Unang Hirit Serbisyong Totoo Booth: A Tradition of Service from the Heart

Amidst the vast sea of people going to the cemetery to remember their departed loved ones, the Unang Hirit Serbisyong Totoo Booth stands as a warm and comforting presence. People come with a bittersweet feeling—hearts heavy with longing, yet filled with love and remembrance. And there we are, ready to welcome them, offering not just free services, but a bit of care and companionship on this meaningful day.

 

 

The Serbisyong Totoo Booth of Unang Hirit began in 2009, in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy. It started as an act of compassion—to help those who were suffering and to reach out to the community in their time of need. That moment of solidarity grew into a beautiful tradition. Every Undas since then (except during the pandemic), this booth has opened its doors to serve families visiting their dearly departed.

When I joined Unang Hirit in 2019, I learned that this initiative had already been touching lives for a decade. From that moment, I knew it was something special—and every year since, I’ve felt truly happy to be part of it. Because for me, the Serbisyong Totoo Booth isn’t just work—it’s a mission.

Each year, we give out snacks, bottled water, candles, alcohol, insect repellent, wipes, and coffee—simple things that make a big difference when you have to walk and stay for hours under the sun or stand in long lines. We also have a photo booth where families can capture new memories together, and in past years, there were even charging stations and free rides to the cemetery. These gestures may seem small, but to those we meet, they mean a lot.

 

 

 

 

 

One of our most frequent locations is the Manila North Cemetery—the largest, oldest, and most historic resting place in Metro Manila. Every year, thousands flock here, and the lines at our booth stretch long. Yet no matter how big the crowd, the warmth never fades. People patiently wait for their turn, smiling as they receive even the simplest token—a candle, a cup of coffee, or just a greeting from our team.

 

This year, November 1 fell on a Saturday, which meant there was no Unang Hirit airing that morning. But we were still there—bright and early—because Serbisyong Totoo doesn’t stop when the cameras do. We showed up, not for the coverage, but for the people. To be present. To serve. To share in the sacredness of remembering.

And as I stood there, watching people receive the small tokens and smile at us with gratitude, I felt deeply moved. It’s always a poignant assignment — there’s sorrow in remembering those who’ve gone ahead, but also comfort in knowing that love continues—both theirs and ours.

Because true service isn’t about grand gestures or big productions. It’s about showing up. It’s about being there—offering warmth, presence, and a reminder that even in loss, we are never alone.

 

More than feeling proud, I feel blessed—blessed to be part of a team that puts people first, and to be part of a tradition that serves from the heart.

After all, this is what Serbisyong Totoo is all about. And Serbisyong Totoo is Tatak Public Affairs.

Watch the video here: