Dang Cecilio on her life after pageant, movie career

Dang Cecilio —RAOUL J. CHEE KEE

It was a treat to see some of the country’s beauty queens and senora models gathered in one space late last month. The occasion was a prelude to the upcoming fashion show of designer Renee Salud at Dusit Thani Manila on Oct. 25.

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1979 Criselda “Dang” Cecilio recalled that when she competed at the Miss Universe pageant held in Perth, Australia, that year, the stage collapsed after people rushed to congratulate Miss Venezuela Maritza Sayalero. Several contestants and media covering the event fell about 2 meters after the plywood stage caved in from the combined weight of the well-wishers.

Dang escaped unscathed and went on to star in dozens of movies upon her return, including “Zuma” (1985), “Anak in Zuma” (1987) and “Haw Haw de Karabaw (1988). She also starred in movies with Fernando Poe Jr. like “Kapag Buhay ang Inutang” (1983), “Ulo ng Gapo” and “Roman Rapido” (1983).

A blessing

“Joining Bb. Pilipinas and getting to represent the country opened a lot of doors for me. There were movies and TV. What I consider a blessing is that I still managed to finish my studies,” Dang said. “My father was very strict.”

She dabbled in painting but now busies herself with Bible studies and traveling “a lot” with her husband.

“I take care of myself by exercising and playing golf. I think it’s very important to be good stewards of the body God gave us. If you’re blessed with a long life, you want the quality of your years to be good.”