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To celebrate its 25 anniversary, the Philippines' longest-running documentary show i-Witness held a talk for students at the University of Sto. Tomas.

Called "i-25: The i-Witness Talks," it gathered documentarists such as Howie Severino, Kara David, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta at the Blessed Frassati Auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas.

They shared their experiences as journalists as well as lessons they learned during some of their most memorable documentaries. The group also answered a few questions from the students.

Image Source: gmapinoytv (Instagram)

Kara says that she is glad for the opportunity to impart knowledge to younger people.

"Nakaka-pressure kasi alam mong nandito 'yung mga kabataan na talagang nanonood sa i-Witness. Mataas 'yung expectation nila sa amin. Kung gusto nila maging journalist or mamamahayag in the future, siyempre you want to set a good example," she said.

Atom echoes her sentiment.

"Matindi ang pressure dahil alam mong nakikinig sila sayo at anuman ang sabihin mo, may epekto sa kanilang potential journalism journey. We have to take it seriously," he shared.

Mav is glad to be able to work with people who served as her inspiration when she was starting as a journalist.

"Sinasabi ko nga po sa kanila na pinapanood ko sila. Kasi nga mga idol mo, I think it also puts you to a higher standard. Nakakatulong din siya kasi parang nakikita mo 'yung kasama mo ngayon and you have to maintain the legacy that these people built before you. Nafi-feel mo rin na dapat keep up ka," she said.

John also wanted to emphasize how much of a team effort it is to create a good documentary.

"Siguro malaking bagay din talaga na bagamat i-Witness siya, pero 'yung bawat documenteary na produced is always a team effort. We are so priviledged to learn from the seasoned documentarists of this country na talagang marami kang napupulot. We look forward with excitement doon sa lahat ng mga istorya na magpapabago sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan," he said.

Meanwhile, Howie is glad that audiences, especially younger people, are still interested in documentaries.

"i-Witness is a pioneering documentary show. Naalala ko noong nag-umpisa 'ko sa i-Witness noong 2001, noong first part of i-Witness, hindi alam ng karaniwang tao kung ano 'yung documentary kasi kakaunti lang 'yung nakakagawa. But 25 years later, kasi nag-umpisa tayo noong 1999, everyone knows what a documentary is," he recalled.

He is glad the show endured, especially now that media consumption is constantly evolving.

"Kahit 'yung mga market vendors, tricycle drivers, kahit 'yung mga walang access sa internet, kahit hindi nakapagtapos ng college, alam nila kung ano 'yung dokumenterayo--which is great kasi ang i-Witness ay isang halimbawa ng longform ng journalism na parang endangered species na ngayon," Howie explained.

"The fact na 25 years na tayo, it shows that longform is thriving and it's helping educate people up to now. It counters the trend ng paiksi nang paiksi ang content at paiksi nang paiksi ang attention span ng ordinaryong tao. Sa tingin ko it provided that service today to the public. It rewards a longer attention span," he added.

i-Witness premiered on Philippine television in 1999 and featured some of the finest journalists in Philippine media such as Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales, Cheche Lazaro, Luchi-Cruz Valdes, and the late Mike Enriquez.

The program has earned awards and accolades including two George Foster Peabody Awards, multiple New York Festivals world medals, Asian TV Awards, Asia-Pacific Child Rights Awards, and finalist status at the Emmy Awards, and many more.

Catch i-Witness every Saturday at 10:15 p.m. on GMA. Global Pinoys can watch it via the international channel GMA Pinoy TV.

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