Didith Reyes

Maria Helen Bella Avenila Santamaria (September 17, 1949 – December 10, 2008), better known as Didith Reyes, was a Filipina actress and singer best known for recording a string of hit love ballads in the mid-1970s like "Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi", "Bakit Ako Mahihiya...?" and "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw". Many music enthusiasts regard her as one of the Philippines' "Jukebox Queens", along with other singers popular during her time such as Claire dela Fuente, Amapola (Maria Cabase), Eva Eugenio, Leah Navarro, and Imelda Papin. She was notorious for accidentally exposing her breasts while singing "Bakit Ako Mahihiya?" during the 1977 FAMAS Awards Night.

Two months before her death, Reyes was interviewed by journalist Korina Sanchez about her retirement in the music industry and her new life as a beauty salon owner.

Early life Born Maria Helen Bella Avenila Santamaria on September 17, 1949, Reyes was the elder of two children. Her early years were difficult. At age fifteen, she ran away from her home and was known to skip school to join singing contests while in high school at Santa Isabel College. After studying Fine Arts at St. Scholastica College, she joined the Circus band, which would lead her to overnight success.

Success After her stint with Circus band and Time Machine, Her hits earned her the title Jukebox Queen, which also is shared with her best friends, Claire dela Fuente, Leah Navarro, Eva Eugenio, and Imelda Papin. Reyes gained further acclaim when she won a Gold Prize and the Best performer at the 1977 Tokyo Music Festival. Her self-titled debut album, Didith, was a platinum bestseller. which earned her notoriety during duet with Rico J. Puno in a televised presentation of the song at the 1977 FAMAS Awards Night, when she accidentally exposed her breast while wearing a flimsy gown. In 2006, she accused a former live-in partner Eulogio "Mang Ely" Disonglo with domestic abuse, leading to his eventual criminal conviction for violating the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law.

Death Three days before she died on December 10, 2008, in Biñan, Laguna, Reyes claimed to have sustained injuries after having been sideswiped by a vehicle. while her friend, singer Claire dela Fuente, said that Reyes died of an apparent heart attack as her pancreas ruptured. Her wake was held in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Quezon City.

Discography Albums Studio albums Didith (Plaka Pilipino, 1976) Nananabik (Plaka Pilipino, 1977) Merry Christmas (Plaka Pilipino, 1977) Aliw (Blackgold, 1979)

Compilation albums Once Again... with Didith Reyes, Geraldine and Imelda Papin Vol. 4 (with Geraldine & Imelda Papin) (Vicor Music, 2003) 18 Greatest Hits (Vicor Music, 2009)

Singles "Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi" (1975) "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw" (1976) "Bakit Ako Mahihiya" (1976) "Nananabik" (1977) "Magbabalik" (1977) "Aliw" (1979)

Filmography Television Year Title Role 2002 Magpakailanman: Didith Reyes Life Story Herself

Film Year Title Role 1979 Mabango ba ang Bawat bulaklak 1977 Nananabik 1976 Bakit Ako Mahihiya...? 1976 Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw

Awards and nominations 1977 Tokyo Music Festival – Gold Prize and the Best Performer