Bessie

Bessie Badilla del Castillo. Dubbed the Philippine's top model in the 70's and 80's, Bessie was the lensmen's choice and the designers' favorite ramp model. She traveled with foremost couturiers Aureo Alonzo's Fiesta Filipina World Tour, Ben Farrales' Maranao and Pitoy Moreno's Orient Express. These tours took her to the Middle East, Europe, United States, Canada and Australia.
In 1982, the House of Balenciaga in Paris, France signed up Bessie as manequin du cabin. Bessie completed 8 Pret-a-porte seasons in Paris and the Igedo in Dusseldorf. Other international designers Bessie modeled for are Valentino, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani, Hanae Mori and Versace.
In between her Paris stints, Bessie delighted television audiences on her role as "Tita Bessie" in the 80's number one sitcom "Eh, Kasi Babae." She was nominated for Most Promising Television Star and Best Actress in a Comedy. Bessie is currently co-editing The Encyclopedia of Philippine Paintings and Sculptures Volume 2, with author and book publisher, Marlene Aguilar Pollard. Volume 1 was launched in August 2004. Bessie is a product of St. Scholastica's College (Kinder through High School) and went to the University of the Philippines for Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Bessie now resides in Stamford, CT with her late husband Vincente “Bambi” del castillo, daughters Isabel, Blanca and Ines, and their two dogs Dimsum and Chanel

Even with her busy family and philanthropic schedule, Bessie still finds time to showcase her talent performing as percussionist with San Caterba.