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Former Barangay LSFM DJs on Mike Enriquez: The ‘best boss ever’


Most people know Mike C. Enriquez as one of the main anchors of GMA Network’s flagship news program, 24 Oras, or the hard-hitting ‘Sumbungan ng Bayan’ and host of GMA Public Affairs’ Imbestigador, or the leading force in the success of Super Radyo DZBB.

But his roots can be traced back to FM radio. No wonder, MCE held a soft spot for FM DJs.

Former Barangay LSFM DJs Eliza “Ate Liza” Guillon and Dan “Papa Dan” Villanueva were two of his “OG” wards. Liza and Dan started their careers in radio broadcasting under Mike's tutelage and eventually went on to headline their own FM program, with Liza hosting the afternoon show “Three Play,” and Dan taking on  “Wanted Sweetheart” for the late night shift.

The two have moved on from their radio heydays but their close connection with their Mike continued.

Following Mike's passing, Papa Dan and Ate Liza shared their fondest memories of the “best boss ever” with GMA Integrated News.

Below, is our conversation with Papa Dan and Ate Liza, edited for clarity and length.

What are three things that people don’t know about Mike Enriquez?

Liza:  Being one of the country’s most respected news anchors, iniisip siguro ng mga tao na napaka-seryoso niya, which he is at work. Pero palabiro talaga si Sir Mike. Nung minsang dinala ko ang nanay ko sa station at ipinakilala sa kaniya ang sabi niya sa akin, “Mas maganda ang nanay mo sa ‘yo.”  Siyempre hindi na ako kumontra. Si Sir Mike na nagsabi e (laughs).

Second, he’s very fluent in English. Sa radyo at TV lagi siyang nagta-Tagalog kaya minsan nagugulat yung iba kapag nagbitaw na siya ng straight English. And third, lagi ‘yung may hawak na kape at script. ‘Yun ang image niya na nakatatak sa alaala ko kasi lagi siyang ganun kapag nakakasalubong ko, with matching kaway ng kamay.

Dan: Siguro hindi alam ng karamihan na dating radio DJ din si Sir Mike a.k.a. Baby Michael, meron din isang movie na may cameo appearance siya bilang isang radio announcer!

Si Sir Mike din is very religious, lagi niyang nababanggit ‘yung mga bagay na ipinagdarasal niya or ‘yung guidance na lagi niyang hinihingi mula sa Diyos.  Tapos tuwing Christmas Party namin sa Radio Operations, walang sablay every year, kakantahin niya ‘yung favorite song niya na “You’ve Got A Friend”. Syempre lahat kami nakiki-sing-along!

What was your most unforgettable moment with him?

Liza: I think the times we spent with him outside of work are very memorable. Iba sa seryosong Mike Enriquez na boss at news anchor. Christmas parties and dinners with the radio staff showed more of the lighthearted, fun-loving, and cheerful Sir Mike who we all love. Nakukumbinsi namin siyang kumanta sa videoke at manlibre, game lagi magpa-picture at gumawa ng shoutout.

Another heartwarming and unforgettable moment for me was when he showed up to my wedding nung 2019. May medical issues na siya during that time and ‘di siya sumagot sa invitation ko, so na-touch talaga ako nung bigla siyang dumating. He stayed the whole time. ‘Yun na ang huling beses na nakita ko siya nang personal.

 

Mike Enriquez came to surprise Liza at her wedding. Photo courtesy: Liza Guillon
Mike Enriquez came to surprise Liza at her wedding. Photo courtesy: Liza Guillon

Dan: It has to be those pocket conversations. One time, nagkasabay kami sa comfort room sa GMA, tapos sinabi niya sa akin “Nakinig ako sa programa mo kagabi ha, puro kalokohan na naman pinagsasabi mo...”

Alam mo ‘yung para siyang tatay mo na magpapaalala sa’yo ng mga bagay-bagay, tapos talagang ipaparamdam niya sa’yo na nandyan lang siya palagi, nakikinig, handang magpayo.

Pero ‘yung hindi ko makakalimutan ay ‘yung niregaluhan ko siya ng necktie bago ako umalis sa GMA, ang request ko lang naman ay isuot niya ‘yun sa 24 Oras sa huling araw ko sa 97.1LSFM, at ayun nga, isinuot naman niya, sobrang natuwa talaga ako nun at nagpasalamat sa kanya.

 

Mike Enriquez wearing Dan's gift. Photo: Dan
Mike Enriquez wearing Dan's gift. Photo: Dan Villanueva

How was Mike Enriquez as a boss?

