Chat Silayan

Maria Rosario Rivera Silayan-Bailon (July 8, 1959 – April 23, 2006), also known as Chat Silayan, was a Filipino actress and beauty pageant titleholder. She won the Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1980 crown and became the third runner-up at Miss Universe 1980. A year after her stint in Miss Universe, her acting career began and she became one of the most popular and acclaimed actresses in the Philippines. She was the daughter of theatre and movie actor Vic Silayan and the aunt of Victor Silayan. She retired from acting in 2003 and became active in church activities and worked as a part-time announcer and host for The 700 Club Asia.

Career In May 1989, Silayan co-hosted the 37th FAMAS Awards with Roy Alvarez.

Illness and death

In 2004, Silayan's battle with cancer started in April when she underwent surgery on her colon, one foot of which was cut. For a while, she felt relief, only for the pain to recur a year later. Her doctors told her she had only one year to live.

After 2 years of battle, on the early morning of April 23, 2006, Silayan died in her sleep while confined at St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City at the age of 46.

She is survived by her three children, Victor (from her previous relationship with an Italian director); and her children with husband Mike Bailon, Timothy and Michaela.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Note(s) . 1981 Ang Maestro Kamakalawa Amihan 1982 Ang Tapang para sa Lahat! Wanted: Leon Mercado Five and the Skin 1984 Kung Tawagin Siya'y Animal 1986 Kailan Tama ang Mali? 1988 Ling Ang Supremo Ompong Galapong: May Ulo, Walang Tapon Ester 1989 Irosin: Pagputok ng Araw, Babaha ng Dugo 1990 Dyesebel Banang 1997 Ipaglaban Mo! The Movie Part II Marta Agoncillo First segment 1999 Esperanza: The Movie Ester 2003 Kung Ako Na Lang Sana Tia Lea My First Romance Azon "Two Hearts" segment

Television Student Canteen (1981–1986) Swerte sa Siete Maalaala Mo Kaya (1991–1994) Noli Me Tangere (1993) - Sinang Esperanza (1997–1999) - Ester Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2001-2003) - Lita Bituin (2002–2003) - Elvira Montesilverio The 700 Club Asia - TV host (2003–2005)