna said, “If you have extra money, it’s good to celebrate, but if not, keep it simple.”
Celebrating does not necessarily mean a big one where food must be served for several guests all the time, said Jayme. She added, “It depends on the means and the intention of the people celebrating.” Jayme shared celebrations can be as simple as going to a private place and spending time with loved ones.
“Since I am not an extrovert kind of person, I prefer to have an intimate celebration where only close friends and family are present,” said Murcillos when asked about her opinion about gender reveals. She also said she prefers to have it at home.
Murcillos said, “Before I recommend, I will first look at the preferences of the couple.” She added if the couple has the kind of vibe that likes celebrations, she would recommend it to them.