Where is Arn-arn, the famous puppet of Unang Hirit?

Arn-arn is not a stranger to regular viewers of the Philippines' longest-running morning show.

Known as the alter ego of Arnold Clavio and the only puppet who interviewed a former Philippine President, Arn-arn is a regular host in Unang Hirit — until 2017 that is when he stopped appeared on the morning show.

So where did he go?

Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho on Sunday attempted to answer this question as it shines a light on the man who gave life to the iconic puppet.

Danilo "Kuya Totong" Federez is a 59-year-old professional puppeteer, who is also known to the UH crew as the brains behind Arn-arn. Without him, the lovable puppet would never appear on the show.

Kuya Totong's love for puppeteering started in his youth, when he would use brown pandesal bags as makeshift puppets.

At an early age, he recalled that he had already found his passion in life.

In 1996, he became a professional puppeteer who starred in a show with Joey de Leon. Because of his impeccable skills, he was invited to showcase his talent on UH. And since then, has been with the morning show.

Kuya Totong treated Arn-arn like his own brother, and took good care of him. He even dedicated a locker space for Arn-arn.

According to Kuya Totong, working as the man behind Arn-arn became his "bread and butter."

With Kuya Totong's dedication to his job, it is no surprise that he is well-loved by the UH crew.

"Bilib kami diyan...Kaya kung pagiging disiplinado ay si Totong yan. At sa tagal din niya ditong kasama namin sa Unang Hirit, walang problema,” said Clavio.

["We admire him. He’s very professional. We never had a problem with him."] 

Another UH host Susan Enriquez noted Kuya Totong's enthusiasm and dedication.

"Every day, talagang pinaghahandaan niya yung role niya! Makikita mo yung enthusiasm sa kanya," she said.

["He would always prepare for his role. He’s very enthusiastic."]

Meanwhile, UH host Suzi Entrata observed that Kuya Totong was, indeed, pursuing his passion.

Things were going well for Kuya Totong, until he suffered from a stroke in 2017.

He was confined in the hospital for two months and because of his condition, Arn-arn disappeared from the morning show.

One month later, Kuya Totong felt better as he underwent a cardio rehabilitation and a change in diet. Up until now, he is still recovering.

While he can walk normally, he experiences difficulty in talking and gets tired easily.

Even if he has been gone for a while, the UH team did not forget about him.

UH hosts Lhar Santiago, Susan Enriquez, and Suzi Entrata recently sent him a touching video message.

What surprised Kuya Totong the most is when Clavio paid him a personal visit.

"Alam mo, sobra ka naming nami-miss. Sana makabalik ka agad dito lang kami,” Clavio told Kuya Totong, who promised to get well soon.

["We really missed you. We hope to see you again soon."]

Recently, Clavio revealed that Arn-arn will be making a comeback just in time for UH's 20th anniversary.

Exciting mornings ahead! — Angelica Y. Yang/LA, GMA News