Seasoned broadcast journalist Jessica Soho renewed her contract with GMA Network on May 31 and remains dedicated to her mission of sharing the stories of Filipinos worldwide.
With a career spanning nearly four decades, she has achieved numerous prestigious awards, including two George Foster Peabody awards and multiple wins at the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards.
Her show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, has received Gold, Bronze, Silver, and World Medals. Soho has also been recognized as the “Most Trusted TV Host for News and Current Affairs” for 13 consecutive years by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards. She is a recipient of the Gawad Plaridel Award for Journalism, being the first alumna of UP College of Mass Communication to receive this honor.
Throughout her career, Soho remains committed to sharing the stories of Filipinos around the world.
Yet through all these accolades, Soho, who is a self-confessed “promdi” or “a small-town girl, who made good,” remains grounded and focused on her goal: to serve the public and do good.
GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon underscored the value of Soho to the Network.
“Jessica Soho, a highly acclaimed broadcast journalist, is a valued asset of GMA Network. Her program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho is a consistent viewer favorite and receives recognition both locally and internationally. She is respected as one of the esteemed journalists in the Philippines. GMA Network is delighted that she remains a Kapuso,” says Atty. Gozon.
Soho’s heart is full of gratitude as she remains a loyal Kapuso.
“Thank you very much. Walang hanggang pasasalamat,” she says to the Network that has been her home for almost four decades. “GMA has been my home for the past 38 years and counting. Kung walang GMA, walang Jessica Soho. Ganun lang iyun kasimple,” she says.
Present during Soho’s contract renewal were GMA President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Executive Vice President and CFO Felipe S. Yalong; and First Vice President of Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon.
Joining them were Public Affairs’ Senior Assistant Vice President Clyde Mercado; Asst. Vice President Angelie Atienza; Asst. Vice President Lee Joseph Castel; and Asst. Vice President for Systems and Budget Riza Laurente. Also present was Asst. Vice President for Corporate Communications Jojo Aquio.
Soho is one of the main driving forces behind GMA Network’s News and Public Affairs. From her ideas, some of the country’s most iconic public affairs shows were born. Among these were Brigada Siete, Emergency, and I-Witness.
Her passion to tell stories from all walks of life extends to creating new concepts for television – some of which became hit TV series.
“I think God blessed me with an overactive mind, kaya dapat lang i-share even my craziest of thoughts,” she says. Soho was behind the idea of the hit adventure series Lolong.
It’s not a surprise that people around Soho find inspiration from her – especially her colleagues. “I promise to continue sharing my ideas and pitching storylines and program concepts as well as mentoring our production staff. My colleagues will bear me out on this – hindi ako madamot.”
From this generosity also comes Soho’s determination to pay it forward and share her talents and ideas with more people.
“So I’m looking forward to keeping on generating story concepts and sharing these with our producers and storytellers, in whatever formats or genres.”
Her show, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, is still the Filipinos’ favorite Sunday viewing habit on TV.
“Renewing my talent contract with KMJS is a blessing. It means more stories to share, inspire, help, give hope, and change lives. KMJS proves that there are still good people in the world. I’m grateful to our OFWs who support and donate to those in need. Hosting KMJS is fulfilling my life’s mission of storytelling and helping others,” ends Soho.