Fans, admirers pay their respects on last day of Mike Enriquez's wake

Despite the intense rain, fans and admirers paid their respects on the last day of veteran journalist Mike Enriquez's wake.

According to a 24 Oras weekend report by Jonathan Andal on Saturday, the wake was opened to the public for a total of 6 hours.

A mix of avid supporters who said that Enriquez was an inspiration to them arrived just in time to say their farewells.

While most visitors were more mature, students and younger fans who said they grew up to Enriquez’s reports on TV and radio also arrived to pay their respects.

A taxi driver said that he avidly listened to Enriquez's radio broadcasts while he worked.

"Kapag nagmamaneho, yun. Matatawa ka lang din, nawawala ang stress mo kasi... 'Excuse me, po!'" said the cabbie.

Supporters from the provinces and friends from other countries also traveled to the wake, with some bringing gifts like handmade charcoal paintings to express their respect for Enriquez’s legacy.

"He would treat you like his own son," said Enriquez's friend Louie Ansaldo, who flew from the US to pay his respects.

"So, for me, hindi lang siya mentor, hindi lang siya godfather, he was like a father to us," Ansaldo added. "No one can replace Mike Enriquez in our lives."

The public viewing will serve as the final day of Enriquez’s wake as he will be finally laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina on Sunday.  — Jiselle Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News