MR. MIKE “IMBESTIGADOR NG BAYAN” ENRIQUEZ: TOUCHING OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH HIS MEDIUM

Everybody hears his voice booming loud and clear over his 6:00 –9:00 AM slot over DZBB, GMA 7’s radio station. He made sure the listeners are engaged in his biting but very entertaining kind of commentaries. He lets out a hearty laugh during his interview with the personalities `in season’. He read text messages with such gusto that the listeners cannot help but smile or laugh with him. He interrupts in between the rather lengthy spiels of his interviewee that make the people jumped with glee and shout `that’s my man.’

Indeed, Mr. Mike Enriquez is a very interesting broadcast personality. He delivers his news via primetime television program 24 Oras as if you are a part of the program. When he calls his news reporter, he does it with his own style. A pleasant smile always lingers on his lips as if being planted there for only God knows when. His mass appeal is always engaging. One can always relate to what he is reporting. Very fatherly.

He is a no-nonsense investigator. His weekly program `Imbestigador’ earned wide viewership because of its credibility and spontaneity. One cannot help but feel good when he endorses a product line. The sales just shoots up the moment `Mr. Imbestigador’ promote the product and encourage people to

patronize it. The people listen to Mike for the sake of listening. They made Mike a part of their everyday living. Tuning to his radio program is tantamount to sharing with the broadcast journalist their breakfast. Watching him over his television program with his tandem Ms. Mel Tiangco is translated into another dimension of intimacy through the newscaster medium. He reaches out to people from all walks of life, be it in politics, sports, business and so on without really trying. He has the `it’ in public service. His charisma is infectious. Consciously or unconsciously he forms the opinion of others through his daily programs. He is one of the modern Filipino’s icons.

“Mabait talaga si Mike. In fact, nuong bata pa kami, mahilig talaga siya sa pagne-news cast kaya masasabi ko na nasa dugo na siguro niya at nasa palad niya ang maging sikat ng mamamahayag,” said Mr. George Chainani, school mate of Mike during his younger days.

As a human rights believer Mike continue to display his daily interactions thru the tri-media, the CHR- NCR is not only lucky to be given the recognition by the ultimate “Imbestigador ng Bayan” himself but doubly lucky for the famous man has took time out to squeeze from his hectic schedule to personally confer the plaque of appreciation to CHR-NCR investigators who made the CHR truly proud of their countless achievements. Definitely, getting a recognition from the famous Mr. Imbestigador is already a prize for their effort and to have their idol present the said award is definitely a `bonus’ to them.