Every October, Bacolod City comes alive with music, colors and endless smiles.
Yet beyond the parades and the drumbeats lies a quieter story — one that continues to outshine even the brightest lights of the MassKara Festival.
It is the story of a young girl who dared to dream beyond silence.
Her name is Ma. Cecilia “Cissi” C. Villacin.
Born on August 10, 1965, Cissi was only 16 when she etched her name into history as the very first MassKara Queen in 1981.
What set her apart was not only the crown she wore, but the courage it took to wear it — because Cissi was born deaf.
Joining a pageant was never easy.
For Cissi, it was almost impossible.
She could not hear the rhythm of the music nor the instructions of her mentors.
Each step was learned not through sound but through sight — watching closely, memorizing movements and trusting her heart to guide her where her ears could not.
“There were times I fell behind,” she recalled.
“But instead of giving up, I practiced again and again until I could move with confidence. I just wanted to prove that I can.”
On coronation night, Cissi walked onto the stage with quiet grace.
She could not hear the cheers nor the announcement of her name.
Yet, when the crown was placed upon her head, she understood — her dream had come true.
“The moment they crowned me, I felt happiness I could not put into words,” she wrote.
“I may not have heard the applause, but I felt it in my heart.”
At just 16, she was no longer only a queen. She had become a symbol of strength and resilience.
Today, Cissi lives in Barangay Villamonte, working as a Social Welfare Aide I.
Away from the spotlight, her mission is service — helping others as she once helped herself rise above challenges.
Her advice to fellow PWDs is simple yet powerful: “Do not be afraid of who you are. Your disability does not define your limit — it defines your strength. I was told I could not do it, but I showed them that I can. And so can you.”
To the young women competing in this year’s Miss Bacolod MassKara, Cissi offers this heartfelt reminder:
“Wearing a crown is not just about beauty — it is about carrying the hopes of your people. When you stand on that stage, do it with courage and humility. Shine with sincerity, and you will inspire more than you can ever imagine.”
The MassKara Festival is known as the Festival of Smiles, but perhaps no smile was more powerful than Cissi’s in 1980.
Though she could not hear the applause, her victory spoke louder than any sound.
Villacin will forever be remembered as the first MassKara Queen — the young girl who proved that true beauty shines brightest when it comes from courage, resilience and a heart that never gives up./WDJ