Veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez passed away

Veteran TV host and radio broadcaster Mike Enriquez died. (Source: Facebook)
Veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez died. (Source: Facebook)

 

The passing of renowned Veteran TV and radio journalist Mike Enriquez has caused the journalism community to grieve the loss of a true luminary. Veteran radio personality and broadcaster Mike Enriquez passed away today, Tuesday, August 29, at the age of 72.

Everyone in the industry has been devastated by the sad news of Mike Enriquez’s untimely demise, especially his former colleagues, who are mourning the loss of their beloved Mike Enriquez.

To find out more about the late Mike Enriquez, his history, his cause of death, his family, and other details, keep reading this article.

Who was Mike Enriquez?

Miguel Castro Enriquez, also known as Mike Enriquez, was a radio and television newscaster from the Philippines. He served as the President of the network’s regional radio division, RGMA Network Inc., the Consultant for GMA Network’s radio operations, and the Station Manager of Super Radyo DZBB 594 AM.

In 1969, he began working as a staff announcer for the Manila Broadcasting Company. It all started when he went to see a friend who worked there and unintentionally learned about his passion in radio.

Since then, he has held a variety of jobs, including those of broadcast reporter, news editor, program director, and station manager, before rising to the position of manager of a medium-sized radio network.

He also worked for a while for other radio networks, including Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), where he rose to the position of vice president.

Before he left in 1995, he was the driving force behind the enormous success of DWKC 93.9, which held the top slot for so many years. He was the voice behind Mellow Touch 94.7’s introduction and trademark.

He also developed the persona of “Baby Michael” as a disc jockey and appeared in Andrew E.’s 1992 film Mahirap ang Maging Pogi (It’s Not Easy Being Handsome) in a cameo capacity as a disc jockey.

After leaving RMN in 1994, Enriquez joined GMA to lead its radio division and grow its radio networks, which at the time only had 4 originating stations.

Enriquez was persuaded by the network to host the 1995 senate election coverage—his first on-camera appearance—along with broadcast journalist Karen Davila (who would ultimately go to ABS-CBN six years later).

A few months later, he received a call from the network management asking him to return. He and Davila would co-anchor a 15-minute newscast in the early evening slot. On October 2, 1995, Saksi: GMA Headline Balita, a late-afternoon news program, made its debut.

Enriquez began serving as an anchor for the late-night news program GMA Network News with Vicky Morales in September 1998. The language was altered to “Taglish” during his first few months on Network News, and then to Filipino in early 1999.

With a new program based on his previous newscast, Saksi sa Dobol B, Enriquez returned to radio in January 1999 through Super Radyo DZBB. In August 1999, he returned to Saksi with Vicky Morales, his co-host from GMA Network News.

Enriquez was crowned “Imbestigador ng Bayan” after hosting the public affairs program Imbestigador in August 2000.

Enriquez left Saksi on March 12, 2004, to work with Frontpage anchor Mel Tiangco once again on GMA’s newest primetime newscast 24 Oras.

He covered many big stories throughout his tenure as a news anchor, including the Payatas landslide, the Iraq War’s impending start, Pope John Paul II’s funeral at the Vatican, and Tacloban, which was later devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

The Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and the Anak TV Seal awards have recognized him as one of the child-friendly personalities three times in a row.

Enriquez disclosed on August 22, 2018, that he had been on a medical leave due to a few ailments. He later revealed that he will return on November 26, 2018.

Enriquez had a second medical leave of absence in December 2021 before returning to his programs on March 28 of the following year, in time for the Eleksyon 2022 coverage.

Enriquez has worked as a journalist as well as acting in a number of movies and television programs. Additionally, he has written a book titled “Mike Enriquez: The Man and His Journey.”

How did Mike Enriquez die? What was his cause of death?

On August 29, 2023, Mike Enriquez, a well-known radio host and journalist from the Philippines, suddenly passed away from cardiac arrest at the age of 72.

GMA Network announced last night that Mike Enriquez has passed away and celebrated him for his commitment to the company.

The Board of Directors, management, and staff of GMA Network, Inc. express their profound sorrow at Mr. Enriquez’s demise. His commitment to the field will serve as an example to everyone.

Read the whole statement below:

“It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel ‘Mike’ C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our Creator on August 29, 2023.

“Enriquez, 71, was one of the anchors of GMA’s flagship newscast ’24 Oras’ and hosted the long-running public affairs program, ‘Imbestigador.’ He also served as President of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA Network’s Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations. He also anchored DZBB’s ‘Super Balita sa Umaga’ and ‘Saksi sa Dobol B.’ He joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and then became part of GMA Network in 1995, wholeheartedly serving the Filipino audience for 54 years.

“The Board of Directors, management, and employees of GMA Network, Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez. His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso.”

Mike took a medical leave of absence in December 2021 in order to undergo a kidney transplant. He spent three months in isolation following a successful procedure in order to prevent infections and problems.

He started appearing on his news broadcasts once more in March 2022, although only for a short while before he disappeared once more.

He was widely recognized as one of the Philippines’ most esteemed and prominent journalists. Enriquez will be cherished for his commitment to journalism, love of the truth, and dedication to the Filipino people. All those who knew him will miss him terribly.

Tributes to Mike Enriquez

Many people expressed their profound sympathies to his family and expressed how much they loved him. The news of this occurrence has upset his supporters and fans. His coworkers, acquaintances, and supporters expressed their sorrow at his passing.

17th President of the Republic of the Philippines, Bongbong Marcos tweeted on X: “We are saddened by news of the passing of veteran anchor Mike Enriquez, a pillar in our broadcasting industry. He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

Journalist Karen Davila wrote: 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 kept close to my heart what he told me, “the challenge is staying humble as you go up the ladder” Mike, I am forever grateful having known you. We will miss you  My heart goes out to his family.”

Additionally, we extend our sincere condolences to Mike Enriquez’s family, friends, and all of his fans. His passing leaves a tremendous hole in the community, and we ask God to give everyone the strength to face this loss. Even though Mike Enriquez passed away, his legacy will go on forever.

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