Danilo 'Totong' Federez, the puppeteer behind Arn-arn, passes away

Danilo "Totong" Federez, the voice and puppeteer behind puppet Arn-arn, passed away early Wednesday. He was 62.

Arnold Clavio made the announcement on “Unang Hirit," saying he died in his sleep.

 

“Sa pagkakataong ito, medyo nabigla kaming lahat at nakikiramay po kami kay Maris, ang naulila po ni Totong Federez,” he said.

“Hindi niyo alam si Totong po ay nagpasaya sa inyo sa napakaraming taon dito sa ‘Unang Hirit.’ Si Totong po ay nasa likod ni Arn-arn,” he added.

Arnold thanked Totong on behalf of everyone whose lives were touched by him.

“Sa lahat po ng napasaya ni Totong, maraming salamat. Kami rin dito, salamat. Rest in peace and may God bless your soul. Totong, saludo.”

In a Facebook post, Totong’s wife Maris said, “I love you, daddy. In God's grace we'll see each other again. Salamat sa Dios.”

 

The witty, socially aware puppet Arn-arn is Igan’s sidekick on the morning show. Some of Arn-arn’s iconic moments include going around the Philippines to cover events, guestings on GMA shows, and was even able to interview former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In a 2019 episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the “Unang Hirit” hosts shared that their Kuya Totong was always so enthusiastic and passionate about his role as a puppeteer.

However, Arn-arn suddenly stopped appearing on the program.

 

According to the report, Totong started having health problems in 2017. He had a stroke that affected his walking and speech, and was confined in a hospital for two months.

He said that his Kapuso colleagues never forgot about him and helped him out during this time.

Rest in peace, Danilo "Totong" Federez. —JCB, GMA News