It’s been 20 years of great mornings with almost 5000 episodes of Unang Hirit.
Television viewers are in for a super fun week as the country’s longest-running morning show marks its 20th year on Philippine television.
Since 1999, Unang Hirit (UH) continues to be the Filipinos’ companion as they jumpstart their day. They turn to UH for the latest weather updates, breaking news, and other special features to keep them informed and entertained.
Over the years, the UH barkada has grown. Pioneer hosts Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lhar Santiago are joined by Lyn Ching, Love Añover-Llanko, Susan Enriquez, Connie Sison, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, and Luane Dy. The program also has its team of experts, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, and Mareng Winnie Monsod. Now the group is made extra colorful with the presence of regular UH katambays Boobay, Juancho Triviño and Joyce Pring, and also recently, with Mga Batang UH Yuan Francisco, Angelica Ulip, and Leanne Bautista.
Coinciding with the show’s anniversary is the contract renewal of its hosts last November 26 attended by GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon. Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior AVP for Public Affairs Arlene Carnay, and Program Managers Queenie Dimapawi and Mon Torres were also present.
Atty. Gozon underscored the contribution of the longest-running morning show to Philippine TV.
"Institusyon na sila sa Unang Hirit kaya tayo talaga ay nagagalak na hanggang ngayon at sa mga dadating pang taon ay mananatili sila [mga host] sa Unang Hirit,” he said, congratulating the program on its milestone. “Dalawampung taon na ang UH sa atin, I wish them another 20 successful years.”
Meanwhile, Duavit gives credit to the UH hosts who are individually talented and more so when they are together as the UH barkada.
“Kumbinasyon ng maraming bagay kaya nagtatagal ang show”•ang husay nila individually at ‘yung nadadala nilang kasiyahan at impormasyon. Magandang umpisahan ang umaga kasama sila. Individually, they are highly talented and great people so ngayon 20 years, baka sa susunod pang 20 na taon makakasiguro tayo na ang pinakamahusay na barkada sa umaga ay magpapatuloy,” he said. “[Sa] Unang Hirit, sa mga kasamahan nito, tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa patuloy nilang tiwala. Sila’y tumatayong ehemplo ng kaisahan at integridad at maraming bagay na kahanga-hanga. So maraming salamat sa kanila,” he added.
This week until Dec. 6, loyal followers will be treated with special episodes and surprises with former hosts visiting to join in the fun. The show will be giving away special prizes such as home appliances, furniture, negosyo packages, and gadgets. One lucky loyal viewer will even have a chance to win a brand-new house and lot!
This is the longest-running, award-winning morning show’s way of saying thanks for all the support and loyalty through the years.
Unang Hirit prides itself for having bagged the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) “Best Live Special Event Coverage Award” for “Unang Hirit sa Vatican and Italy” and “Live sa Holy Land” hosted by Susan Enriquez and Rhea Santos, respectively. A back-to-back win for two consecutive years.
Keep having great mornings with the Unang Hirit barkada, every Monday to Friday, 4:55 a.m. on GMA 7. See you, mga Kapuso.