She had her sights set on Political Science, with hopes of becoming a lawyer. But the road to law school came with too much math—so she decided to take up journalism instead, mainly because it only required one math subject.

“I am an accidental journalist, motivated firstly by my fear or phobia of Math,” she often says, with her trademark laugh. But after four decades of telling the stories that matter, nothing about her journey seems like an accident.

From her first assignments—covering coup attempts, typhoons, and disasters—to high-risk, near-death coverage in the field, Soho has braved danger not for fame, but for truth. And with every step, she raised the bar for journalism in the Philippines.

Marking her 40th year in journalism in 2025, GMA Public Affairs launches “Jessica Soho @40: Telling the Story of Filipinos.” This digital archive, available beginning May 30 on GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube channel, celebrates her four-decade legacy of public service and storytelling excellence. It features curated exclusives, landmark reports, and deeply human stories that shaped national conversations and gave voice to the unheard—with new content uploaded weekly.

The Power of Stories

As a journalist, Soho has witnessed the good and the bad.

In 1989, while en route to Pag-asa Island, her plane went missing—only to be found safe days later after an emergency landing in the Spratlys. In 2002, while covering post-war Afghanistan, a landmine exploded just meters away. These moments of danger and resilience highlight the risks journalists face in pursuit of the truth.

But not all stories are born out of conflict. Some are rooted in compassion. Others inspire generosity and remind us of our shared humanity.

“Bukod sa mga istorya ng trahedya, giyera, at sakuna, ang isa sa lubos na ipinagmamalaki ko at ng aking team ay ang mga kuwentong nakapagpabago ng buhay ng marami-rami nating mga kababayan,” Soho shared.

There’s Ranelyn from Bantayan Island, who was too small for her favorite dress because she was severely malnourished. After her story aired, aid came in droves. Today, she is healthy and back in school.

There’s Daxen from Antique, who battles a rare condition and found hope through strangers who came forward to help after seeing his story.

Raymark from Sultan Kudarat had to abandon childhood and the classroom to work in the fields. After his story reached the public, he was able to return to school—trading his plow for books.

Soho and her team also leaned on science, even learning genetics in the process, to establish parenthood in the case of two babies switched at birth.

“Ang ‘word on the street’ natin ay ‘family.’ Importante ang pamilya sa atin. Kaya ‘pag may nabubuo sa tulong ng aming mga programa—hindi lang sa KMJS kundi pati sa mga dati naming show tulad ng ‘Sanay Muling Makapiling’ at ‘Reunions’—dagdag points tayo kay Lord. Corny pakinggan, pero totoo ‘to. Feeling namin para kaming nginingitian ng langit tuwing mayroon kaming nahahanap na nawawala, at nabubuo ulit ang isang pamilyang nawalay sa isa’t isa.”

These are more than just stories—they are lives transformed.

A Filipina Trailblazer

A true pioneer in broadcast journalism, Soho has not only blazed a trail but also set new benchmarks for Philippine media on the global stage.

She made history in 1999 by winning the country’s first-ever George Foster Peabody Award for her groundbreaking reports Kidneys for Sale and Kamao—a distinction she would earn again in 2014 for the coverage of Typhoon Haiyan.

She became the first Filipino to be nominated and to win in the New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards. She holds the distinction of having won all the medal categories at the NYF.

This year, her show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) won a Bronze Tower Trophy at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards for its investigative documentary Minahan sa Homonhon Island (Nickel and Dime: The Cost of Mining in Homonhon Island). The same episode was nominated at the 2024 Association for International Broadcasting (AIBs) Awards in London under the Sustainability category.

In 2024, her documentary Secret Slaves: The Jessica Soho Special Report on Human Trafficking won Gold at the ContentAsia Awards for Best Current Affairs Programme Made in Asia for Regional Asia and/or International Markets.

Her credibility and connection with the public are just as remarkable: she has been named “Most Trusted TV Host for News and Current Affairs” for 13 consecutive years by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards. She also became the first UP College of Mass Communication alumna to receive the prestigious Gawad Plaridel Award for Journalism.

“Sa lahat ng mga assignment, trabaho, at programa na ibinigay sa akin, wala akong masasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ko itinodo. 100 percent or more. You’re not the story. Ang importante ‘yung story.”

At a time when truth is under siege, when fake news spreads faster than facts, Soho stands as a rare constant. Credible. Trusted. Still chasing stories—not for clicks or clout—but because she believes the Filipino story is worth telling.

“Aaminin ko, pinanghihinaan din ako ng loob. Pero hindi kasi tamang isuko ang katotohanan. Kailangan itong ipaglaban—lalo na’t marami pa tayong dapat bigyan ng linaw at liwanag sa ating bayan,” she said.

And she continues to pass it on—speaking to thousands of aspiring writers and journalists at the National Schools Press Conference held last week in Ilocos Sur, reminding them to pursue not just accuracy and balance, but above all, kindness and goodness in their work.

“If I have to live my life all over again, pipiliin ko pa rin maging journalist. Basically, because I love telling stories,” she ended.

And perhaps that’s the clearest truth of all: Even if she never planned this path, she chose to walk it with purpose.

