Dely Magpayo: First Lady of Radio

This columnist got to know Fidela Mendoza Magpayo-Reyes sometime in 1982 when I invited her to be one of the poetry readers at the tribute to Jose Corazon de Jesus (Huseng Batute). I got her number through Conching Rosal, a mutual friend.

Then I distinctly remember introducing her as First Lady of Philippine Radio, a most deserved title. Tiya Dely, as she was popularly known, was on air for over 60 years, a record which remains unmatched to date…and unlikely to be broken.

Tiya Dely died on Sept. 1, 2008 at the Manila Doctors Hospital, where she was rushed after suffering a massive stroke on Aug. 29 while hosting her late-night Saturday show on DZRH, Serenatang Kolektibista. She was 88. I guested on her radio program no less than 20 times as we shared a love for Filipino music.

Tiya Dely joined me in many tributes I mounted for music greats. She was a good singer. In fact, she started her showbiz career as a singer before and during World War II; guesting in shows on radio and stage, notably Manila Grand Opera House.

Two of her most popular radio shows were Hamon sa Kampeon, which discovered fine singers and Mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely, which received thousands of letters all over the Philippines (and even beyond), seeking advice from her.

I nominated Tiya Dely for National Artist Award, but was told that there was no category for radio announcer.

But then Tiya Dely was more than a radio celebrity. She also hosted TV shows and appeared in Sampaguita and LVN movies in the ’50s. She acted in radio dramas, including Gulong ng Palad, Ilaw ng Tahanan, Prinsipe Amante and Aklat ng Pag-ibig.

Tiya Dely has a daughter, Didi Reyes Belonio, herself a radio host. The radio legend was married to Col. Leonor Reyes, who died in the ’90s.

Through all the years, this columnist became close to Tiya Dely, she was always the picture of an elegant bejeweled lady. Her formal dresses were made by only one couturier, Eve de Jesus. The gowns she wore in the ’60s she could still wear in the ’90s and the 2000s. Tiya Dely maintained herself slim figure… to the amazement of friends.

Three of her most important awards were Gawad Plaridel from the University of the Philippines in 2006 and Centennial Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Lifetime Achievement trophy from the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) in 2005.

All her life, Tiya Dely lived in Marikina, quite a distance from her place of work. But she never reported late for her programs and other appointments. She was always two to three hours ahead of time.

Tiya Dely was dedicated to her profession. She died in the line of duty, in a manner of speaking. Her DZRH program was playing the opening music, Bella Filipina, when she slumped on the table of her booth after a massive stroke. She was already comatose when brought to the hospital.

Bella Filipina (Beautiful Filipina) Dely Magpayo was… inside and out. Truly, the one and only First Lady of Philippine Radio.  —RKC