Mike Enriquez back on air today after kidney transplant

Mike Enriquez
News anchor

After taking a medical leave to undergo kidney transplant, Mike Enriquez is now fit to work and is set to return on air today.

But the road to recovery, he said, was a tough one.

“’Yung pinagdaanan ko, mahirap,” he told the Inquirer in a recent virtual conference. “Aside from the procedure itself, I had to undergo a three-month isolation period. Transplant patients are immunocompromised. And I have other comorbidities, too. I’m a senior citizen and I have diabetes … And in 2018, I underwent heart bypass surgery.”

The 70-year-old broadcast journalist, who went on a medical leave in December last year, will be back on Super Radyo dzBB, the evening newscast “24 Oras” and the investigative drama show “Imbestigador.”

Forefront of election coverage

But more importantly, he will be at the forefront of GMA News and Public Affairs’ coverage of the upcoming national elections. He will also sit as a panelist in next month’s election special “Debate 2022: The GMA Presidential Face-Off.”

“Thankfully, in God’s perfect time, I will be able to get back to work now that I really need to,” he said.

During his off-time, Enriquez avoided watching news programs, so he doesn’t end up feeling that he’s missing out on something.

“I watch YouTube, listen to audio streaming apps. But of course, every now and then, you can’t help but watch the news. It’s in the blood,” he said.

Asked what kept him strong and hopeful the past few months, Enriquez said it was prayers and humor.

“What I can share with those who are experiencing something similar is to never lose faith. You need prayers and humor. You can’t be too serious. Without those, nothing will happen. That’s what has worked for me,” he said. INQ