Susan Enriquez says she first thought Mike Enriquez’s death was just ‘fake news’
Mike Enriquez
Update 9:43 P.M.
When she first received reports that her former dzBB boss Mike Enriquez died, GMA journalist Susan Enriquez instantaneously dismissed it as another “fake news,” another bad joke.
After all, the late GMA News anchor had been subject of many a death hoax in the past prior to his passing last Aug 29.
“Andoon ako sa baba getting ready for ‘Dapat Alam Mo.’ Mayroon kaming isang group chat na biglang merong pinost na picture ni Sir Mike. So pag [tingin ko], parang inisip ko, fake news na naman ito. Parang ganoon ang tumakbo sa isip ko, pero siyempre pagkabalik ko medyo ano na, naba-validate na totoo nga,” she said during an interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Wednesday.
(I was downstairs getting ready for ‘Dapat Alam Mo.’ We have this group chat where somebody posted a picture of Sir Mike. My thought was that this was another fake news. That’s what was running through my head, but of course when I came back, it’s when I knew it was true.)
Susan, who used to be a radio reporter before transitioning to television, said she had a hard time processing the thought of Enriquez dead. “Hindi ko lubos maisip kung totoo na nga ba ‘yun. Parang in denial ka kung totoo na nga ba ‘yung balitang ‘yun.” she said. (I could not process if it’s really happening. It’s like I was in denial if the news were true.)
Despite her grief over his passing, she told Abunda that she is comforted by the legacy that her former boss and mentor left behind.
“Kapag nagkakausap kami dyan kasi nagkakasama kami sa remote coverage… lagi niyang sinasabi na ‘Always give your hundred percent.’ Not 99, but hundred percent,” Susan said.
Tributes continue to pour in from other celebrities whose lives have at some point been touched by veteran broadcast journalist, who died last Aug. 29 at the age of 71.
“Eat Bulaga” host Paolo Contis led their studio audience and production staff to offer a moment of silence and prayer for Enriquez who expired while confined at the intensive care unit of a private hospital due to a lingering illness.
“Maraming salamat sa buong pusong dedikasyon mo sa mahigit 50 years para makapaghatid ng balita at impormasyon. Maraming salamat po,” Contis said.
(Thank you so much for your wholehearted dedication for over 50 years to be able to bring news and information to the public. Thank you very much.)
Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, meanwhile, expressed his condolences to the family of the former GMA executive. “Kami po dito sa G, sa Gedli, kasama ko po si Cedie (Buboy Villar), ay taos-pusong nakikiramay. Maraming-maraming salamat, Mike Enriquez, sa lahat ng paglilingkod mo sa ating kapwa, sa broadcasting.”
(Here in the side streets, together with Cedie, we express our heartfelt condolences. Thank you very much, Mike Enriquez, for all your service to our fellowmen in broadcasting.)
ABS-CBN anchor Karen Davila, who used to be Enriquez colleague in GMA, also said her goodbyes to the late newscaster as she recalled their “Saksi” days.
“Mike was a good guy. Down to earth. Funny. Magaan ka-trabaho, napakasaya kasama. I’ve always kept close to my heart what he told me: “The challenge is staying humble as you go up the ladder,” she said on Facebook where she shared old photos with Enriquez and other former “Saksi” hosts, Mel Tiangco and Prof. Winnie Cordero.
Meanwhile, actress-host Marissa Sanchez reminisced about Mike’s kindness at a time when they were desperately in need. “Di ko po kayo makakalimutan, Sir Mike Enriquez. Nung nawalan kami ng tubig noon sa Sampaloc, it was through Kuya @michaeleagleriggs na tinulungan nyo kmi upang magkatubig!” she said, referring to former dzBB showbiz correspondent Michael “Eagle” Riggs.
(I will not forget you, Sir Mike Enriquez. When we lost water supply back then in Sampaloc, you helped us get water, through Kuya Michael Eagle Riggs.)
Kapuso actress na si Yasmien Kurdi, on the other hand, said that he broke down into tears upon learning of Enriquez’s death. Kurdi, like many other Kapuso celebrities, were among those given anchoring duties on certain days in GMA’s flagship newscast, “24 Oras.”
“Paalam, Sir Mike. Umiiyak ako dto sa taping kanina pa noong nalaman ko ang balita. Kayo ay isa sa pinaka coolest boss sa GMA. Nakikipag fist bump ka pa sakin sa lobby… Sobrang bait at humble guy… May you rest in peace po. Maraming nagmamahal sa inyo,” she said.
(Goodbye, Sir Mike. I was crying during taping when I learned of the news. You were one of the coolest bosses in GMA. We always have fist bumps whenever we meet in the lobby. Such a kind and humble guy. May you rest in peace. Many people love you.)