Because for Jessica Soho, every story—big or small—is a chance to do good.

And for forty years, she has done just that.

Catch “Jessica Soho @40: Telling the Story of Filipinos” on GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube channel starting May 30.

"25 taon na kaming naghahatid ng mga balita at mga sorpresa. Maraming salamat sa mga kasama naming gumigising ng madaling araw. Bahagi na ng aming buhay ang magpasaya sa inyo, magbigay ng pag-asa at maging alarm clock ninyo sa umaga at source ng mahahalagang impormasyon," said GMA Public Affairs pillar Arnold Clavio. "Mula noon hanggang ngayon, walang pagbabago. Ang mauna kayo sa lahat ang dala-dala naming pangako hanggang sa susunod na 25 taon."

As the show’s unwavering presence continues to resonate with viewers, Susan Enriquez also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the loyal audience that has supported Unang Hirit through the years: "Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagtangkilik. Ang 25 years po ng Unang Hirit ay dahil po sa inyo, dahil po sa inyong pagsubaybay sa amin. Kaya maraming maraming salamat. Sana, 25 years pa ‘yung dumating."

Filipino Mornings with Unang Hirit

For a quarter of a century, Unang Hirit has been setting the pace for Philippine morning television—creating trends, sparking conversations, and shaping the cultural landscape. From its early days to its continued success, it has remained a trusted and loyal companion in Filipino homes, delivering content that’s relevant, meaningful, and impactful.

"Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for 25 years," shared Lyn Ching. "I hope you keep tuning in every morning with the barkada!"

To celebrate this incredible 25-year journey, Unang Hirit is pulling out all the stops with a week-long anniversary special filled with exciting segments, surprises, and tributes to its legacy.

December 6: Celebrate National Unang Hirit Day!

The grand celebration will culminate on National Unang Hirit Day, December 6, 2024— marking exactly 25 years since the program first aired. On this special day, fans, communities, and partners from all over the country will come together to celebrate everything Unang Hirit stands for. 

Expect exciting on-ground activities, massive giveaways, and public service initiatives that embody the heart of Unang Hirit. Whether in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, surprises await every Kapuso, making it a day filled with joy, shared memories, and love.

Sorpresa Bente Singko: Even Bigger Surprises

Ahead of the big anniversary celebration, Unang Hirit launched the wildly popular Sorpresa Bente Singko series, offering viewers unbelievable deals—like rice for just 25 pesos per kilo or LPG for only 25 pesos. But the surprises didn’t stop there—many of these essentials were given away completely free!

During its anniversary week, Unang Hirit is taking this fan-favorite campaign to the next level. Get ready for bigger surprises and more nationwide giveaways as Sorpresa Bente Singko continues to bring excitement and blessings to Filipino families.

An Iconic Theme Song Reimagined

What’s a celebration without music? As part of the festivities, Unang Hirit will unveil a newly arranged version of its iconic theme song. This special rendition will be performed live by the legendary Jose Mari Chan, alongside rising star Zephanie and powerhouse vocalist Mark Bautista. The trio will bring a fresh, modern take on the classic tune—a fitting tribute to 25 unforgettable years.

Adding to the nostalgia, the beloved Sexbomb Dancers—also celebrating their 25th anniversary—will reunite for a special performance. Celebrities, influencers, and other personalities are also set to join the week-long celebration, making it a celebration to remember.

"As somebody na nag-umpisa sa Unang Hirit, 25 years ago, from day 1, you can just imagine the feels that I have. I am so excited," said Suzi Entrata-Abrera. "Medyo na-e-emotional nga ako minsan kasi silver anniversary. Who would've thought 25 years later we're still doing this? At na-a-appreciate pa rin kami ng manood kaya maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat sa pagtangkilik ng 25 years. At sa lahat ng taong dumaan sa show na ito on cam, lalo na 'yung off cam at pinaganda nang husto ang Unang Hirit, maraming maraming salamat sa inyo." 

A Legacy of Trust and Loyalty

What makes Unang Hirit truly special is the deep bond it shares with its viewers.

"Ang pinaka nakaka-proud being part of this show, is when people walk up to you and tell you, 'Estudyante pa lang po ako, pinapanood ko na kayo. Ngayon po may trabaho na ako, kayo pa rin ang pinapanood ko,” shared Ivan Mayrina. "It's a big honor para sa'kin na pinatuloy tayo ng mga Kapuso natin sa kanilang mga tahanan tuwing umaga at naging parte tayo ng buhay nila. Sana maging parte pa rin tayo ng buhay nila for as long as we can. Hangga't kaya namin, nandito kami sa Unang Hirit para sa inyo."

As Unang Hirit marks its 25th year, the program extends its deepest gratitude to its loyal viewers. The anniversary celebration is a tribute to the trust, love, and unwavering support received over the years.

Here’s to 25 more years of delivering news, public service, and joy to the Filipino people—with dedication, heart, and, of course, Unang Hirit!

Catch Unang Hirit weekdays at 5:30 a.m. on GMA. Global Pinoys can watch it via GMA Pinoy TV.

For more updates about GMA Network, visit www.gmanetwork.com.