The local broadcast and news industry is mourning the loss of veteran news anchor Mike Enriquez who passed away at the age of 71 on Tuesday, August 29.
His 24 Oras colleagues Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil wore dark colors as his passing was emotionally announced on GMA network’s flagship newscast program.
Mike’s fellow journalists took to social media to extend their condolences and honor the late GMA News pillar.
News reporter JP Soriano expressed his grief on his Instagram stories with photos of him and Mike during their reporting duties at GMA News.
“He was such a huge figure at our newsroom that it felt like losing a second father all over again,” JP wrote.
“Truly, it marks the end of an era,” he added.
Pia Arcangel also posted a snippet of her interview with Mike last year on her podcast Suprise Guest With Pia Arcangel.
“Lahat ng meron tayo, hiram lang natin ito. Pinahiram lang sa atin. And that’s enough reason na magpasalamat,” her caption read,
Pia honored Mike, referring to him by his nickname in the media industry, “Booma”, “Sir Mike’s attitude of gratitude was with him always ❤️ Thank you, Booma ❤️.”
News anchor Raffy Tima posted about a memorable moment of him with his Ninong Mike aboard a Philippine Navy ship to cover super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
“That is how I will remember you Ninong Mike. Always ready, always eager and always happy to be out on the field even after being in the industry for decades,” Raffy described the memory.
“The void you left will never be filled. Thank you for over a half century of service to our beloved industry,” he wrote.
His other 24 Oras colleagues “Kuya” Kim Atienza, Iya Villania, and Atom Araullo also paid their own tributes on Instagram.
Kuya Kim posted a black and white memorial photo of Mike where he referred to him as his nickname in the media industry, “See you later Booma. You are missed.”
Iya Villania shared 24 Oras’ tribute video for Mike she took inside its studio.
“Oh Sir Mike. It was an honor to work with you. You will continue to be missed. Rest in peace,” she wrote in the caption.
Atom Araullo shared a photo of him together with Mike on the set of 24 Oras.
“Paalam, Sir Mike,” he said.
Likewise, documentarist Kara David also posted a photo of her and Mike on Instagram.
“Paalam sir Mike. Salamat po sa mahahalagang turo at masasayang alaala,” David said.
On the other hand, Arnold “Igan” Clavio shared a lighthearted moment of him and Mike, whom he regarded as his father figure and mentor, dancing to a TikTok song on his Instagram account.
“Paalam aking Ama, kaibigan, mentor, kasabwat, boss at higit sa lahat ‘tagapagtanggol’. Sabi mo, walang iwanan! Ang daya mo!”, he wrote in the caption.
It can be recalled that Clavio debunked Mike’s death hoax last year on his Facebook post, saying the veteran reporter was very much alive at the time.
