The news of veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez’s passing has deeply shaken the Philippine media community and fans nationwide. Among the many who mourn the loss is respected journalist and longtime friend, Mel Tiangco, who was visibly emotional and overwhelmed with grief.

Mel Tiangco, a household name in news broadcasting, has known Mike Enriquez for decades. Their professional paths crossed countless times, and their camaraderie extended beyond the newsroom. When asked about Mike’s passing, Mel’s composure broke down as she recalled the impact he had not only on Philippine journalism but also on those closest to him.

“I just couldn’t hold back my tears,” Mel shared in a recent interview. “Mike was more than a colleague — he was family. Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. His passion for the truth and his dedication to informing the public inspired all of us.”

The bond between Mel and Mike was built on mutual respect, years of working shoulder-to-shoulder, and shared commitment to journalistic excellence. For Mel, Mike was a mentor and a dear friend whose humor, warmth, and unwavering integrity made a lasting impression.

The news community has lost a giant, but Mel Tiangco’s heartfelt tribute reminds everyone of Mike Enriquez’s enduring legacy — one marked by kindness, professionalism, and a genuine love for storytelling.

As the nation bids farewell, Mel’s tears embody the collective sorrow of a country mourning a true broadcasting legend.

“I will miss you, Mike,” she said softly, “but your spirit and voice will live on forever in our hearts.”

Tiangco, Morales React to Enriquez’ Passing
Mike Enriquez to be honored on ‘Fast Talk With Boy AbundaThe atmosphere in the 24 Oras studio and the newsroom of GMA Network Inc. was sad due to the passing of veteran broadcaster Mike Enriquez on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.

Employees learned the news before 24 Oras aired, so everyone’s mourning was palpable in the studio.

An eyewitness noticed that Mel Tiangco’s eyes were already swollen when he arrived at the studio.

His emotions completely gave way when he confirmed the news of Mike’s death on the primetime news program.

In a rare occasion, the public witnessed the uncontrolled emotions of Vicky Morales and Mel, along with Emil Sumangil, during the live telecast of 24 Oras, who were deeply saddened by Mike’s passing.

 

The news of Mike’s death had already surfaced on social media because people who were not his relatives were the first to release the information and the death of a person is considered scoop news.

Some people made a mistake in reporting that the respected broadcaster had passed away at the age of 72, when he was only 71 years old.

Some thought what they read on social media was fake news so they waited for confirmation from 24 Oras.

The news of Mike’s death was not included in the headline of 24 Oras because the management and production staff first asked for and waited for the permission of Baby Enriquez, Mike’s widowed wife who has the right to issue an official statement and confirm a sensitive issue.

Mike was once the victim of a death hoax and this happened on November 10, 2022.

 

Some believed the rumor that Mike had passed away because the information came from well-known personalities. Mike himself answered his friends’ calls on his cellphone to deny the fake news.

“I’m still alive!” Mike clarified, which delighted his caring friends.

Mike’s family has not yet released details about the broadcaster’s funeral.

But tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30, 2023, Fast Talk With Boy Abunda will dedicate the entire program to paying tribute to the deceased broadcast journalist.

Mike has been a part of Filipino life for twenty-eight years since he became the main anchor of GMA-7’s news programs Saksi (1995-2004) and 24 Oras (2004-2023).

https://youtu.be/4TTNvqkpEwk