Jessica Soho @40-- Telling the Story of Filipinos | Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

Summary

In this powerful reflection on her four decades in journalism, Jessica Soho shares her most unforgettable stories, from life-threatening experiences to life-changing reports. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, from covering war zones to reporting on natural disasters. Through her dedication to truth and storytelling, Soho has not only informed but also transformed lives. As she celebrates her 40th year in the field, she emphasizes the importance of journalism in today's world, inspiring the next generation of Filipino journalists.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jessica Soho has celebrated four decades in journalism, reflecting on her impactful career as a storyteller and reporter.
• 😀 She emphasizes the power of stories in journalism, noting that hard work and dedication are the foundation of her success.
• 😀 Jessica shared her lessons with thousands of campus journalists at the 2025 National Schools Press Conference in Ilocos Sur.
• 😀 She values key principles in journalism such as accuracy, impact, fairness, balance, and doing good, which she shared with young journalists.
• 😀 Reflecting on her career, she recalled a wide range of unforgettable events, including natural disasters, war zones, and hostage situations.
• 😀 Jessica describes her near-death experience when her plane almost ran out of fuel while heading to the Spratley Islands, and the rescue that followed.
• 😀 She experienced the devastating Baguio City earthquake in 1990, where she witnessed personal tragedies such as a mother calling out for her trapped daughter.
• 😀 Through various disasters, including Typhoon Yolanda and the Marikina flood, Jessica shared stories of survival and resilience.
• 😀 Her proudest achievements include sharing stories that have changed lives, from reunited families to miraculous recoveries.
• 😀 Despite challenges facing journalism today, Jessica remains hopeful and determined, stressing the importance of fighting for the truth in journalism.
• 😀 Jessica's passion for storytelling and her enduring commitment to journalism shines through in her work, encouraging others to follow their journalistic dreams.

Q & A

How long has Jessica Soho been working as a reporter and storyteller?

Jessica Soho has been working as a reporter and storyteller for 40 years, celebrating her fourth year in the world of storytelling and reporting in 2025.

What was the significance of Jessica Soho's keynote speech at the 2025 National Schools Press Conference?

Jessica Soho's keynote speech at the 2025 National Schools Press Conference served as an inspiration to thousands of campus journalists, where she shared the lessons she had learned throughout her career in journalism.

What is the core message Jessica Soho emphasizes about the power of stories?

Jessica Soho strongly believes in the power of stories, stating that stories can change lives for the better and are essential for bringing truth and clarity to people.

What lessons did Jessica Soho share with the young journalists at the conference?

Jessica Soho shared seven key lessons: accuracy, impact, content, fairness, reading, balance, and doing good, which she emphasized as the heart of good journalism.

What significant event in Jessica Soho's career is mentioned from her early days at GMA?

One significant event mentioned from Jessica Soho's early career was her unexpected hiring at GMA Network in 1984, where she started as a reporter despite not applying for the role.

How did Jessica Soho respond to the challenges she faced during her journalism career?

Jessica Soho responded to the challenges by working hard and embracing her role as a storyteller, emphasizing that hard work was her formula for success.

What traumatic experience did Jessica Soho have during her time in the Cagayan Valley?

Jessica Soho was held hostage by a rebel military officer while covering events in the Cagayan Valley. She was part of a group held at a hotel by the officer before his capture.

What was the impact of Jessica Soho's coverage during the plane crash incident?

Jessica Soho was on a plane that crashed into the sea during a mission to the Spratley Islands. The crew managed to land on a small island, and the passengers were rescued the following day, with many initially believing them to be dead.

How did Jessica Soho cover the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)?

Jessica Soho covered the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, reporting from Tacloban and Ormoc City, where she saw entire cities wiped out and people left without hope, but also witnessed acts of resilience and survival.

What does Jessica Soho say about the future of journalism?

Jessica Soho believes that despite the challenges journalists face today, the future of journalism is bright, especially with young, aspiring journalists passionate about truth and storytelling.