In grade school, when our English teacher assigned us to “pretend” to be a reporter in class, I took the task to heart. I showed up with my Mama’s brown vest, used a hairbrush as my microphone, and attached a cardboard box with the TV network logo. Because in that moment, I wasn’t just playing, I was channeling Jessica Soho.
Soho was the standard then. Impressively, she is still the standard now. She made journalism feel powerful, respected, and meaningful. And she is one of the reasons I took up Communications.
Almost two decades ago, when Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho was still new, I even had the chance to join a brainstorming session with the KMJS team while applying for GMA Network. Life eventually took me on a different path (advertising), but that moment remains a proud memory.
I witnessed firsthand how involved Jessica was with her show. She was strict, hands-on, and deeply committed. And yet, her team respected her greatly. That kind of respect isn’t demanded, I assumed. It’s earned through discipline, hard work, and consistency. Seeing her operate that way revealed exactly why she has endured.
Lesson 1: Longevity is earned through evolution
Jessica Soho’s staying power is no accident. In a competitive media industry where credibility is your only true capital, she has not only survived but also dominated. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho remains a Sunday staple and aces it in the ratings game after more than two decades because she knows how to evolve with her audience.
She continuously adapts, whether through fresh storytelling, exploring pop culture, or even venturing into moviemaking. She proves that success is not about a single award or moment. It is a lifelong commitment.
Lesson 2: Assertiveness is a form of kindness (to yourself)
There was a time when she became the subject of a joke from a popular TV personality—an incident that many still remember. Although the comedian apologized publicly and faced pressure from the public to reconcile, Soho did not rush to accept the apology.
That stance, for me, was powerful. It shows that you can be kind without being a doormat. You can be gracious without betraying your own dignity. You don’t have to say “yes” just to make others comfortable. Your boundaries are valid. Soho taught me that respect isn’t just something you give—it’s also something you protect for yourself.
Lesson 3: Reinvention leads to relevance
Even as a multi-awarded broadcast journalist, she continues to take risks. Other people in her position could have coasted. Even with her already-legendary status, Soho continues to innovate.
KMJS didn’t remain boxed into traditional journalism as it embraced trends, entertainment, and even horror. Gabi ng Lagim, once just a special tradition, is now a movie. It proves that risks can lead to breakthroughs. Jessica’s willingness to explore new formats shows that reinvention isn’t betraying your brand—it strengthens it. It’s a reminder that no matter how accomplished we become, growth doesn’t stop. Curiosity doesn’t expire, and taking risks keeps us alive in our passions.
Looking back at the nine- or ten-year-old little girl in a vest holding a hairbrush mic, I understand now at 40 why I admired Jessica Soho. She is the blueprint for excellence I planned to pattern my goals after. She shows that when you protect your values and honor your voice, the Philippines (and the rest of the world) will listen.
