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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
To mark its 24th year of delivering the latest news, fun segments, and public service to the Filipinos, the longest-running morning show in the country — Unang Hirit (UH) — surprised its viewers as the hosts took turns in delivering heart-warming gifts to deserving individuals from various places in the country. UH’s anniversary week kicked off last December 4 via the Grand Sorpresa Delivery Day — a whole day activity that drew emotional reactions to those who were given unexpected gifts and whose lives were touched.
UH Hosts Suzi Entrata and Shaira Diaz surprised a housewife in Pandacan, Manila with a brand-new 50-inch flat-screen TV. Asked why she was crying, Aling Belinda responded, “Natuwa na po ako kasi wala po kaming ganyan (TV) eh." UH anchor Ivan Mayrina and weather presenter Anjo Pertierra also got to experience being delivery riders when they delivered gifts to a mother in Quezon City. “Ang hinihiling ko lang (ay) may bigas ako na kakainin,” said a tearful Nanay Josefina. She received gifts beyond what she wished for when Ivan and Anjo revealed their deliveries — grocery items, a brand new 50-inch flat screen TV, and Php5,000. After the show, the delivery of surprises continued as the UH sorpresa delivery riders simultaneously delivered gifts to various houses in Metro Manila.
The giving continued the next day, December 5, as Susan Enriquez, Lyn Ching, and Kim Perez traveled to San Mateo, Rizal to fulfill a viewer’s wish. Sheila Laroga, longing to reunite with her family in Bicol after 10 years, was brought to tears when her family emerged from a giant Balikbayan Box as UH’s heartwarming surprise. “Hindi ko po alam, hindi ko ma-explain. Sobrang saya po… sobrang saya po talaga,” expressed Shiela when asked about their tearful reunion. The family was also given a 3-days-and-2-nights staycation package with cash for them to further enjoy their time together. Meanwhile, last December 6, a six-wheeler truck unveiled UH’s biggest event – the Sorpresa Truck Reveal. Arnold Clavio, Susan, Shaira, Kaloy Tingcungco, and Anjo shared in the excitement as the truck spread its wings. The unveiling was accompanied by the iconic singing of “Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan while numerous individuals received prizes including brand-new TVs, oven toasters, and cash. 70-year old bystander Tatay Wilson won the grand prize worth Php24,000 cash equating to the 24th year of UH. “Maraming marami pong salamat sa bigay niyo sa mga katulad kong naghihirap, wala pong trabaho,” says Tatay Wilson in a tearful interview. He added that he will use this cash for his family and medications.
On the fourth day, December 7, the Sorpresa Delivery headed north to Baguio City. Nanay Bella, a vendor in Burnham Park, received from Anjo and UH funliners Kaloy and Jenzel Angeles, together with Abot Kamay na Pangarap stars Jeff Moses and John Vic De Guzman, a sack of rice, grocery items, and a special jacket containing Php5,000 cash. These were truly timely gifts as Nanay Bella recently celebrated her birthday last December 23. To conclude the anniversary week, Mariz Umali, Shaira, and Ivan visited Malabon City to deliver a grand surprise to Khomenie Alauya, a rider who went viral after losing his job when his motorcycle caught fire while helping a fellow rider. To cope with the situation, Khomenie had to send his family back to Mindanao while he did extra work with his friends. While sharing his emotional story, Ivan came from behind in a motorcycle to deliver a parcel… a brand-new motorcycle! “Talagang pipilitin ko na makabalik kayo dito,” Khomenie emotionally left a message to his family now that he could go back to being a rider.
Throughout the week, notable personalities like Ms. Lani Misalucha, P-Pop groups 1st.One and Bilib, and Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera joined in on the morning show's 24th anniversary celebration. Start every weekday morning with a dose of the freshest news and information, fun and inspiration with the Unang Hirit (UH) Barkada at 5:30 am on GMA-7, GMA Regional TV stations nationwide, Pinoy Hits, Kapuso Stream on GMA Network's official YouTube channel, GMA Integrated News' offficial YouTube channel and UH's official Facebook page. UH is also available outside the Philippines via GMA Pinoy TV.
