Who was Chat Silayan?
Chat Silayan was the screen name of Maria Rosario Rivera Silayan-Bailon, a Filipino actress and beauty pageant titleholder. She was born on July 8, 1959 in Manila, Philippines, to actor Vic Silayan and Rosario Rivera. She had two siblings, Vic Jr. and Marita.
She rose to fame when she won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1980 crown and became the third runner-up at Miss Universe 1980. She was the first Filipina to place in the top five of Miss Universe since Gloria Diaz won the title in 1969. She was also the first Filipina to win the Miss Photogenic award at Miss Universe.
After her stint in Miss Universe, she pursued an acting career and starred in several movies and television shows. Some of her notable films include Ang Maestro, Kamakalawa, Kailan Tama ang Mali?, Dyesebel, and My First Romance. She also hosted the popular TV show The 700 Club Asia and appeared in the soap opera Esperanza.
She was married twice, first to an Italian director named Victor, with whom she had a son, Victor. She later married Mike Bailon, a businessman, and had two more children, Timothy and Michaela.
How did Chat Silayan die?
Chat Silayan was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2004. She underwent surgery to remove a foot of her colon, followed by chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. However, her condition worsened, and she passed away on April 23, 2006, at the age of 46, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quezon City. The exact Chat Silayan cause of death was complications from colorectal cancer, according to GMA News.
She was cremated and her ashes were interred at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. She was survived by her husband, Mike, and her three children, Victor, Timothy, and Michaela.
What is Chat Silayan’s legacy?
Chat Silayan is remembered as one of the most beautiful and talented Filipinas who ever graced the screen and the stage. She was a versatile actress who could play different roles, from drama to comedy, from fantasy to action. She was also a devoted Christian who shared her faith and testimony with others through her TV show and her personal life.
She was honored with several awards and recognitions, such as the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress, and the PMPC Star Award for Best Actress. She was also inducted into the Binibining Pilipinas Hall of Fame in 2006.
She inspired many young Filipinas to pursue their dreams and to be confident in their beauty and abilities. She also left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of her fans, friends, and family, who continue to celebrate her life and legacy.
