Rhea Santos joins 20th anniversary celebration of 'Unang Hirit' live from Canada

Things got exciting during the 20th anniversary special of GMA's morning newscast "Unang Hirit" as its former host Rhea Santos popped up through an online video call.

Live from Vancouver, Canada, Rhea gave a touching message for her ex-colleagues amid loud cheers on set.

"Guys, I miss you. Happy, happy 20th anniversary sa pamilya ng 'Unang Hirit'," she began.

The hosts then started chanting, "Iiyak na 'yan, iiyak na 'yan!"

One also yelled out, "Rhea, miss ka na namin, Rhea!"

After 19 years, Rhea exited "Unang Hirit" early this year to study Broadcast and Online Journalism at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Canada.

She and her family moved there shortly after, and have settled down since.

But Rhea will always remember that "Unang Hirit" played a big role in getting her to where she is now.

"Sabi ko nga, lahat ng nalalaman ko sa broadcasting, kung ano man ako ngayon, dahil sa 'Unang Hirit.' Tinuruan niyo ko makipagkapwa tao, tinuruan niyo kong humanap ng storya, tinuruan niyo kong kumausap sa mga interviewees ko, so I owe it to 'Unang Hirit.' Thank you so much, I love you all," she said.

After the video call, Rhea tweeted out her appreciation for being included in the big celebration.

Ganon pala ang feeling ng mga Pinoys abroad. ?? Thanks for making me a part of the #UH20 celebration. I’m so happy to hear your voices. Happy anniversary @UnangHirit ??

— Rhea Santos (@MsRheaSantos) December 6, 2019

"Ganon pala ang feeling ng mga Pinoys abroad. Thanks for making me a part of the #UH20 celebration.  I’m so happy to hear your voices," she said.

Rhea also penned a love letter to the show in an Instagram post.

 

 

 

 

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Dear Unang Hirit family, It wasn't hard to look for old pictures because you've given me a compilation of my memories with you guys before I left. Looking at those pictures never fails to put a smile, and at times, shed tears on my face. Thank you for giving me the best farewell a family can give as I go on to my chosen journey with my boys. I can never thank you enough for all the great memories you've given me. I've always looked forward to going to work because I know I will be sharing lots of laughter and intelligent and silly exchanges with you guys. Everything I achieved is a result of Unang Hirit giving me a chance. For this, my heartfelt thanks. Happy 20th anniversary to my morning family. I will be cheering you on in the next years. I'm proud to be part of the best morning show in the Philippines because you've made work feel like home. Your Morning Girl, Rhea @unanghirit #unanghirit #yourmorninggirl #UH20

A post shared by Rhea Santos (@msrheasantos) on

Dec 5, 2019 at 12:04pm PST

"I can never thank you enough for all the great memories you've given me. I've always looked forward to going to work because I know I will be sharing lots of laughter and intelligent and silly exchanges with you guys," she wrote.

"I will be cheering you on in the next years. I'm proud to be part of the best morning show in the Philippines because you've made work feel like home," she added.

She signed off using her vlog title, "Your morning girl, Rhea."

—JCB, GMA News