Remembering Mike Enriquez: Iconic Phrases 'Excuse me po,' 'Hindi namin kayo tatantanan,' and 'Naloko na' Resound as Nation Mourns His Loss"

Renowned Filipino television and radio newscaster, Mike Enriquez, passed away on August 29, 2023, at the age of 71. 

Born Miguel Castro Enriquez on September 29, 1951, in Santa Ana, Manila, he was a prominent figure in Filipino broadcast journalism and radio commentary, gaining widespread recognition as the anchor of GMA Network's flagship newscast "24 Oras" and as the host of the radio program "Saksi sa Dobol B". 

He was also known for his distinctive expressions such as “Excuse me po,” “Hindi namin kayo tatantanan,” and “Naloko na!” which became trademarks of his broadcasting style. He served as the Senior Vice-President for radio of GMA Network and president of the network's regional and radio subsidiary, RGMA Network Inc.

Enriquez is survived by his wife Lizabeth "Baby" Yumping. The couple did not have any children and had been married for 29 years. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes and condolences from friends, fans, and colleagues, reflecting his significant impact on the Philippine media industry.

Enriquez had been suffering from various medical complications since 2021. In August 2018, he revealed that he had taken medical leave due to ailments such as kidney disease and diabetes. In December 2021, he took another medical leave during which he underwent a kidney transplant. He returned to his programs in March 2022, in time for GMA's coverage of the 2022 Philippine presidential election. However, he took a leave off-air three months after the election.

When Vicky Morales began to tear up, I lost it, too. Prior to 24 Oras, Vicky and Mike Enriquez were Saksi's power duo. Hats off to Tita Mel for her stoicism and fitting applause as a tribute to Mike's life. pic.twitter.com/Cc5IhQXBEv

— JM Reyes ✈️ (@jmsantosreyes) August 29, 2023

Enriquez's career in broadcasting began in 1969 when he joined the Manila Broadcasting Company as a staff announcer. Over the years, he worked in various positions, including broadcast reporter, news editor, program director, and station manager. He joined GMA in 1995 to head its radio division and expand its radio networks. He was also known for hosting several TV programs, including Saksi: GMA Headline Balita, GMA Network News, Saksi, Imbestigador, and 24 Oras.

Throughout his career, Enriquez covered numerous significant events, including the EDSA II, the eve of the US Invasion of Iraq, the Funeral of Pope John Paul II, the siege of Marawi, and the aftermath of Supertyphoon Haiyan in Tacloban. He was known for his trademark lines in broadcasting and was named one of the most child-friendly personalities by the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and thrice consecutively by the Anak TV Seal awards.