176. Is That Who I Think She Is?: CECILLE “Dabiana” IÑIGO for SIERRATONE, FOLD-A-WAY BED & SHARP

The first-plus size actress to become a box-office sensation was CECILLE IÑIGO She burst into Philippine showbiz via a 1977 talent search for a woman to play the role of “Dabiana”, a pleasingly plump but pretty lady based on a comics character on Hiwaga Komiks,  by Ed Plaza and Romy Gamboa.

 

DABIANA IN COMICS: IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/305048574743417338/

The “Dabiana” talent cum beauty search was seen on TV, and when the med-tech graduate from Mandaluyong appeared on screen to introduce herself, many were surprised at her uncanny resemblance to heavyweight serial comics character. Iñigo won the contest hands down and was quickly signed up by Stars Production, so filming could start.

 

CECILLE INIGO, Fold-A-Way Bed Print Ad, 1978.

The pre-publicity for “Dabiana”, and the charming performance of Iñigo captivated audiences nationwide, and the film became a certified box-office hit. Iñigo, who had never dreamt of being a screen star because of her figure, instantly became a national name. 

LISTEN TO THE THEME SONG OF "DABIANA" MOVIE HERE:

She not only went on to do “Dabiana” sequels (Wonder Dabiana, Familia ni Dabiano,  and Dabiana and Barok, all in 1978), but also was wanted for commercials by advertisers who saw her ample-size potential as an effective product endorser.

WATCH SIERRATONE "DABIANA' TVC 30s HERE:

She did SHARP Supersized Refrigerators that were perfect for her, and at least two beds—one for SIERRATONE, and another for FOLD-A-WAY Classic Furniture, a line of light, but durable folding beds, trays, mini-shelf, carts and bookcases.

SHARP REF AD. IMAGE SOURCE:
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/344947652683076066/?lp=true

Little did people know that Cecille actually came from a showbiz family that includes stepdad Lauro Delgado, Victor Laurel, Tessie Agana and Charlie Davao, a brother in law. But she never had to go through the process of being and extra or supporting actress first—she was launched instantly in a starring role—and she delivered.

LISTEN TO DABIANA, sung by IKE LOZADA

Iñigo continued to be active in showbiz and made films from the 80s thru the 2000s. She also was seen frequently on TV. Her last movie was “Tusong Twosome”(2001). The roly-poly actress who was much loved for her Dabiana-signature role passed away on March 17, 2005.

SOURCES:

CECILLE INIGO MOVIES: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1435879/

SIERRATONE BED ( dabiana Version), uploaded by MonBC, publihsed n Oct. 16, 2007. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4mUFtfWm4Q

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_692e9d600100k1yi.html

DABIANA, by Big 3 Sullivans, uploaded by limva 123, published Aug. 9, 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJGFgvLHhsw
DABIANA-Ike Lozada. uploaded by limva123, published on Oct 10, 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJw3Z4L2vTs,