Unang Hirit keeps the panata of Serbisyong Totoo alive this Undas 2025

This Undas 2025, Unang Hirit once again brought its panata of Serbisyong Totoo to life - offering genuine public service to Filipinos both in Metro Manila and beyond.

The morning show’s annual Serbisyong Totoo Booth returned to the Manila North Cemetery, one of the country’s busiest memorial parks, to assist thousands of Filipinos visiting their departed loved ones.

The booth officially opened on October 31, drawing long lines of visitors eager to avail of Unang Hirit’s free services and Undas essentials - candles, bottled water, snacks, fans, and wet wipes. Guests also enjoyed fun games, raffle prizes, and photo opportunities with the Unang Hirit Barkada.

 

  
On the first day, Susan Enriquez led the coverage together with Suzi Entrata-Abrera and Kaloy Tingcungco, who warmly greeted the crowd and personally distributed items to cemetery-goers. Sparkle star Kim Perez also joined the team, manning the booth and taking selfies with delighted visitors.

“Ipinagmamalaki naming ang mas pinalaking Serbisyong Totoo Booth dito sa Manila North Cemetery. Nagbigay tayo ng free goods and services sa mga Kapuso natin na bumibisita,” shared Unang Hirit host Suzi Entrata-Abrera, who led the opening of the booth. 
 

One frequent visitor shared, “Taun-taon po kaming bumibisita. Apat kaming magkakapatid na pumupunta rito. May picture pa nga ako nung last year sa Serbisyong Totoo Booth!” said a cemetery-goer.

Watch the episode here:

Extending Service Beyond Manila

True to its name, Unang Hirit extended its Serbisyong Totoo well beyond the capital. In Calumpit, Bulacan, parts of the San Jose Public Cemetery remained flooded. Yet, residents still waded through knee-deep waters to visit their loved ones.

 

Anchor Ivan Mayrina personally went on-ground to tell their stories and talk to the families in the flooded cemetery. 

 

   

“Kapag tayo po’y dadalo sa isang burol, ang tawag sa wikang Ingles ay paying your last respects. At ngayong Undas, tayo ay magtutulos ng kandila para bigyang respeto ang kanilang alaala. Pero paano kung ang sementeryo kung saan nakahimlay ang yumao ay ganito ang sitwasyon... Sa nakalipas na apat na taon, halos hindi na nawawala ang tubig dito.” shared Ivan during his report.

Many families could no longer reach their loved ones’ tombs and instead gathered in dry areas nearby bringing photos, lighting candles, and quietly praying together. Despite the distance and the flood, their devotion never wavered.

“Napakahirap para sa amin talaga yung katayuan namin na lulusong sa ganyang tubig. Delikado rin po yan sa kalusugan ng marami... dati po masaya pa po kami na nagsasama-sama. Ngayon marami na rin ang hindi na lang nagpupunta,” shared one resident from Calumpit, expressing both sadness and longing for how Undas used to be.

Watch the episode here:

 

 

   

Despite the challenges, the community’s devotion and Unang Hirit’s presence stood as reminders that public service shines brightest when people need it most.

UH morning sunshine Shaira Diaz helped distribute Undas essentials stored in a specially modified “Sorpresa Tricycle” designed with an elevated base to navigate through flooded areas. The creative setup allowed the team to safely bring supplies to families honoring their departed amid knee-deep water.

Watch the episode here:

Meanwhile, in Quezon City, the Unang Hirit team also visited a major bus terminal to distribute free snacks to commuters heading home to the provinces for Undas. The small gesture offered warmth and energy to passengers enduring long lines and travel hours - another simple yet heartfelt act of Serbisyong Totoo in motion.
 

 

Undas 2025 once again reflects the enduring devotion of Filipinos who continue to pay tribute to their departed, rain or shine. Year after year, Unang Hirit continues to show that public service isn’t just a promise - it’s a way of life.