Tributes poured in for Mike Enriquez the past week, as friends, family, and colleagues reminisced about their days spent with the late broadcast journalist. By all accounts, the GMA anchor and host was one of the most beloved people in media and television.
He wore many hats throughout his life. Enriquez served in various capacities with GMA and other radio stations, becoming a broadcast journalist, news editor, and even station manager. Interestingly, he appeared in a Viva Films production, too. He gave us quite the cameo in the 1992 comedy film Mahirap Maging Pogi. In the Andrew E-led flick directed by Ben Feleo, Enriquez played a drunk DJ jockey who went on to rap on air. It was a light-hearted reference to Enriquez's own days as a radio DJ.
Here's a clip of his brief appearance with Andrew E. in the back:
Yes, the rap star seemed to approve.
Before Mike Enriquez became the Mike Enriquez, he was known as "Baby Michael" among the disc jockey circuit in the early part of his career. On Super Radyo DZBB radio programs, Enriquez would look back on his radio days fondly from time to time. Arnold Clavio at Joel Reyes Zobel would joke around with him, asking him to do his "DJ" voice from time to time. And he would oblige.
Enriquez was a pillar of broadcast journalism, a staple in a number of GMA Network's public affairs programs for decades. For more than five decades, the anchor was best known for his signature voice and hard-hitting reporting.
Upon hearing of the news, Esquire Philippines editor-in-chief PJ Cana wrote:
"And while he will probably always carry that reputation of being gruff, imposing, and larger-than-life, those who worked with him and knew him best tell a different story. When the cameras weren't rolling, they speak of someone who was pleasant, considerate, approachable, and fun... When we lost Mike Enriquez, we lost much more than a chronicler of events and transmitter of news; we lost a shining light, a beacon of integrity and trust, and, perhaps more importantly, a genuinely good person."
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