She was no sex nymphet or a singing sensation, yet she became the first plus-size star who was also a queen at the box-office. She was Cecille Iñigo, who became a household name in the late 70s, when Seven pandora charms Stars Production launched her to full stardom via the movie “Dabiana.” The film outfit had a reputation as the creator of the film’s biggest sex symbols – Alma Moreno, Daria Ramirez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Beth Bautista, Amy Austria, Janet Bordon and Lorna Tolentino.

But in 1977, it shifted gear and decided to wave its magic wand to a most unlikely showbiz heroine – Cecille Iñigo, an auspicious newcomer who only had her heavy weight for a credential. “Dabiana” is originally a komiks character about a very fat but charming lady, serialized in Hiwaga Komiks. It was penned by Ed Plaza and illustrated by Romy Gamboa. It was an instant best-seller. As an offshoot, a nationwide TV search was conducted for the heaviest woman who could play Dabiana in the movie version. The contest was won by Cecille, who incidentally looked identical to the character’s illustrated version. She was the subject of “kantyaw” from her family when she joined the contest. “Paano ka mananalo n’yan, ang taba- taba mo?” says Lydia Laurel Dimayuga, her mother. Of course, Cecille proved them wrong when she won the search, which was essentially a beauty contest. “When she won, naku, nagmalaki sa amin. Kami naman ang kinantyawan n’ya,” says Mom Lydia. “Dabiana’s” film adaptation was so successful, it paved the way for Cecille’s happy interlude in showbiz. The succeeding years saw her appearing in one lead role after another, in movies like: “Sabi Barok, Lab Ko Dabiana” (1978) with Villame; “Wonder Dabiana” (1978) with Ramon Zamora; “Like Father, Like Son” (1985) with Niño Muhlach; and “Super Mouse and the Robo-Rats” (1989) with Joey de Leon. When she became a movie star, she took her mom to a trip around the world. “Magpasyal daw kami para kahit ano ang mangyari, wala kaming pagsisisihan dahil nag-enjoy na kami,” she explains. “She’s very simple,” she continues. “Although she also liked jewelry and perfume, hindi sya magastos. Sa pagkain lang talaga. S’ya lang ang nagme-make-up sa sarili n’ya.” According to her mother, Cecille was kind and thoughtful. “Mabait at marunong makisama. She’s also very loving and even-tempered. Bihira syang magalit, sweet s’ya and very generous.” Cecille was a kin to many famous stars. Cocoy Laurel and Tessie Agana were relatives, Lauro Delgado, a step-dad while Charlie Davao was a brother-in-law. But while hers was a showbiz clan, she never harbored a dream to become a movie star. “Walang naka-impluwensiya sa kanya,” says mom Lydia. In fact, she didn’t even dream of becoming a movie star. It was just laid at her feet, literally. Mom Lydia continues: “Biglang sikat s’ya eh. Hindi talaga inaasahan. Ang sabi nga n’ya sa amin: Kinakantyawan n’yo ako, pero kita n’yo, hindi ako dumaan sa pag-e-ekstra. Kaya bilib naman kami sa kanya.” Her mother, Lydia Laurel Dimayuga is from Tanauan, Batangas while her dad Felipe Iñigo who died while Cecille was in her teens, hailed from Bicol. They were originally six children: Grace, Replica watches Phillip, Peter, Cecille and two others who have died earlier. Cecille wasn’t fat as a child. “Tumaba s’ya nung high school na, kasi yun na nga, hindi namin mapagbawalan sa pagkain. Nung bata, maganda ang katawan n’ya.” Cecille grew up like any typical girl in their Mandaluyong household. She also finished Medical Technology from the Univers
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