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GMA Network
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho Celebrates 40 Years in the Industry via Digital Archive
From Accidental Journalist to One of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices From Accidental Journalist to One of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices Jessica Soho Celebrates 40 Years in the Industry via Digital Archive Jessica Soho never planned to be a journalist. She had her sights set on Political Science, with hopes of becoming a lawyer. But the road to law school came with too much math—so she decided to take up journalism instead, mainly because it only required one math subject. 'I am an accidental journalist, motivated firstly by my fear or phobia of Math,' she often says, with her trademark laugh. But after four decades of telling the stories that matter, nothing about her journey seems like an accident. From her first assignments—covering coup attempts, typhoons, and disasters—to high-risk, near-death coverage in the field, Soho has braved danger not for fame, but for truth. And with every step, she raised the bar for journalism in the Philippines. Marking her 40th year in journalism in 2025, GMA Public Affairs launches 'Jessica Soho @40: Telling the Story of Filipinos.' This digital archive, available beginning May 30 on GMA Public Affairs' YouTube channel, celebrates her four-decade legacy of public service and storytelling excellence. It features curated exclusives, landmark reports, and deeply human stories that shaped national conversations and gave voice to the unheard—with new content uploaded weekly. The Power of Stories As a journalist, Soho has witnessed the good and the bad. In 1989, while en route to Pag-asa Island, her plane went missing—only to be found safe days later after an emergency landing in the Spratlys. In 2002, while covering post-war Afghanistan, a landmine exploded just meters away. These moments of danger and resilience highlight the risks journalists face in pursuit of the truth. But not all stories are born out of conflict. Some are rooted in compassion. Others inspire generosity and remind us of our shared humanity. 'Bukod sa mga istorya ng trahedya, giyera, at sakuna, ang isa sa lubos na ipinagmamalaki ko at ng akingteam ay ang mga kuwentong nakapagpabago ng buhay ng marami-rami nating mga kababayan,' Soho shared. There's Ranelyn from Bantayan Island, who was too small for her favorite dress because she was severely malnourished. After her story aired, aid came in droves. Today, she is healthy and back in school. There's Daxen from Antique, who battles a rare condition and found hope through strangers who came forward to help after seeing his story. Raymark from Sultan Kudarat had to abandon childhood and the classroom to work in the fields. After his story reached the public, he was able to return to school—trading his plow for books. Soho and her team also leaned on science, even learning genetics in the process, to establish parenthood in the case of two babies switched at birth. 'Ang 'word on the street' natin ay 'family.' Importante ang pamilya sa atin. Kaya 'pag may nabubuo sa tulong ng aming mga programa—hindi lang sa KMJS kundi pati sa mga dati naming show tulad ng 'Sanay Muling Makapiling' at 'Reunions'—dagdag points tayo kay Lord. Corny pakinggan, pero totoo 'to. Feeling namin para kaming nginingitian ng langit tuwing mayroon kaming nahahanap na nawawala, at nabubuo ulit ang isang pamilyang nawalay sa isa't isa.' These are more than just stories—they are lives transformed. A Filipina Trailblazer A true pioneer in broadcast journalism, Soho has not only blazed a trail but also set new benchmarks for Philippine media on the global stage. She made history in 1999 by winning the country's first-ever George Foster Peabody Award for her groundbreaking reports Kidneys for Sale and Kamao—a distinction she would earn again in 2014 for the coverage of Typhoon Haiyan. She became the first Filipino to be nominated and to win in the New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards. She holds the distinction of having won all the medal categories at the NYF. This year, her show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) won a Bronze Tower Trophy at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards for its investigative documentary Minahan sa Homonhon Island (Nickel and Dime: The Cost of Mining in Homonhon Island). The same episode was nominated at the 2024 Association for International Broadcasting (AIBs) Awards in London under the Sustainability category. In 2024, her documentary Secret Slaves: The Jessica Soho Special Report on Human Trafficking won Gold at the ContentAsia Awards for Best Current Affairs Programme Made in Asia for Regional Asia and/or International Markets. Her credibility and connection with the public are just as remarkable: she has been named 'Most Trusted TV Host for News and Current Affairs' for 13 consecutive years by the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards. She also became the first UP College of Mass Communication alumna to receive the prestigious Gawad Plaridel Award for Journalism. 'Sa lahat ng mga assignment, trabaho, at programa na ibinigay sa akin, wala akong masasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ko itinodo. 100 percent or more. You're not the story. Ang importante 'yung story.' At a time when truth is under siege, when fake news spreads faster than facts, Soho stands as a rare constant. Credible. Trusted. Still chasing stories—not for clicks or clout—but because she believes the Filipino story is worth telling. 'Aaminin ko, pinanghihinaan din ako ng loob. Pero hindi kasi tamang isuko ang katotohanan. Kailangan itong ipaglaban—lalo na't marami pa tayong dapat bigyan ng linaw at liwanag sa ating bayan,' she said. And she continues to pass it on—speaking to thousands of aspiring writers and journalists at the National Schools Press Conference held last week in Ilocos Sur, reminding them to pursue not just accuracy and balance, but above all, kindness and goodness in their work. 'If I have to live my life all over again, pipiliin ko pa rin maging journalist. Basically, because I love telling stories,' she ended. And perhaps that's the clearest truth of all: Even if she never planned this path, she chose to walk it with purpose. Because for Jessica Soho, every story—big or small—is a chance to do good. And for forty years, she has done just that. Catch 'Jessica Soho @40: Telling the Story of Filipinos' on GMA Public Affairs' YouTube channel starting May 30.
