'Unang Hirit' host Rhea Santos holds back tears as she announces new chapter in her life

On "Unang Hirit" Wednesday, Rhea Santos broke into tears as she announced she will be pursuing a new chapter in her life. 

After 19 fruitful years in GMA, Rhea, together with her family, will move to Canada, where she will pursue further studies. 

"Ipinagdasal po namin ito at ibinigay sa amin kaya malakas po 'yong loob ko talaga dahil alam kong kaya ko at kasama ko ang aking pamilya," Rhea said.

Although she won't be here to celebrate Unang Hirit's 20th anniversary in December she said, "please know that even if I'm not here, I'm proud, very proud to be part of this family."

She thanked GMA Network, her fellow hosts and colleagues who have become family to her in the 19 years she has worked with them.

"I'll take this opportunity na rin po siyempre para magpasalamat sa GMA sa tiwala. Salamat sa mga katrabaho na mga naging kaibigan at kapamilya ko na po," Rhea said. "Higit sa lahat salamat sa inyo mga Kapuso na nagbukas ng kanilang tahanan para papasukin po ako tuwing umaga sa loob ng 19 na taon."

Her fellow Unang Hirit host Arnold Clavio said GMA's doors are open for her should she decide to come back in the future.

"Kung babalik ka always welcome ka," Igan said.

Watch her emotional announcement below:

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News