When Jessica Soho first stepped into a newsroom in 1985, no one could have predicted that a quiet, young reporter from La Union would become the most powerful voice in Philippine journalism. But 40 years later, Jessica stands tall—not just as a journalist, but as a storyteller who gave the Filipino people a mirror to see their truth.

The Beginning of a Calling

She didn’t set out to be a household name. Back then, Jessica was simply driven by one thing: curiosity. “I just wanted to know what was happening,” she once shared. Her hunger for the truth and unwavering integrity quickly set her apart. In an industry where ambition can sometimes blur the lines of ethics, Jessica stayed grounded.

In her early days at GMA Network, she tackled stories that many wouldn’t touch—stories of poverty, corruption, natural disasters, and the voiceless. While other reporters chased ratings, she chased justice.

More Than News — A Voice for the People

Jessica’s voice became synonymous with credibility. Her documentaries weren’t just reports; they were lifelines. From survivors of Yolanda to victims of abuse, Jessica told their stories with care, depth, and dignity.

Who could forget her heart-wrenching coverage of “I-Witness” episodes that took audiences into places they’d never dare enter—prisons, slums, war zones, and devastated towns? Each episode peeled back the layers of society’s wounds, and she didn’t just document pain—she helped the country feel it.

“You’re not supposed to cry,” she once admitted in an interview. “But how can you not, when a mother hands you her baby who died in the flood?” These weren’t just stories. They were burdens she carried on behalf of those who couldn’t speak.

Breaking the Mold

Jessica didn’t just pave the way for women in media—she redefined what it meant to be a journalist. In a male-dominated arena, she never tried to outshout others. Instead, her calm, composed delivery and laser-focused reporting proved that quiet power often speaks the loudest.

She became the first Filipino to win the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, placing the Philippines on the global journalism map. Her accolades are countless, but what makes her truly iconic is how she remained unchanged. Fame didn’t build walls around her—it made her more accessible, more empathetic, more committed.

Why Filipinos Trust Her

Trust is a rare currency these days, but Jessica has earned it through decades of consistency. In an era filled with fake news, misinformation, and clickbait journalism, her name brings comfort. Her show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” isn’t just a ratings success—it’s a weekly ritual in many Filipino homes.

She doesn’t just report what’s trending. She reports what matters. Whether it’s a viral food trend or a grieving family searching for justice, Jessica approaches every story with the same level of seriousness and heart.

“I don’t just read scripts,” she said. “I live these stories.”

The Woman Behind the Icon

Behind the camera, Jessica is fiercely private. She avoids the spotlight outside of her work. Friends describe her as humble, nurturing, and surprisingly funny. She loves simple joys—reading books, listening to music, and enjoying a quiet meal.

But make no mistake—she’s also tough. Years in the field have built a steel spine. She has endured threats, criticisms, and emotional exhaustion. Still, she never let fear win. “As long as you stand by the truth,” she said, “you never stand alone.”

Mentorship and Legacy

For young journalists, Jessica is more than a role model—she’s a beacon. She’s mentored countless reporters, always emphasizing one rule: “Serve the story. Not your ego.”

Her influence stretches far beyond the newsroom. Politicians, celebrities, and even critics admit—if Jessica tells the story, it’s the truth.

Celebrating 40 Years — What Comes Next?

On her 40th year in journalism, tributes pour in from all over the country. Colleagues call her a national treasure. Viewers call her “Ate Jess.” And networks call her irreplaceable.

But Jessica doesn’t bask in the applause. True to form, she focuses on the next story. “We still have so much work to do,” she says.

And maybe that’s what sets her apart. She doesn’t just look back on four decades of excellence. She looks ahead—to more truths to uncover, more lives to honor, and more stories to tell.

One Woman. One Nation. Countless Stories.

Jessica Soho’s 40 years in journalism is not just a career milestone. It’s a national moment. In telling the story of others, she has written her own legacy—one of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to truth.

She didn’t just report the news. She helped shape the nation’s conscience.

This is not just the story of Jessica Soho. This is the story of the Filipino people—told, honored, and remembered through the voice that never wavered.