Tia Dely dies from stroke, 87

MANILA, Philippines – Radio personality Tiya Dely, Fidela Mendoza-Magpayo in real life, died at the Manila Doctors Hospital last night after suffering a stroke. She was 87.

Tiya Dely was rushed to the hospital last Saturday after her show Serenata Kolektibista on dzRH.

She stuttered while doing the introduction for the show, then leaned back and collapsed.

The attending physician said a vein in her brain burst, and she was comatose since Sunday.

The First Lady of Philippine Radio was known for her show Ang Inyong Tiya Dely, where she lent an ear to listeners’ love and life problems and gave them advice.

She also shared the beauty of the kundiman on Serenata Kolektibista.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas Lifetime Achievement awardee spent six decades in radio broadcasting and was the lead star of the Manila Grand Opera House.

Tiya Dely was also an advocate of the proper use of the Filipino language and the preservation of traditional values of love and respect.

She was the recipient of Quezon Sagisag, Pama-As Gintong Bai and Rotary Club of Intramuros awards.

Venues of the wake and burial will be announced later, her family said.

Senate President Manuel Villar, who is a close friend of Tiya Dely, said, “As a dean of Philippine broadcast media, Tiya Dely honorably knitted her mark and left a deep legacy for others to follow.” – Jerry Donato