- Bessie Badilla is a renowned figure in the Philippines, known for her modeling career and contributions to the film industry.
- She has produced notable Philippine Indie Films and Documentaries, with “BAKAL BOYS” being a significant achievement.
- Bessie is involved in social advocacy, promoting Philippine Tourism and participating in GAWAD KALINGA to build homes for the poor.
Bessie Badilla, a renowned model, actress, and celebrity spouse was born on September 23, 1958, in Manila, Philippines. She was also raised in the Philippines. Bessie is the second of eight children and was crowned the Philippines’ Top Model in the 1980s.
Her early life was spent in Manila, where she completed her education from elementary to high school. Bessie’s career in the fashion industry began when she won the title of “Miss Visayas” in a local beauty pageant at the age of 18. This victory opened doors for her in the fashion industry, leading her to become a sought-after model. She worked with esteemed designers such as Pitoy Moreno, Aureo Alonzo, Ben Farrales, and others.
During her modeling career, Bessie became a mannequin du cabin for the prestigious house of Balenciaga in Paris for four years. Despite her success in Paris, she remained connected to her roots, flying back to Manila during off-seasons to tape a weekly sitcom called “Eh, Kasi Babae,” which became a prime-time hit. Bessie Badilla’s fame grew stronger after her marriage to Danny Javier.
Meet Bessie Badilla’s Husband Danny Javier
Danny Javier, whose full name is Daniel Morales Javier, was a Filipino singer, composer, actor, television host, and businessman. He was a prominent figure as one of the members and lead vocalist of the iconic musical trio APO Hiking Society. Javier was known for his contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and his involvement in various creative endeavors, from music to business ventures like the Andok’s Litson Corporation food chain. He passed away due to a prolonged illness at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute on October 31, 2022, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy in the Filipino entertainment industry and music scene.
How Many Children Does Bessie Badilla Have with Husband Danny Javier?
Actress Bessie Badilla has two children with her husband Danny Javier. The couple’s children are Jobim Javier and Justine Javier. Jobim Javier followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a singer and guitarist for the band Rivermaya, while Justine Javier is also involved in the music industry.
Meet Her Parents And SiblingsÂ
Bessie Badilla’s parents are Teresa Javier de Leon (mother) and Romeo Garcia Badilla (father). She has two brothers, Billy Badilla and Bobby Badilla and six sisters. Bessie Badilla is the second of eight children in her family.
Bessie Badilla’s Marriage History With Husbands
Bessie Badilla was married to Vicente “Bambi” del Castillo who later passed away in the US at the age of 55. Bessie and Bambi had two biological children together: Blanca, and Ines. They also got a daughter Isabel, She’s Bambi daughter from his previous relationship with Hilda Koronel. After Bambi’s passing, Bessie returned to the Philippines and found love again with Danny Javier, whom she married for sometime before he died in 2022. In all, Bessie Badilla has four biological children from two marriages, each marriage produced two kids. Bessie Badilla’s net worth is estimated at $2 million.
Bessie Badilla Career
Bessie Badilla is a Filipina fashion icon, model, actress, and author. She started her career in the fashion industry in her teens and became a top fashion model. Bessie’s career took off when she was discovered by Pitoy Moreno, a well-known fashion designer, during the IMF-WB Conferences in Manila. She walked for his show that evening and was later invited to sign up as a Bighani Model. Bessie then modeled for almost all the fashion designers in Manila and landed a job as Mannequin du Cabin for the House of Balenciaga in Paris for four years.
After her successful modeling career, Bessie transitioned into acting and was invited by Johnny Manahan, a talent manager and director, to join his new TV Sitcom, “Eh Kasi, Babae,” which became the number one show on Philippine prime time television. She was nominated for “Best Actress in a Comedy” and “Best New Artist” during the first year of her acting career.
During the pandemic, Bessie found herself happily stranded in the Philippines with her family. She used this time to publish and work on the layout and art direction of the coffee table book, “Through a Writer’s Lens by Ruben V. Nepales,” which won First Prize at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards 2022. She also published a second coffee table book, “FASHION. Filipino. Hollywood. The World. by Janet Nepales”.
Bessie has traveled to 124 countries and enjoys immersing herself in the culture of the places she visits. She has a particular fondness for Brazil and its national dish, Feijoada. She is also known for her sense of humor and her love of dancing, singing, and simply having fun. Bessie has also been a contributing photographer for Positively Filipino Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora.
