BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, she dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.
Miguel"Miguel" Enriquez, a talented speaker, joined broadcast journalism years ago. A respected journalist in the industry, Mike has established himself with his distinctive voice and commitment to the truth.
Mike provided insightful coverage of significant events, shaping public opinion and highlighting crucial issues.
Last Aug. 29, the veteran broadcaster passed away at age 71 while having dialysis. His wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez, said that Mike’s blood pressure suddenly dropped and his heartbeat stopped.
Let's take a closer look at the life and legacy of the beloved broadcaster, as revealed in the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."
- Mike was a funny guy
Despite reporting difficult and serious topics, the broadcaster also had a funny side. Joel Reyes Zobel, anchorman of DZBB, said that Mike was a serious person sometimes, but he would crack some jokes here and there.
His wife, Baby, said that the real Mike was different from the one we see on television. Apart from his authoritative voice and serious persona, Baby said that he was a joyful and talkative person.
Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, he dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.
- Mike frequently coughed because of nuts
The iconic “Excuse me po!” was actually because of his love for eating nuts. His throat would often get dry because of this choice of snack. Fellow broadcaster Jessica Soho even told him to avoid eating them, but staff members would sneak in some nuts for him to eat.
It came to a point when he even said “Ilang beses ba kong pwede umubo? Papalagay ko yan sa kontrata ko” when Marissa talked to him.
- His nickname 'Booma' came from comicbook
Mike’s friends used to call and tease him “Booma” because of his weight. The nickname came from an elephant in a comic by Mars Ravelo. At first, he would get angry whenever they called him Boooma until he eventually got used to it and it stuck with him even during his career.
- Mike and his wife treated their dogs like their babies
The couple did not have any children, so they considered their pet dogs their children.
They also had a knack for naming their dogs with Mike’s nicknames. Their brown poodle is named “Booma,” and the white one is named “Mickey.”
“Yung Mickey was his nickname when he was small. 'Yun ang tawag sa kanya nung mga parents niya, grandparents,” Baby said.
[Mickey was his nickname when he was young. It is what his parents and grandparents called him.]
- Mike had a very generous heart
According to Baby, Mike is a generous person who is always ready to help others without any hesitation. Elgin Feliciano, a crew member of "Imbestigador," said that Mike helped him financially when he needed surgery for his appendix.
“Madali siya lapitan. Bukas-palad 'yung pagtulong niya kahit sino ang lumapit sa kanya.” he said.
[He was approachable. He was generous and helped anyone who came to him.]
Joel also said that Mike comforted him when his dad died, saying that he should not be ashamed to cry. The journalist even told him that “Kapag huminto kang malungkot, parang nakalimutan mo na sila.” [When you stop being sad, it’s like you've forgotten them.]
- Mike was a diligent worker
Maan Famador, floor director of Imbestigador and 24 Oras, said that in the span of 22 years, Mike was never absent from work.
When he was taking a medical leave, he always looked forward to going back to his work. Baby said that the caregivers told her that Mike contacted GMA Network’s chairman and CEO, Atty. Felipe Gozon. Days passed and a letter from Atty. Gozon arrived, stating that “Yes Mike, basta you’re 100 percent sure of yourself that you're healthy and you can do it and your doctors are giving clearance that you can go back to work, you’re welcome.”
Mike has certainly made an impact on the field of journalism in the Philippines. He has inspired many aspiring broadcasters with his unwavering dedication to delivering the truth and fighting for the abused. (Jaff Emielene Conejos/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)
