RIP Kuya Totong: Danilo Federez, the puppeteer behind 'Arn-arn', passes away at 62

Danilo 'Totong' Federez, the man behind the Unang Hirit puppet 'Arn-arn' has passed away. He was 62.

The news was shared by the Unang Hirit Facebook page after his wife, Maris Montemayor Federez, confirmed his death. Danilo was referred to as Kuya Totong by the team of the morning show.

"I love you, daddy. In God's grace we'll see each other again. Salamat sa Dios," Maris wrote.

Meanwhile, the Unang Hirit team where the character of Arn-arn gained popularity also sent their condolences to the longtime puppeteer.

Serving as a professional puppeteer since his youth, Danilo has been the brains behind the Arnold Clavio alter ego since the puppet's introduction. Puppetry became his bread and butter ever since.

In 2017, Danilo suffered a stroke and stopped appearing as Arn-arn to recover. In a 2019 episode of GMA's Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Danilo and Arnold Clavio reunited to do their well-known "Good News, Bad News" segment.

"Kahit saan ako mapunta, Arn-arn parin tawag sakin kaya gusto ko makasama ka parin," Arnold said to Danilo at the time. "Lalo na pa-21 years na tayo."