As DZRH marks its 86th year as the country's oldest and most enduring radio station, it pays tribute to the pioneering voices and contemporary icons who helped shape Philippine broadcasting.
From the golden days of radio drama and public service to the modern era of commentary and journalism, DZRH has remained a platform for truth, public discourse, and cultural expression.
The legends who built the foundation
Among the most revered figures in DZRH's history is Joe Taruc, a broadcaster whose deep baritone voice and commanding presence became synonymous with credibility in news reporting.
Taruc anchored landmark programs like Pangunahing Balita and Damdaming Bayan, earning him accolades such as the “Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year” from the KBP Golden Dove Awards and a Hall of Fame induction from the Rotary Club of Manila.
Equally iconic is Tiya Dely, or Fidela Magpayo Reyes, who is hailed as the “First Lady of Philippine Radio.” A soothing and wise presence, she guided generations of Filipinos through her radio advice programs and championed the Filipino language and music. Her lifetime achievements were recognized with prestigious honors like the Gawad Plaridel from UP and awards from the NCCA and KBP.
Luz Fernandez, meanwhile, became a household name through her powerful portrayals in radio dramas and television. Best known for her portrayal of “Lola Basyang,” she gave life to countless characters that captivated audiences for decades. Her artistry earned her the title “Best Actress of All Time” during DZRH's 70th anniversary.
In the realm of entertainment reporting, Tita Swarding (Romulo Espeña) blazed a trail with his fearless showbiz commentaries. As the host of Showbiz Chika, he became a trusted and often feared source of insider entertainment news, shaping the genre with flair and authenticity.
Rey Langit whose booming voice and steadfast dedication to public service made him a household name. He gained prominence as DZRH's news director during critical moments such as the 1986 People Power Revolution and subsequent coup attempts, remaining on the air when others were silenced . His flagship public-affairs program, Kasangga Mo ang Langit, launched in 1998, solidified his reputation as a reliable voice for the masses.
Langit has been honored multiple times by the Rotary Club of Manila, earning the Radio Broadcast Journalist of the Year award in 1990 and again in 2004 for his courageous and in-depth reporting. In 2013, he received the PMPC Star Awards’ Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting his decades of impact in radio and television.
Lola Sela Bungangera, the persona created by Eloisa Cruz Canlas, embodied the spirited, justice-seeking grandmother in radio dramas. Beginning her career in the 1960s as a production assistant, she became famous for voicing characters in iconic programs like Adventures of Zimatar, Gabi ng Lagim, Mr. Romantiko, and Hukumang Pantahanan.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to radio and her advocacy for senior citizens, she was honored with the prestigious 2011 UP Gawad Plaridel Award by the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication. This accolade celebrated her half-century legacy in broadcasting, her integrity in public service, and her tireless efforts to mentor the next generation of voice talents.
Susan Roces, the iconic “Queen of Philippine Movies,” was also a significant presence in DZRH's radio drama scene during the 1950s and beyond. She contributed her voice and star power to beloved radio dramas such as Reyna ng Vicks and Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ina, the latter being so popular it was eventually adapted into film .
Roces was frequently involved in DZRH's drama department, often appearing alongside radio legends like Dolphy, Chichay, and Tolindoy. In 2009, she even helped present awards to outstanding drama talents during DZRH’s 70th anniversary celebrations.
The torchbearers of today
Today's generation of broadcasters continues DZRH's legacy of excellence with fresh perspectives and strong journalistic integrity.
Among them are Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, the dynamic duo behind Dos Por Dos. Known for their sharp analysis and street-smart commentaries, they brought a compelling style to AM radio that blends humor, public service, and investigative journalism.
In October 2023, both were honored by the Public Attorney's Office as “Outstanding Broadcasters”, being recognized as “Pillars and Power of Justice Against Poverty” during the organization’s 5th National Convention
Deo Macalma, also known as “Lakay,” commands respect for his no-nonsense delivery and deep understanding of national issues. His long-standing tenure at DZRH has made him a respected voice of reason and balance in a sometimes chaotic media landscape.
He was named Outstanding Broadcaster by the Public Attorney's Office in 2023, and Radio Broadcaster of the Year by the Manila Overseas Press Club the same year. He also received the Outstanding Journalist Award from the Rotary Club of Manila in 2022, and earlier, their Broadcast Journalist of the Year award in 2013. Together with Elaine Apit, he was recognized as Best Tandem News Anchor of the Year at the 2023 Gintong Parangal Awards.
Angelo Palmones, a science communicator and broadcaster, has been instrumental in bringing scientific and developmental discussions to mainstream radio. In 2007, he was named Ka Doroy Broadcaster of the Year at the 16th KBP Golden Dove Awards and also received the Science & Technology Journalist award from KBP, alongside a special citation from the Jose G. Burgos Jr. Awards for Biotech Journalism.
A decade later, he earned the prestigious KBP Broadcaster of the Year title in 2014, along with accolades as Best Newscaster at KBP’s Golden Dove Awards. Most recently, at the 28th KBP Golden Dove Awards in June 2025, he was recognized as Best Science & Technology Journalist.
Mae Binauhan, often referred to as DZRH's “Wonder Woman,” is a seasoned anchor and reporter best known for steering impactful public service programs like Operation Tulong and Public Service Hour. In 2023, she was honored with the Apostle Arsenio Ferriol Excellence Award for Humanities and Philanthropy, the Gandingan Award for Most Development-Oriented Public Service Program for Public Service Hour, and the Gawad Professor Teresita C. Bacalso para sa Sining at Kultura ng Radyo at the 20th Gawad Tanglaw.
Most recently, in 2025, she was named Best Public Service Program Host at the 28th KBP Golden Dove Awards for her work on Operation Tulong. These accolades affirm her role as one of DZRH's most dedicated and impactful anchors.
Cesar Chavez, a veteran journalist turned media executive and government official, draws on his extensive background in public service to enrich his work in radio. His insights offer a unique bridge between governance and media. From 1986 onwards, he rose through the ranks—from one of DZRH's youngest reporters to top leadership roles within the network.
Chavez hosted the weekend program Special on Saturday (SOS) and previously co-anchored Damdaming Bayan before shifting full-time to management. He was named Best Radio Public Affairs Program Host at both the 10th PMAP Makatao Awards (December 2022) and again at the 12th Makatao Awards in August 2024 for his weekend show.
DZRH's roster also includes luminaries outside the news genre, such as Liza Macuja Elizalde, the country's prima ballerina and cultural icon who also serves as a host for DZRH's arts-and-culture talk show Art 2 Art.
Through her cultural programs, Macuja fosters a deeper appreciation for Filipino arts and heritage, proving that radio remains a powerful tool for nation-building beyond politics. She won Best Radio Host – Arts and Culture Program at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards in 2011, and received the Hildegarde Award for Women in Media from St. Scholastica's College in 2013 .
A living legacy
As DZRH celebrates 86 years of uninterrupted service to the Filipino people, it stands as a living archive of voices that have informed, entertained, and inspired the nation. From the resonant wisdom of Tiya Dely to the modern vigor of Taberna and Baja, the station remains a bastion of Philippine media—faithful to its mission of delivering credible news, rich storytelling, and unwavering public service.
In honoring the past and embracing the future, DZRH affirms that true broadcasting greatness lies not only in how stories are told but also in the trust it builds with every Filipino listener.
