For Mike Enriquez, anchor of “24 Oras” and host of investigative program “Imbestigador” recalling his most memorable Christmas as a child growing up in Santa Ana, Manila can be a little bit like something taken out of the famous Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “Twas the night before Christmas”).

Yuletide Traditions

“‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” Mike, who says that as a boy he would always write a letter to Santa Claus every Christmas, would be all wound up with excitement come Christmas Eve that trying to sleep was a major effort. “But I would really try to sleep because I am so excited about Christmas morning. That’s when I would wake up and jump out of bed to start looking for Santa’s gift by the stocking in the window.

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds…”

Well, except that on one particular Christmas Eve years ago, young Mike was still trying his best to sleep. And like another character in the poem, he discovered something unexpected. “That was when I saw my grandfather silently moving across our bedroom with Santa’s gift for me!”

Mike, who as one of the pillars of GMA News and Public Affairs and GMA Network’s SVP for Radio, may seem serious and intimidating to some but he obviously has kept a great sense of humor, as well as a sense of the wonder and magic of Christmas.

Young Mike, who once dreamed of becoming a Franciscan priest, attended Simbang Gabi, served during mass and sang with the choir. “Then we’d eat hot lugaw in the market afterwards. I have many great childhood memories of Christmas. We also have a yearly potluck gathering of our clan on Christmas day.”

Mike, who in 1999 was named Best News Presenter at the Asian Television Awards in Singapore, began his career in broadcasting in 1969 as a disc jockey. When he started out, he was only allowed to play music and to announce the time. He later became quite a well known radio personality which in turn led to a career in television.

Mike continues to be a formidable voice on television through “24 Oras” and “Imbestigador” and on radio through “Saksi sa Dobol B,” his widely popular morning radio program.

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Jennylyn in one of her best roles

Jennylyn Mercado is in one of her finest performances in “Rosario,” a pre-war story, an official entry to the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Rosario” is based on a true-to-life story, and it features the moral standards then existing and how Rosario, as played by Jennylyn, often violated these. You will love and hate Rosario because she is so charming, but then, her insatiable urge for sex, even violating the sanctity of her marriage, makes you curse her! (It is now being predicted that Jennylyn, for her role as Rosario, will win the Best Actress award in the 2010 MMFF Awards Night tomorrow.)

Rosario’s surviving son, now in the present, is eloquently played by Dolphy as Jesus and who appeals for understanding and forgiveness for his mother Rosario. “I am narrating the story of my mother,” Jesus declares in the story, “so that people may forgive my mother!”

Jesus (Dolphy) – who opens the story and winds it up with his narration – does it so eloquently and effectively that it touches the heart. This, I would say is the winning aspect of the movie.

It is told that PLDT boss Manny V. Pangilinan talked to Dolphy to play the very significant role. The Boss appeared briefly in the movie, playing himself as the wealthy relative of Jesus and from whom Jesus is now asking for help.

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Must-have CDs from super singers

MCA Music has released must-have CDs from four legendary icons in the history of rock, the most exciting recording group reunion in British pop history, one of the best selling most successful female artist of this decade and a multi-platinum-selling global superstar – Bon Jovi, Take That, Nelly Furtado, and Duffy.

Marking a huge comeback for world-renowned music icons Bon Jovi is their new album, “Greatest Hits - The Ultimate Collection.” This must-have album is a 30-song two disc edition made up of the bands biggest chart-toppers including “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Always,” “It’s My Life,” “Wanted Dead Or Alive,” and “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” It also contains beloved and classic fan favorites including “Bed Of Roses,” “Blood On Blood,” “These Days,” and “Keep The Faith.” In addition to their classic big hits are four new songs “The More Things Change,” “No Apologies,” “This Is Love, This Is Life” and the first hit single, “What Do You Got?” which were written specifically for inclusion in this compilation.

Get the best of Nelly Furtado with the release of her greatest hits compilation album “The Best Of Nelly Furtado.” Of the previously unreleased recordings, “Night Is Young,” the album’s first single, was co-produced by Salaam Remi (Nas, The Fugees, Amy Winehouse) and Staybent Krunk-A-Delic, and co-written by Nelly Furtado. Producer Remi and Furtado also co-wrote “Girlfriend” while “Stars,” was produced by Lester Mendez who co-wrote the track with Furtado.

Duffy is back with her remarkable second album, “Endlessly.” The infectious lead single “Well, Well, Well” is the first taste from this heady confection, and features an incomparable rhythm section played by Hip-hop band the Roots.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 24, go to Arlene Babst, Belen Montaner, New York-based Dominique James and Menchie Portillo Peralta, Alfredo V. Palma of California, Anva Kirsten Cruz Saruca, Lourdes Carillo, Dory Bernabe, Andres V. Genito Jr., Jackie Dayrit Boncan, and Marjun Isidro of U-NID-ME…