Doesn’t the name Mike Enriquez Grave resonate with significance? Here lies a man who was more than just a broadcast journalist. He was a pillar of Philippine broadcasting. We stand here at the final resting place of Miguel Castro Enriquez. Many knew him as Mike Enriquez.
Mike Enriquez passed away on August 29 2023. He was 71 years old. He is buried here at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina. His career spanned decades. It touched countless lives.
Born in Santa Ana Manila on September 29 1951 Mike Enriquez’s journey began. He was a curious child. He even considered priesthood. Instead he pursued degrees in AB Liberal Arts and BS Commerce at De La Salle College. He even taught broadcast management there.
Mike Enriquez’s broadcasting career began in 1969. He worked at the Manila Broadcasting Company. He held various positions there. He was a reporter a news editor and a station manager. He also worked at Radio Mindanao Network. He became its vice president. Mike Enriquez was instrumental in the success of DWKC 93.9.
In 1994 Mike Enriquez joined GMA Network. He expanded its radio networks. In 1995 he became an anchor. This marked his first on-camera appearance. He anchored Saksi GMA Headline Balita with Karen Davila. Later he anchored GMA Network News with Vicky Morales.
Mike Enriquez returned to radio in 2000. His program Saksi sa Dobol B aired on Super Radyo DZBB. In August 2000 he hosted Imbestigador. This earned him the nickname Imbestigador ng Bayan.
He became an anchor of 24 Oras in 2004. He reunited with Mel Tiangco. Throughout his career Mike Enriquez covered many significant events. These included EDSA II and the September 11 attacks. He also reported on the Iraq War and Typhoon Haiyan.
Mike Enriquez was known for his trademark line Hindi namin kayo tatantanan. He often said Excuse me po after coughing on air. His colleagues fondly called him Booma. This was due to his booming voice.
Mike Enriquez served on the board of trustees of La Salle Green Hills. He was married to Lizabeth Baby Yumping. They had no children.
In 2018 Mike Enriquez took medical leave. He had kidney and heart disease and diabetes. He underwent heart bypass surgery. He returned to broadcasting later. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2021. He returned to his programs in March 2022.
Mike Enriquez was a donor to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned. This was in Santa Ana Manila. He donated a generator and CCTV system.
Mike Enriquez’s legacy lives on. He received numerous awards. These included the Asian Television Awards and the Golden Dove Awards. He was named one of the most child-friendly personalities.
As we stand here at Mike Enriquez Grave let us remember his dedication to journalism. Let us remember his service to the Filipino people. His voice may be silent but his impact remains.