Mike Enriquez. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network
Broadcast journalists Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales paid tribute to the late Mike Enriquez in GMA Network’s Christmas Station ID, where they revealed that the latter was a donor of the Santa Ana Church in Manila.
The network’s station ID, which was uploaded on its YouTube channel last Sunday, November 5, featured GMA’s roster of stars telling stories of people who “share their blessings” to others.
Also included in the lineup was Tiangco, who used Enriquez’s signature catchphrase “Excuse me po,” and Morales, saying the late broadcaster was one of the “biggest donors” of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned church.
“Alam niyo ba na si Mike Enriquez, hindi lang magaling sa pagbabalita. Napakamatulungin at napaka-mapagbigay ng kaibigan kong ‘yan. Pero secret niya lang ‘yun (Did you know that Mike Enriquez is not only good at telling the news, but he’s also a very helpful and generous friend. But that’s his secret),” Tiangco said.
Morales then spoke about Enriquez’s dedication to give back to the Manila-based church, as the video showed the newscaster’s donated generator and CCTV system.
“Ngayong nasa heaven na siya, pwede na naming sabihin na isa siya sa pinakamalaking donors sa National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned sa Sta. Ana. Feeling blessed kami na makilala at makasama namin si Mike Enriquez,” she added.
(Now that he’s in heaven, we can now say that he’s one of the biggest donors at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned in Sta. Ana. We’re blessed that we were given the opportunity to know and be with Mike Enriquez.)
The station ID also featured Bea Alonzo, Barbie Forteza, Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Michael V., Alden Richards, Jessica Soho, Dennis Trillo, Xian Lim, Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, and Gabbi Garcia, among many others.
Enriquez died at the age of 71 last August 29, and was laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City five days after.
Shortly after his burial, his widow Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez revealed that the broadcast journalist suffered from cardiac arrest while undergoing a routine dialysis, resulting in his death.