'Unang Hirit' hosts share their motivation to wake up early for the past 22 years

"Unang Hirit" hosts shared what has been motivating them to wake up early in the morning to serve the people for the past 22 years as they celebrate their anniversary.

In an interview with GMA Network internal press, hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Connie Sison, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lyn Ching shared how they keep the passion alive through the years.

For Mariz, she said it is when she knows that her service is significant to the lives of Filipinos.

"In the sense na 'yung mga bagay na binabahagi namin sa Unang Hirit ay mga bagay at impormasyon na kakailanganin nila or minsan kahit di nila alam na kailangan nila pero pag pinanuod nila uy dami pala nilang matututunan," she said.

["In the sense that the things we share in Unang Hirit are information that people need, or sometimes things that people do not know they need but when they watch they get to learn a lot."]

Mariz said it really is her "significance, relevance, and contribution."

Suzi, who grew up with "Unang Hirit" and also celebrated personal milestones being with the team said, "it's really just that being grateful every day I think I realized that during the pandemic."

Suzi said she and Lyn are in the features part and that they were the last to be asked to go back to work during the early days of the program.

The mainstay host said she knows that news is the important part of the program while their segments directs towards a lighter tone.

"When you see us that means it means the world is going to be alright kasi otherwise if litong lito lahat stay back muna kami [important] information muna, 'yung nakakaron ulit ng balanse sa mundo makikita n'yo ulit kami," she said.

["When you see us that means it means the world is going to be alright because otherwise if we are all confused, we would stay back and [the focus will be on important] information first. You see us when the world is returning to balance again."]

Susan said she didn't want to make waking up in the early morning a struggle and she would always start her day "happy, smiling, and optimistic."

"'Pag masama ang panahon mas excited ako gumising ng maaga at pumasok ng maaga kasi napakadaming nagaabang kung may class suspension," she said.

["When the weather is bad I am more excited to wake up early and go to work early because so many people await for news about class suspensions."]

Susan said serving the people and informing them of what they should know first thing in the morning is what keeps her motivated to go to work.

Similar to what Susan said, Lyn said she thinks a lot of people "need "Unang Hirit" because of the information that they give.

"In the end, the work wins out, the service wins out, your love for your job and also I have to give it to people behind the scenes because they always think of something new to keep the people's interests and to keep the service," she said.

Ivan, meanwhile, said it's the sense of purpose and how he also feels grateful to be one of the lucky ones who did not have to struggle about their job amid the pandemic.

For Connie, she said she looks at it in a  "spiritual point of view."

"Isa 'to sa mga purposes ni God for me, it's one of the things I want to do. Parang naiisip ko na itong binigay Niya sa 'tin na trabaho para makatulong," she said.

["It's one of God's purposes for me, it's one of the things I want to do. I think that He gave this job to us so we can help others."]

For Igan, he said his motivation comes from knowing that there are people waiting to watch their show on the daily.

"Unang Hirit" will be having a week-long celebration for their 22nd anniversary with surprises and treats for its loyal viewers here and abroad.

On December 6, the well-loved show officially launched "Bagong Buhay, Bagong Bahay sa 2022." Now in its third year, the contest is open to all UH viewers nationwide.

Catch Unang Hirit weekdays at 5:30 a.m. on GMA. Kapuso abroad can watch it via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more updates about GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com and www.gtv.ph.

—MGP, GMA News