Liza: He puts a lot of value into hard work and discipline. Kapag sinabing nagpatawag ng meeting si MCE, kabado na kami niyan. He always wants us to produce good results. Nakaka-intimidate siya for me noong umpisa; siya lang naman si Mr. Mike Enriquez. But as time passed, I became more comfortable around him. I will never forget those simple moments na nakakasalubong ko siya sa grand staircase sa old building, or ‘yung pagkaway niya habang nakasalang ako sa radyo at siya naman papunta sa recording booth.

Dan: He means business and he definitely knows what he wants. Magaling siyang magbalanse ng mga bagay-bagay, may panahon para maging seryoso, pero minsan nangunguna rin siya sa mga biruan. What I really like about him is ‘yung open siya sa feedback, nakikinig siya sa amin and ico-consider niya ‘yung opinion mo.

What was the best part about being mentored by MCE?

Liza: Not many people have the honor to say they were part of the radio organization MCE led and loved. Sa FM siya nagsimula kaya mahal niya ang radyo. Ang makasalamuha at makakwentuhan siya, makita kung paano siya magtrabaho, isang karangalan para sa ‘kin. Masasabi kong ‘I learned from the best.’

Dan: Alam mo kay sir Mike, halos bawat kilos mo o desisyon, lalo na ‘yung mahahalagang bagay, dapat ipinagdarasal mo. Learning straight from him was the greatest benefit of having MCE as my boss and mentor. I couldn't have gained that knowledge elsewhere kasi siya lang ‘yung puwedeng magturo nun, nag-iisa lang si Mike Enriquez.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Liza (@liza.photojournal)

 

What was the greatest life lesson you’ve learned from him?

Liza: Love for your work will take you far. Siya ang malaking patunay nun. I saw those values embodied every time he went on air. Hindi halos nag-a-absent si Sir puwera na lang kapag birthday niya. The pile of papers sa office desk niya, laging mataas at parang hindi nababawasan sa sobrang busy niya. But even with his position, napaka-down-to-earth pa rin niya. Kaya naman hindi lang ‘yung mga nakakakilala sa kaniya nang personal ang apektado sa pagpanaw niya, kundi pati na rin ang buong bansa.

I realized I’m very fortunate to have known Sir Mike and learned from him. Hindi lahat nabibiyayaan ng pagkakataon na kagaya ng naibigay sa akin. My time in radio is a huge part of my career and life kasi first job ever ko ang pagiging DJ, and all of my 15 years in the business nasa DWLS FM ako. Hindi ko inakala na magiging boss ko si Sir Mike kaya I consider myself lucky that I was led down that path.

Dan: The most significant lesson I've learned from Sir Mike is the value of second chances. He taught me not to be afraid of making mistakes and embrace them as opportunities for improvement. Tinuruan niya rin akong maging patient at lahat ng pinaghihirapan, balang-araw ay magbibigay din sa’yo ng kaginhawaan. Na-realize ko na kahit anong pagsubok ang kaharapin natin, huwag na huwag tayong bibitaw sa Kanya. Mabuti man or pangit ‘yung dumating na event sa ating buhay, dapat natin itong ipagdasal at ipagpasalamat.

 

 

What do you think is the legacy of Mike Enriquez?

Liza: As a news and public affairs figure, wala siyang katulad. Alam nating lahat na hindi mapapantayan ang isang Mike Enriquez. Saludo ako sa commitment and dedication niya. Iba talaga. But as a person, he is also one of a kind. Kilala siya bilang “sumbungan ng bayan” pero bukod pa diyan siya rin ang ninong at takbuhan ng bayan.

Minsan ko rin siyang nilapitan noong magkasakit ang kapatid ko and he was very willing to help. He was also more than happy to be part of the milestones ng buhay naming mga empleyado niya. He will always be well-loved and remembered for his kindness, warmth, and  generosity. Paalam at salamat, Sir Mike. We miss you already. Pahinga na po kayo.

Dan: You know na legendary ‘yung career mo dahil buong bansa ang nalungkot at nakiramay sa iyong pagkawala. Sir Mike’s style was refreshingly different, kuha niya talaga ang audience and he never lost his credibility.  Para sa amin na halos araw-araw niyang nakasama, ‘yung kabutihan at pagmamahal niya ang ‘di namin malilimutan. Maraming salamat sa lahat, Sir Mike, kahit alam kong madalas mong sinasabi na huwag kong ipopost ‘yung pictures or videos ng kulitan natin kasama ang mga DJ, kahit madalas mong sinasabi na puro kalokohan ako sa programa! Alam mong mahal ko ang trabaho ko tulad ng pagmamahal na ibinigay mo sa industriyang ito. Maraming salamat sa lahat, parang hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na wala ka na, miss ka na namin, Sir. We love you.

— LA, GMA Integrated News