“Unang Hirit” hosts at their 25th anniversary media conference on Wednesday, Nov. 26 | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
The longest-running morning talk show in the Philippines, “Unang Hirit,” is set to mark its silver anniversary on Dec. 6. Ahead of their week-long celebration next week, its hosts gathered in a media conference to reflect on the program’s legacy, sharing memorable stories and behind-the-scenes memories that have made it a staple of morning routines across the country.
Arnold Clavio and Suzi Entrata-Abrera, who have been on the show since 1999, shared what they believed the kind of brand “Unang Hirit” instilled in its audience.
“Fun and ‘yung balita. Dalawang component po iyon ng Unang Hirit through the years, hindi naman po nagbago. Masaya ka at the same time nalalaman mo ‘yung nangyayari sa paligid,” Clavio began.
(Fun and the news. Those are two components of Unang Hirit through the years that have not changed. You are happy and at the same time you know what is happening around you.)
“‘Yung inaabangan, may pasok ba o wala. Mga bata po ‘yung audeince, si tatay na papasok sa trabaho, si nanay na naghahanda ng almusal. Umpisa pa lang ng paggising nila good vibes na,” continued the veteran host.
(What is expected, whether there is school or not. The audience is children, father going to work, mother preparing breakfast. Good vibes just started when they woke up.)
On the other hand, Entrata-Abrera said that they have met those young kids who have accredited a part of their journey with “Unang Hirit.
“‘Yung tatak is a good balance kasi. May inaabangan ‘yung mga nanay, tatay, at ‘yung mga anak. Through the years, nakita namin how much they appreciated us. Nakikita namin sila may mga trabaho na, ‘yung iba doctor na, mga professional na, ‘yung iba nagiging guest namin sa Unang Hirit. At sinasabi nila na kami ‘yung kasama nila noong naghahanda pa lang sila sa school. Parang part na kami ng buhay nila,” she stated.
(The brand is a good balance. Mothers, fathers, and children are watching. Through the years we saw how much they appreciated us. We see them have jobs, others are doctors, professionals, others become our guests in Unang Hirit. And they say that we were the ones with them when they were just getting ready for school. It’s like we’re part of their lives.)
Meanwhile, Susan Enriquez, who’s been with the show since 2009, shared the most challenging coverage she had done for “Unang Hirit,” saying that it was when she went to Tacloban to cover the Yolanda super typhoon.
“Pagdating ko doon ang dami pang dead bodies. Natural lang naman sa tao na malulungkot ka, masasaktan, but nevertheless, nandoon ka to report, maging objective ka sa mga nakikita mo. Kahit anong maramdaman mo iseset aside mo ‘yon sabi ko nga it’s history happening before my eyes,” she explained.
(When I got there, there were still many dead bodies. It’s natural for humans to feel sad, hurt, but nevertheless you are there to report, be objective about what you see. Whatever you feel, put it aside, I said it’s history happening before my eyes.)
Aside from the aforementioned, hosts Atty. Gaby Concepcion, Shaira Diaz, Anjo Pertierra, Kaloy Tingcungco, and JR Royol also pitched in to share how “Unang Hirit” contributed to their professional and personal growth.
As part of their anniversary celebration, “Unang Hirit” launched the Sorpresa Bente Singko series, offering viewers unbelievable deals—like rice for just 25 pesos per kilo or LPG for only 25 pesos.
The show is also set to unveil a newly arranged version of its iconic theme song.
“Unang Hirit” airs from 5:30 am to 8:00 am on GMA.