The Power of Storytelling: Jessica Soho Launches GMA Public Affairs’ Storytellers’ Academy

Despite the heavy rains and traffic across Metro Manila and other provinces, hundreds who made the cut from thousands of applicants still flocked to Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City on September 23, 2025, for the launch of GMA Public Affairs’ newest initiative: the Storytellers’ Academy. The crowd was filled with aspiring journalists, students, and content creators, some coming from as far as Visayas and Mindanao, all determined not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the Academy’s first mentor, Ms. Jessica Soho.

The program came at a timely moment. Soho, who recently made headlines anew with her fearless reports on corruption, opened the session with a challenge: “Woke na ba kayo? Gising na ba kayo?” a reminder that truth-tellers, especially the next generation of storytellers, remain a force to be reckoned with.

From there, Soho began sharing lessons from her four decades in journalism. She recalled her humble beginnings, slowly working her way up from a rookie reporter to covering wars in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Among her most important reminders: relationships matter in storytelling. “Trust, like respect, is earned,” she said, citing how a casual chat with a soldier once led her to uncover the Spratlys story.

She emphasized that beyond visuals and techniques, a good story must be anchored on truth, fairness, and accuracy. These are values that remain non-negotiable in an era of rampant misinformation.

Jessica Soho also revisited a compelling feature from Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho: the story of Daxen. Years ago, this young boy from Antique appeared in the program while battling a severe case of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a rare and life-threatening reaction to certain drugs. At the time, he tearfully shared, “Naiiyak po. Naiisip ko po kung mabubuhay pa ako.”

As the AV ended, the audience was moved when Daxen himself appeared in the room. No longer the frail boy on TV, he now stood there before their very eyes, strong and healthy. It was one of the most touching moments of the program, as the very sight of him brought tears and smiles from the audience. His presence is living proof that when a story is told on screen, it can touch hearts, inspire action, and go far beyond it.

Later, Soho turned the session into a lesson on interviewing. To the crowd’s delight, she also brought in a special guest- GMA Public Affairs host and ‘State of the Nation’ anchor Atom Araullo whose arrival drew loud cheers from the crowd.

On the spot, Soho demonstrated how to conduct a sharp and engaging interview with Araullo himself. Then, three students were given the chance to try it out, confidently directing their own questions to Atom, making the exercise both insightful and interactive. 

The Q&A with Soho capped the event on a high note. Some students were given the rare chance to ask her questions directly. Their confidence left her impressed: “Nakakatuwa at nakikitaan ko talaga ng hope yung mga bata. Ang confident nila magtanong ha. And these are students. Iba talaga ang skill set ninyo!” 

Participants left inspired not just by Soho’s lessons, but by the experience itself. Student Andrea Ventura reflected, “Yung sinabi ni Miss Jessica na being brave doesn’t always mean being fearless… yung pagiging matapang is paghahanap ng daan kung paano mo malalampasan yung takot.” Lloyd Roxas, added, “Yung pinakatumatak po sakin is yung magbalik, magbigay sa mga na-interview po. Kung may kakayahan tayong tumulong, tulungan po natin sila.” Another student shared, “Ang pinaka-natatandaan ko mula sa araw na ito with Ms. Jessica Soho is yung phrase niya, noong sinabi niya na huwag tayong matakot magtanong lalo na sa mga taong kailangang maging accountable.”

The experience was made more special by an exhibit that captured Jessica’s 40-year legacy in journalism through some of her most iconic memorabilia. On display were her well-worn media IDs, a collection of story-filled notebooks chronicling decades of reportage, and pieces of clothing she wore during some of her most unforgettable coverages, including the very jacket she used while reporting from the heart of Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation. Each item told a story, not just of events, but of a journalist's unwavering commitment to honor and excellence.

The Storytellers’ Academy marks GMA Public Affairs’ bold new effort to mentor the next generation of truth-tellers, young Filipinos who will tell stories with both integrity and heart. This launch is only the beginning. More sessions are set to follow, opening doors to new voices ready to tell stories powerful enough to inspire change and transform lives.