GMA Network's Gozon remembers Mike Enriquez: ‘He was at his best at any time of the day’

The second night of Mike Enriquez's wake saw his GMA family celebrate his life and legacy.

Among those who gave a eulogy was GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, who looked back on his friendship with the GMA News pillar that spanned more than 23 years. He mentioned how much of a good person Mike was.

“In all the years that I have known him, I have not heard, even as a rumor, that he did anything dishonest or done something that was immoral,” he said.

Gozon recalled how a former President of the Philippines once called him, asking if Mike would agree to be part of the senatorial slate of their party.

When he relayed the offer to Mike, the veteran journalist sought his advice.

“I told him that the decision was for him to make. But I also told him that if he became a senator, as he was likely to win, in order for him to earn the same amount of money he was earning at that time, he would have to steal and be corrupt,” he said.

“And as you know, he did not accept the offer.”

According to Gozon, he did not have any problems with Mike. In fact, he brought all the problems of radio to Mike’s attention, and all were “satisfactorily solved by him.”

“Mahal na mahal ni Mike ang radyo at pagbabalita,” he said, adding Mike was neither a morning nor a night person because “he was at his best at any time of the day.”

He was up at the crack of dawn anchoring his radio program on Super Radyo dzBB and delivering the early evening news on “24 Oras."

Mike at one point also did the late-night newscast for “Saksi.”

“In between those times, he led teams as a senior vice president for radio, covered news stories, and did interviews,” he said.

In his speech, Gozon mentioned how much of a devoted husband Mike was to his wife, Baby, and recalled how he once offered Mike a small bedroom at his office, so Baby could be with him at work, given his grueling schedule.

“But he did not accept my offer,” he said.

He later thanked Baby, “for lending Mike to us. You were such a great part in his success. Know that we in GMA are here for you.”

Mike's Midas touch did not escape Gozon. "Everything he touched turned to gold," he said, noting how "Imbestigador" was among the top-rated public affairs programs, how "Saksi" was the first Philippine news program to win best newscast at the New York festivals, while "24 Oras" remains the top news program in the country.

Even though Mike was on medical leave, “he did his best to join the board and officers’ meeting.”

“Until the very end, his purpose in doing things was still about Serbisyong Totoo.”

Remembering how Mike once read the book “How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free” by Ernie Zelinski, Gozon cited a line from the book: “You were given three special gifts when you were born: the gifts of life, love, and laughter.”

“Mike, my dear friend, thank you for sharing those three gifts with us,” he said.

“No one can replace Mike Enriquez and all the goodness he brought into this world. We say farewell to Mike, but his legacy will live on,” he said.

He ended his speech by thanking Mike.

“Paalam, Mike, at maraming-maraming salamat sa paghahatid ng balitang walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, serbisyong totoo lamang.”

Mike passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71.

While reporting on Mike's death on "24 Oras," Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales could not help but turn emotional.

Pia Arcangel, Kim Atienza, and other GMA Integrated News reporters and hosts also paid tribute to Mike.

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes also joined the many media personalities in mourning Mike’s death, saluting the veteran broadcaster and the legacy he leaves the industry. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and senators mourned the loss of the GMA Network pillar.

A small tribute was also set up at Mike's star on the German Moreno Walk of Fame in Quezon City.

— LA, GMA Integrated News