Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales tried hard to maintain their composure when they reported the passing of fellow 24 Oras news anchor Mike Enriquez.
During the airing of GMA’s flagship newscast on Tuesday night, Mel broke the news of her former colleague’s death. Prior to 24 Oras, Mel and Mike also worked together in the newscast Saksi.
“Malungkot pong ibinabalita ng GMA Network ang pagpanaw ng aming minamahal na Kapuso’t kaibigan, si Mike Enri…,” Mel’s voice cracked as she swayed her head before continuing, “si Mike Enriquez”.
“Siya po ay pitumpu’t isang taong gulang,” said Mel as she talked about Mike’s two decades-long career in GMA Network and more than 50 years’ service in the broadcast industry.
After a video was shown to honor the late broadcaster’s legacy to the broadcasting industry, Mel put her hands together.
“Alam niyo gusto kong palakpakan si Mike, ang galing talaga,” said Mel who was joined Vicky and Emil Sumangil in applauding their late co-host.
Vicky, on the other hand, took a pause as she was in tears while delivering her closing spiel.
Mel and Vicky were seen comforting each other as the program ended.
Mike took a medical leave of absence from GMA in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant.
The award-winning broadcast journalist returned on air in time for his home newtork’s “Eleksyon 2022” coverage in March the next year but his absence was notable in the succeeding months.