The Dely Atay-atayan story on Maalaala

Televiewers remember her as the nagging mother-in-law, Doña Delilah, in the now-defunct sitcom, John en Marsha, where she starred with ace comedian Dolphy and the late Nida Blanca. The role gave her fame, fortune and other big opportunities in show business.

She is comedienne Dely Atay-atayan, Adelaida Fernando in real life, now 89. From being a bodabil and radio talent during the pre-war period, Dely rose to become one of the popular and well-loved comedians in local showbiz.

Dely was only 15 when she started joining amateur singing competitions in Binondo, where her family lived. She landed a stint as kundiman singer at the Palace Theater, where she later became a certified bodabil member.

Dely became the other half of a singing comic duo with Alejandro Villegas, more popularly known as Andoy Balunbalunan, who later became her husband. They went on to do films like Lakambini and Libingang Bakal.

Find out how Dely coped with the loss of her husband and their only son Alfonso, and how she deals with life today away from the glare of the klieg lights and the cameras, when the Dely Atay-atayan story airs in Maalaala Mo Kaya tonight at 9:30 on ABS-CBN.

Starring in the episode are Manilyn Reynes as the young Dely, Nanette Inventor as the adult Dely, Earl Ignacio as the young Ading Fernando, William Lorenzo as Dely’s son Alfonso, Spanky Manikan as Dely’s father Amado, Pen Medina as Dely’s boyfriend Casupang, Romnick Sarmenta as the young Casupang, Dominic Ochoa as Dely’s comic partner and husband Andoy and Ruby Rosa as Dely’s mom Carmen Marquez.

The episode is directed by Mae Cruz from a script by Dang Sulit.