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GMA Network
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho to youth: Use your voice to tell the stories that matter
Veteran journalist Jessica Soho called on young Filipinos to use their voices, digital platforms, and storytelling skills to challenge injustice and create lasting change—delivering an impassioned keynote at the 2025 Global Youth Summit held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Speaking before a crowd of over 14,000 on Sunday, Soho drew from her four-decade career in journalism to urge youth to go beyond trends and entertainment, and instead focus their energy on issues that matter. 'Focus your cameras and your energy too on things that need to change,' she said, recalling how a viral video of students crossing the dangerous Tamugan River in Davao eventually led to the construction of a hanging bridge, after her team aired the story on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS). Soho also praised the generation's courage in challenging long-standing narratives, particularly the overuse of the word 'resilience.' 'Dahil ba nakakangiti pa rin tayo sa gitna ng kalamidad ay basta na lang natin tanggapin ang kahinaan ng sistema?' (Just because we smile through disaster, should we accept a broken system?) She reminded participants that inequality remains stark: the richest 1% of Filipinos capture 17% of the country's income, while the bottom 50% receive only 14%. Globally, wealth is even more concentrated, with 1.6% of the world holding nearly half of its wealth. Soho also reflected on her own beginnings—raised in La Union by a government employee father, a market vendor paternal grandmother, and a retired public school teacher maternal grandmother. Her mother, an agriculturist, passed away due to cancer when Jessica was eight. She said these early experiences shaped her perspective and commitment to telling stories of the marginalized. 'Bata pa lang, mulat na ako sa mga realidad at buhay ng mga tindera at mga magsasaka,' she said. (Since I was young, I've been exposed to the lives of vendors and farmers.) Use 'bubog' She then encouraged the youth to transform personal struggles into strength, citing National Artist Ricky Lee's advice to use 'bubog' (shards or wounds) as building blocks rather than burdens. 'Pagtagumpayan niyo sana sa buhay ang inyong mga bubog!' (May you overcome the wounds you carry in life.) As digital natives, Soho said, the youth have a unique advantage, but also a responsibility. 'Be responsible citizens and netizens. Criticize if you must—but elevate the level of discourse. No gutter language; no name-calling; no body shaming.' The veteran journalist also warned about misinformation and deepfakes, especially those falsely using her likeness for scams. 'Konting pakiusap lang po: Huwag kayong maniwala sa deepfakes ko na naglalako ng kung anu-anong produkto.' (Here's an appeal: Please don't believe deepfakes of me endorsing random products.) Despite her concerns for the future, Soho expressed faith in the younger generation's potential. 'Nakikitaan ko ang inyong henerasyon ng pag-asa. Baka kayo ang matagal nang hinihintay na pagbabago.' (I see hope in your generation. You might be the long-awaited change.) —KG, GMA Integrated News
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 #