GMA Network
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho and GMA Public Affairs Connect Global Filipinos to the Heart of the Vatican
Jessica Soho and GMA Public Affairs Connect Global Filipinos to the Heart of the Vatican The world mourned the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, a moment that deeply resonated with the global Catholic community—especially in the Philippines, where over 80 percent of the population is Catholic. In this time of sorrow and spiritual reflection, GMA Public Affairs ensured Filipinos were front and center in witnessing history unfold. Spearheading GMA Public Affair's comprehensive coverage was Jessica Soho, the country's most awarded broadcast journalist and host of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS). Just days after the Pope's passing, Soho flew to Rome, becoming one of the first Filipino journalists accredited by the Holy See Press Office to cover the entire papal transition—from funeral rites to the conclave, and the election of the new pontiff. From the public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica to the transfer of Pope Francis' remains, Soho shared real-time updates on the ground, using mobile reporting to deliver timely coverage. While equipped with professional broadcast gear, she often relied on her phone to document and upload moments on the go, bringing the story swiftly and directly to Filipinos online. Through GMA Public Affairs' vast digital network—boasting over 160 million followers—her Vatican coverage reached a global Filipino audience and amassed over 47 million views, underscoring its powerful resonance and impact. KMJS also aired two special reports: one honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis, and another chronicling the historic rise of Pope Leo XIV. Both episodes drew strong viewership, reinforcing Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's position as a trusted source of news and storytelling—even in global events of historic significance Beyond the rituals, Soho spotlighted the voices of the Filipino community in Rome—from pilgrims and seminarians to clergy working in the Vatican. Prior to the conclave, Soho joined a Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Cardinal Luis Tagle—where she was invited to read the Prayers of the Faithful—and secured an interview with CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David. When white smoke finally rose over the Sistine Chapel, Soho was there in St. Peter's Square as Pope Leo XIV emerged. During the Pope's first meeting with the media on May 12, Soho personally offered a zucchetto to be blessed—a deeply symbolic act on behalf of the Filipino people. She humbly asked the new Pope for a blessing for the Philippines, carrying with her the hopes and prayers of a nation preparing for its midterm elections. Through its Vatican coverage, GMA Public Affairs built a bridge connecting Filipinos to the heart of the Catholic world. Anchored by Jessica Soho's steadfast storytelling and faith-filled presence, Filipinos were not just informed — they were there. Catch KMJS every Sunday night on GMA and GTV. Viewers can also watch the livestream via KMJS' Facebook Page and GMA Public Affairs' Youtube Channel. Global Pinoys can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit #
Filipino Times
01-03-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
College student has anxiety attack due to school stress
A college student in the Philippines suffered an anxiety attack due to overwhelming school stress. According to GMA Public Affairs' 'For You Page' report, the college student talked to her mother about school deadlines. The student shared that she had two major subject defenses scheduled on consecutive days, which added to her stress. During the conversation with her mother, she suddenly felt her body stiffen and struggled to breathe. The student was later hospitalized, where she had to regulate her breathing using a paper bag. Anxiety is common in college Harvard Health states that anxiety levels spike sharply during the initial transition to college. Not only anxiety but also stress and depression steadily increase throughout the first semester and remain high into the second semester. Experts say that anxiety is caused by many factors among college students, including sleep disruption, loneliness, and academic factors like school stress and disengagement from studies. Harvard Health advises many students to maintain healthy eating habits and consistent exercise. It also recommends maintaining a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on days without classes. Additionally, it advises against using the bed for activities like studying to keep it associated only with sleep. Limiting caffeine and alcohol is also suggested, as they can interfere with getting restful sleep.
