BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
IN THE “City of Smiles”, where joy and celebration are a way of life, there shines a remarkable figure, a woman whose beauty and wit captivated hearts and defied expectations.
Allow us to introduce Cecilia “Cissi” Villacin, a true embodiment of courage and grace, who emerged as the one and only “very special” MassKara Queen, leaving an indelible mark on Bacolod City’s history.
At the tender age of 16, in the year 1981, Cissi achieved what no one had before: she became the inaugural MassKara Queen.
This milestone coincided with the Year of the Disabled Person, adding another layer of significance to her coronation.
Her reign, lasting two unforgettable years, was marked not only by its splendor but also by the controversy it stirred, all because Cissi was a deaf-mute. Yet, in her unwavering spirit and determination, she found the strength to rise above it all.
A Courageous Beginning
In an intimate conversation with Cissi over a private message on Facebook, she revealed that her journey wasn’t without its challenges.
Initially, being a deaf contestant placed her in a realm of discomfort. The thought of standing alongside her hearing counterparts and communicating through sign language seemed like an unusual twist of fate.
Yet, with unyielding faith, she entrusted herself to a higher power, saying, “I will win because I have the ability.”
“I prayed to God to give me the courage to be brave. I just trusted Him,” added Cissi.
Breaking Boundaries
Joining the beauty pageant was Cissi’s audacious move, a daring step towards showcasing her unique identity as a person with a disability (PWD).
Her participation shattered taboos and sent a powerful message — PWDs like her could shine on the beauty contest stage.
The path was not without its hardships, but Cissi emphasized that it was her way of raising awareness about deafness in society. She aimed to enlighten others about the needs, capabilities, and limits of deaf individuals, advocating for fairness and equitable treatment for all PWDs, particularly the deaf.
With unwavering resolve, she extended an invitation to everyone, PWD or not: “Take the challenge… enjoy the moment.”
The ‘Born Beautiful’ Trailblazer
Born on August 10, 1965, to parents Vicente Villacin, Sr. (a sugar planter), and Nora Monyen Cortez (a flight attendant), Cissi grew up in the serene embrace of Barangay Celestino Villacin, nestled in the uplands of Cadiz City, in the northern reaches of Negros Occidental. She was the youngest of three siblings.
Her deaf-mute condition from birth did nothing to diminish her natural beauty or her towering confidence, standing at 5’4”. She was celebrated not only for her outer radiance but also for her intellectual brilliance.
She carried her physical handicap with grace and pride, becoming a source of immense pride for her brother, Vicente Jr., affectionately known as “Kap Ogol” in Cadiz.
“Yes, she’s bright and courageous,” says Kap Ogol.
In a remarkable testament to her resilience, Cissi secured a regular position at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental.
Inspired by Heroes
Cissi’s faith, fate, and fortitude drew parallels to the story of Malaysian beauty Nur Ashikeen Iqbal, known as Kimi, the reigning Miss Wheelchair World.
Kimi’s life took a tragic turn when she suffered a life-altering accident in Singapore in 2008, leaving her physically disabled at the age of 18.
However, Kimi, like Cissi, refused to relinquish her dream of becoming a beauty queen. Last year, Kimi summoned the courage to compete in a unique beauty pageant in Mexico, emerging victorious.
Her journey, as she recounted in an article published by SAYS.com, is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the resilience of those determined to reach their goals.
‘Beyond Inspiration’
Both Cissi and Kimi stand as luminous examples of “extraordinary beauty + abilities + wit” in the world of beauty pageantry. They transcend mere inspiration, serving as beacons of hope for PWDs across the globe.
In Cissi’s case, her journey was fraught with challenges, both on and off the stage. Yet, her unwavering determination and unshakable confidence propelled her towards her goal of becoming a queen — no matter the obstacles in her path. Her coronation as the very first and “very special” MassKara Queen of Bacolod etched an unforgettable chapter in history.
Cissi’s legacy is enduring, a testament to her extraordinary beauty and timeless story. Her indomitable spirit continues to inspire, proving that the human will knows no boundaries./PN
