(From left) Mike Enriquez, Jeric Raval, Aljur Abrenica, AJ Raval. Images: FILE PHOTOS
The final week of August ended on a somber note as veteran newscaster Mike Enriquez died at the age of 71, as the media industry mourn his death.
On the other hand, Jeric Raval revealed that he asked Aljur Abrenica to marry his daughter, actress AJ Raval once the “Starstruck” alum has taken care of legalities involving his previous relationship.
Meanwhile, Ogie Alcasid took time off his busy schedule to visit his “kumare” Kris Aquino and her sons Bimby and Josh in the U.S.
In other news, KC Concepcion unfollowed her stepfather Kiko Pangilinan and stepsister Frankie Pangilinan on Instagram and vice versa, while Maine Mendoza debuted her new bob on social media.
All these and more, as we look back at INQUIRER.net’s entertainment stories from August 25 to 31.
Mike Enriquez, 71
Mike Enriquez. Image from GMA Network.
Veteran broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez died at age 71. His death was announced by his network GMA on its flagship news program, “24 Oras” that he used to anchor for almost two decade before he was stricken by sickness.
Known in media circles as “Booma,” Enriquez would have turned 72 on Sept. 29, exactly a month after his death. He is survived by his wife Lizabeth “Babes” Yumping.
No cause of death was mentioned in the newscast, though Enriquez has been known to be facing some medical conditions prior to his passing following his heart bypass procedure in 2018, and a kidney transplant in November 2021.
A distinguished television and radio newscaster, the multi-awarded Enriquez stood as one of the pillars of GMA News. Aside from “24 Oras,” he also hosted the investigative docudrama show “Imbestigador.” He was also the head of GMA’s radio operations with supervision over dzBB, before becoming its consultant when he stepped down after retirement.
From coverage of elections, disasters, and other historical events, to crime-busting exposés, Enriquez became the voice of the ordinary people’s quest for justice or accountability with the government.
Enriquez also popularized the catchphrases “Excuse me po,” “Hindi namin kayo tatantanan,” “Naloko na!” and “Pasok!” such that these evolved into distinctive trademarks of the former radio disc jockey named “Baby Michael.”
‘Pakasalan mo ‘yung anak ko’
Jeric Raval, Aljur Abrenica and AJ Raval. Image: screengrab from YouTubeGMA Network, Instagram/@ajravsss
Jeric Raval revealed that he had asked Aljur Abrenica, the boyfriend of his daughter AJ Raval, to marry the actress once the younger actor has settled everything in his previous relationship with fellow actress Kylie Padilla.
Raval opened up about his relationship with Abrenica during an interview for “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” last Aug. 23.
“‘Alam mo, tatlong bagay lang ang ipapakiusap ko sa’yo,’” he continued, recalling his plea to Abrenica. “Una, ‘yung anak ko ay bata pa. Pangalawa, ‘yung biyenan mo ay kaibigan ko. E ano kayang sasabihin ko sa biyenan mo ‘pag nagkita kami? Baka sabihin kinukunsinti ko kayo.’”
Raval was referring to actor-turned-politician Robin Padilla who is the father of Kylie, with whom Abrenica has 2 sons. He said Abrenica should first straighten out first the legalities of his first marriage
“Pangatlo, ang sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Ang anak ko, gusto ko pakasalan mo. Basta ‘pag ayos ka na, wala ka nang problema, pakasalan mo ‘yung anak ko,’” Jeric disclosed.
Jeric also admitted during the interview that he was initially against AJ taking on sexy roles, which apparently prompted the actress to keep her projects secret from her father.
The veteran action star then recounted an instance when he had to act like he was answering a phone call while watching one of his daughter’s films, just so he could go out of the theater and skip the actress’ intimate scene.
After over a year of being hounded by dating speculations, AJ and Abrenica made their relationship public last Feb. 14. Days later, AJ reiterated that she and the actor only became romantically involved after he separated from Kylie.
Ogie Alcasid meets up with ‘kumare’ Kris Aquino
Kris Aquino, Josh Aquino, Ogie Alcasid and Bimby Aquino. Image: Instagram/@krisaquino, @ogiealcasid
Ogie Alcasid expressed joy after he was able to visit and pray with his “dear kumare” Kris Aquino and her sons Josh and Bimby in the United States.
The singer-songwriter, who is currently in the US for his “KilaboTitos” North American tour with actor Ian Veneracion, gave a glimpse of his meeting with the Aquinos through his Instagram page last Aug. 30. However, Aquino was noticeably absent in the photo.
“Mare, I post this to send my family’s love for you and your family,” he then addressed Kris. “I am happy that I was able to pray with you today to seek for the Lord and his healing upon you. The Lord bless you and keep you and your family.”
Kris, who now has five confirmed autoimmune diseases and manifestations of a possible sixth one, has been staying in California for her medical treatments.
She earlier disclosed that her blood tests showed improvements. She also stressed that although she still has a “long way to go,” she is finally on the “correct path to remission.”
KC unfollows Kiko and Kakie on Instagram
KC Concepcion, Kiko Pangilinan and Frankie Pangilinan. Image: Instagram/@kristinaconcepcion, @kiko.pangilinan
Eagle-eyed netizens were abuzz after they noticed that KC Concepcion unfollowed her stepfather, former Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and stepsister Frankie Pangilinan on Instagram.
Pangilinan and Frankie are no longer on KC’s Instagram following list as of Aug. 26. He and Frankie seemed to have also unfollowed KC as the actress’ name does not appear as well on their Instagram following list.
It can also be noted that KC seemed to have taken down her Instagram posts dedicated to Kiko, including her greetings for him on Father’s Day in June and on his birthday in August last year.
“Happy Father’s Day dad, [Kiko Pangilinan]! Thank you for being present in so many of my milestones in life since you came into my world and married mom. I still wear the pearl necklace you gave me on your wedding day as a reminder of your love,” she said in the now-deleted post.
Meanwhile, Pangilinan celebrated his 60th birthday last Aug. 24, over an intimate dinner with his wife Sharon Cuneta and their children Frankie, Miel and Miguel.
Concepcion confirmed unfollowing Pangilinan and Kakie days later, where she admitted that being part of a blended family is “complicated.” Despite this, she pointed out that she has been doing her best to be a good daughter and a good sister.
Maine Mendoza’s new bob
Maine Mendoza. Images: Instagram/@mainedcm
Maine Mendoza seems to embrace her new chapter as a married woman as she traded her signature long locks for a fresh chin-length wavy bob that highlighted her face shape.
Mendoza took to her Instagram account last Aug. 29 to show off her new hairstyle, which was done by hairstylist Celeste Tuviera — whom she considers as her “ninang” or aunt.
The “EAT” host also shared a glimpse of her trip to the salon in a separate post, which showed how Tuviera brought Mendoza’s wavy bob to life.
The host-actress tied the knot with actor-turned-politician Arjo Atayde last July 28 of this year, which is a significant date throughout the course of their relationship.
The celebrity couple recently came from their trip in Switzerland, where Atayde attended the premiere of his film “Topakk” at the 76th Locarno Film Festival. EDV