On August 29, ’24 Oras’ news anchor Mel Tiangco confirmed that the GMA News pillar and multi-awarded broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez passed away at 71.
During their closing segment for the Kapuso news program ’24 Oras,’ Tiangco was visibly emotional while reporting about her colleague’s passing.
The news program then aired a tribute to the broadcast journalist, showing his years as a news anchor, host, and reporter.
At the end of the tribute, Tiangco said, “Alam ninyo gusto kong palakpakan si Mike, galing talaga.”
Vicky Morales, Enriquez’s fellow 24 Oras anchor, then attempted to deliver her closing spiels but broke down in tears mid-sentence.
Pumanaw na ang beteranong broadcaster na si Mike Enriquez. pic.twitter.com/FmdrA5ERiV
— GMA News (@gmanews) August 29, 2023
Their co-host, Iya Villania-Arellano, penned a heartfelt Instagram story for their dearly departed colleague.
TV Patrol anchors Henry Omaga Diaz, Noli De Castro, and Bernadette Sembrano also expressed their condolences to the friends and families of the dearly departed broadcast journalist.
“Isa nanamang malungkot na balita, sa isang haligi ng pamamahayag sa ating bansa,” said Omaga Diaz.
“Condolence po sa lahat mga Kapuso,” Sembrano added.
De Castro then looked back to his friendship with the Kapuso broadcast journalist.
“Nakikiaramay po kami sa pamilya ni Mike Enriquez. Matagal-tagal din kaming naging magkaibigan ni Mike. Lagi kaming nagkakasabay sa ano eh, sa mga live, mga live, sa Quiapo, basta may malalaking live, nagkakasabay kami.”
TV Patrol!!! 🥺
RIP Mike Enriquez https://t.co/KZKnVgy8Z1 pic.twitter.com/o7bV6uNVBT
— Daniel B. Bautista (@bautistadanielb) August 29, 2023
Kapamilya broadcast journalist Karen Davila also shared her experience working with Enriquez at the news program ‘Saksi.’
Paalam, MIKE ENRIQUEZ 🇵🇭 I first shared the anchor seat with the iconic ‘Booma’ in 1995 during GMA7’s election coverage, then Saksi’s 15 min newscast to its 30 min version ‘til 1999.
Mike was a good guy. Down to earth. Funny. Magaan ka-trabaho, napakasaya kasama. I’ve always… pic.twitter.com/VlHDXFOk4L
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) August 30, 2023
Other journalists such as also expressed their grief over the passing of Enriquez, with some showcasing their own tribute to the multi-awarded news personality.
https://twitter.com/Joseph_Morong/status/1696493729241260338
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwh5E5HPASD
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwhyncfvoZ2/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=146d98e6-32d9-44b2-b189-2910512e3d17
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cwh6czqAN9W/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e50b8b95-5ade-44ef-a652-afcbeb379240
Celebrities such as Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Yasmien Kurdi, Kim Atienza, Jaya, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, and Eva Le Queen also paid tribute to Enriquez through social media posts.
He wasn’t only an outstanding broadcaster…but a dear friend.
Your voice, style and personality; these and so much more will be missed Mike. Can’t help but smile imagining how Jesus may’ve affectionately welcomed you home gently saying “Sir Mike Enriquez…PASOK.” Love you bro❤️ https://t.co/2AEMM1Xowg— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) August 29, 2023
Paalam Sir Mike… Umiiyak ako dto sa taping kanina pa noong nalaman ko ang balita 😭 Kayo ay Isa sa pinaka coolest Boss sa GMA … nakikipag fist bump 👊🏻 ka pa sakin sa lobby… Sobrang bait at humble guy… May you Rest In Peace po 😭 Maraming nagmamahal sa inyo. ❤️ #MikeEnriquez pic.twitter.com/m9UYPNhGWD
— Yasmien Kurdi (@TheRealYasmien) August 29, 2023
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwiRVrXRzzV
Maraming salamat at paalam Sir Mike Enriquez, rest in Paradise.
— JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE (@MyJaps) August 29, 2023
— Barbie Forteza (@dealwithBARBIE) August 29, 2023
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwh4JF7J_4f/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=6fcb303e-5a1c-43ef-abd0-3e4009bf34d6
Watching feels like para akong may malayong tito na pumanaw. I used to always wait for his voice sa AM Radio to announce na walang pasok. He was a public servant through and through. https://t.co/LmHRiOkZ1e
— Ms. Eva (@eva_lequeen) August 29, 2023
Rest in peace Sir Mike Enriquez. May God give you rest. Honoured to have known you and will remember our conversations, your humility and courage to speak truth in what you believed. Paalam po. 🙏🏼 #gmanewsandpublicaffairs pic.twitter.com/SWvoIeQPM5
— Jaya (@jayasoul) August 29, 2023
Enriquez underwent a kidney transplant in 2021 and returned on air in March 2022 for the coverage of the national election. However, he later took a leave of absence.
Mike Enriquez was a well-known and highly respected figure in the Philippine media industry. He is known for his integrity and dedication to delivering news to the Filipino people. His contributions to journalism made him a beloved and trusted personality in the country.
He is also known for his iconic catchphrases, “Hindi ko kayo tatantanan!” and “Excuse me po!”
Enriquez is survived by his wife, Lizabeth Baby Yumping.