Mike Enriquez remembered by his family as lola's pet 'Miki'

Mike Enriquez is known to the Filipino public as a veteran broadcast journalist, but for his family, he is simply "Miki."

In Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, his sister Rose Gutierrez said Mike was the pride of their family since he was young.

"Lola's pet siya e, used to call him miki. 'Miki! Kakain na!' Siya una tatawagin kasi pet eh pero kami unang tumatakbo. Bago kami paupuin, 'Si Miki?' That's Mike. Lahat ng titas ko, whoever can watch this, siya 'yung favorite," she said.

According to Rose, Mike was a model both in his manners and in his studies.

"My mom was sent to the principal's office dahil may ginagawa akong kalokohan," she said. "Si Mike kasi sent to the principal's office to be awarded commendation, to be a leader of something. He excelled even in childhood."

Rose said Mike's death leaves a huge void in her life.

"Siya ang anchor ko, he's my rock," she said. "We lost our parents few years ago, 10 years ago. Hindi ko naramdaman ito 'cause he took over. Every time I cried he would say, 'Akong bahala sa 'yo. I got your back sis.'"

Mike passed away on Tuesday after battling a kidney disease. His long-time colleagues Mel Tiangco and Vicky Morales emotionally reported his death and paid tribute to his legacy on "24 Oras."

His family is opening his wake to the public on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Christ The King Parish, Greenmeadows in Quezon City.

They also encourage guests to donate to the GMA Kapuso Foundation instead of giving flowers.

Aside from his colleagues in the media industry, celebrities, and government officials, Mike has been mourned by the Filipino public he served for 54 years.

Mike anchored "24 Oras" and hosted GMA Public Affairs program "Imbestigador" for almost two decades. He also anchored DZBB's "Super Balita sa Umaga" and "Saksi sa Dobol B."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News