Tiya Dely, Fidela Magpayo in real life, passed away on Monday, September 1, at about 6:10 p.m., after
suffering a stroke on Saturday night while hosting her weekly Serenata Kolektibista, a live music show featuring
classic Filipino music. Her remains lie in state at the Premier Chapel 2 at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City. Her family
has announced that burial will be on Saturday, September 6, at 3:00 p.m.
Didi Reyes Belonio, her daughter, says Tiya Dely had specific instructions when she was alive that
she would be happier in death if instead of bringing flowers to the wake, friends would donate to the three churches
she frequents - Baclaran Church in Paranaque, Sta. Clara Church along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, and Quiapo Church in
Manila.
Tiya Dely's broadcasting career started in the 1950's at DZRH, where she first starred in various
live cultural programs, and where in 1953 she launched her daily advice show that was to become her vehicle
to the longest-lasting radio career - Mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely. She was to move later to other networks, doing
both radio and television work, but came back to DZRH in 1990, and has stayed since.
"Tiyang," as she is called affectionately by friends, has earned several awards for her pioneering
work in broadcasting as well as her public service work. Among these are her KBP Lifetime Achievement Award, her Gawad Plaridel
from the University of the Philippines, and an Outstanding Alumna award from the Far Eastern University, where she finished
her AB degree.
On Sunday, August 31st, she was supposed to formally receive the Sagisag Quezon award from
the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. She didn't make it. She was by then at the Manila Doctor's Hospital.
