ARDENT viewers of “Unang Hirit” are in for a super fun week as the country’s longest-running morning show marks its 20th year.
Since 1999, “Unang Hirit” (UH) has been the Filipinos’ companion as they jumpstart their day.
Today, Pinoys still turn to “UH” for the latest weather updates, breaking news, and other special features.
And the “UH” barkada has grown.
Pioneer hosts Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lhar Santiago have been 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 in Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, and Mareng Winnie Monsod.
Now the group is made extra colorful with the presence of so-called “UH Katambays” Boobay, Juancho Triviño and Joyce Pring, and recently, “Mga Batang UH” Yuan Francisco, Angelica Ulip, and Leanne Bautista.
Coinciding with the show’s anniversary is the contract renewal of its hosts last Nov. 26.
Present were 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 in attendance.
Atty. Gozon underscored the contribution of “UH” hosts to Philippine TV.
“Institusyon na sila kaya tayo talaga ay nagagalak na hanggang ngayon at sa mga dadating pang taon ay mananatili sila (mga host) sa ‘Unang Hirit,’” he said. “Dalawampung taon na ang ‘UH’ sa atin, I wish them another 20 successful years.”
Meanwhile, Duavit said, “Kumbinasyon ng maraming bagay kaya nagtatagal ang show—ang husay ng mga hosts individually so, 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.”
This week until Dec. 6, “UH” will treat loyal followers with special episodes and other surprises.
The show will also be giving away special prizes including home appliances, furniture, negosyo packages, gadgets and a brand-new house and lot.
This is the longest-running, award-winning morning show’s way of saying thanks for the fan’s support and loyalty through the years.
“UH” 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,” respectively.
“UH” airs weekdays, 4:55 a.m. on GMA 7. (Neil Ramos)
