Farewell to a Legend: Mike Enriquez’s Iconic Broadcasts We’ll Always Remember
Aug 30, 2023 • Edgardo Toledo
Yesterday, news of the passing of veteran journalist and 24 Oras news anchor Mike Enriquez shook the country. He was a significant part of our everyday lives, delivering news and bold commentaries with unmatched vigor. But he also made our way into our hearts with his on-air wit and humor. Let’s look back at some of his finest and most amusing moments we’ll never forget.
Mike Enriquez, award-winning broadcast journalist and rapper
Aside from filling our nightly news fix, Enriquez proved in this 24 Oras episode that he was more than just an award-winning broadcast journalist — dude had bars! Take it from this clip and watch how he nailed the 24 Oras’ iconic closing spiel like a true MC!
Who’s who?
Even a seasoned news anchor like Enriquez isn’t safe from on-air bloopers. And with all the news presenters that have graced the 24 Oras studio, it’s understandable why he briefly confused himself with fellow 24 Oras anchorman Ivan Mayrina. Nonetheless, it was a moment that brought a hearty giggle!
Wait, what?
In yet another episode of Mike Enriquez bloopers, the 24 Oras anchorman faced quite a challenge in pronouncing what we believe to be “Magkakalagitnaan na ng Mayo.” But hey, all of us experience bad days.
Sabong panlasa…?
Who would’ve imagined that news on rising suggested retail prices (SRPs) of everyday commodities could turn into a lighthearted TV moment? Speaking of which, Enriquez knows a news report or two, like the time he got into a mumbo jumbo, going from “sabong” to “sabong panlasa,” before finally nailing “sabong panlaba” (laundry detergent).
Excuse me po!
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a stressful time for countless Filipinos. While reporting about the new COVID-19 strains, Enriquez made us laugh when he accidentally coughed on air. In classic Mike Enriquez humor, he assured viewers it’s not COVID-19, and they’ve got nothing to worry about.
“Excuse me po! Hindi po ‘yun coronavirus,” Enriquez quipped.
The Payatas Tragedy
We’re all familiar with the “Mike Enriquez” we see in 24 Oras. But I believe Sir Mike’s finest moments were those when he reported on the field. Here’s his coverage of the Payatas Tragedy. Notice the use of strong metaphor and imagery. Truly an irreplaceable journalistic voice! pic.twitter.com/6eFHW7EYgH
— Tof (@Apostofelle) August 29, 2023
Enriquez reported on devastating situations throughout the 54 years of his journalism career. But even in the face of the most distressing moments, his unwavering dedication to delivering the news never wavered. Enriquez’s fearless coverage of the Payatas Tragedy stands as a testament to why he was one of the pillars of Philippine broadcast media.
A fearless journalist through and through
Mike Enriquez spitting truth bombs pic.twitter.com/2BM5DLl3Ei
— Malacañang Events and Catering Services (@MalacananEvents) May 14, 2019
“Fearless” is one of the many words that best describes Enriquez. During the 2019 senatorial elections, he didn’t hesitate to speak on behalf of millions of Filipinos, who were likely intending to ask this question to the then-senatorial candidates: What’s next?
“Ngayon pa lang, magkaalaman na. Para habang umuusad ang kanilang termino, nache-check natin ‘yung ginagawa nila versus ‘yung ipinangako nila,” he stated.
We’ll miss hearing his brave statements on TV and radio!
Our Imbestigador ng Bayan
Before we were binge-watching true crime on streaming sites, GMA’s long-time-running investigative docudrama show Imbestigador was already dominating the airwaves. Led by Enriquez, it was a staple of our Saturdays, filled with crime reports, entrapment operations, and dramatizations. Enriquez is Imbestigador. The iconic line “Hindi namin kayo tantanan!” will forever resonate in our minds.
Do you have any other favorite Mike Enriquez moment?
