Latest news with #JessicaSoho
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Suspect emerges in 'Lost Sabungeros' case due to security threat, claims victims buried in Taal Lake
Four years after 34 sabungeros from various parts of the Philippines went missing, new details have emerged about their disappearance. On Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," one of the accused in the case, "Alyas Totoy," claimed that the abduction and killings of the missing sabungeros were linked to the owner of the cockpit and online sabong operations. "Lahat ng miyembro, kasali sila at kasama ang mga anak niya," he said. ["All the members are involved, including their children."] "Siya ang nagre-release ng pera sa butcher. Halimbawa, mag-request ako ng P2,000,000, 'yung anak niya ang nag-a-approve sa lahat," he added. ["He's the one who releases the money to the butcher. For example, if I request ?2,000,000, it's his child who approves all of it."] According to Alyas Totoy, he's only coming forward now because of the slow pace of the legal process and threats to his own security and his family's safety. He claimed that a P20 million bounty was placed on him and that his family was threatened. "Sabihin ko lahat ng alam ko dahil binantaan mo na pati pamilya ko. Tanggap ko na sa sarili ko na patayin mo ako. Huwag mo lang idamay ang mag-ina ko," he said. ["I'll tell you everything I know because (they've) already threatened my family. I've accepted it on my own that you're going to kill me. Just don't involve my wife and child."] Alyas Totoy then boldly stated the fate of the missing sabungeros in an interview with Emil Sumangil. When asked if they were still alive, he responded, "Paano mabubuhay 'yan e nakabaon na doon sa Taal Lake?" ["How can they still be alive if they are buried beneath Taal Lake?"] He elaborated that the method of killing was 'killing me softly,' which involved twisting tie wires around their necks. "Kung huhukayin 'yun, mga buto-buto na lang," he said. ["If you dig it up, you'll only find bones."] "Paano natin makilala na sila 'yun? At hindi lang ang missing sabungero tinatapon doon, pati mga drug lord, tinatapon doon," he claimed. ["How would we even know it's them? It's not just the missing sabungeros who are being dumped— drug lords are thrown in too."] According to Alyas Totoy, the missing sabungeros were those caught "nantityope" or cheating in cockfights by weakening their own roosters and betting on their opponents' roosters. He described the process where he would pick up these sabungeros and bring them to rooms in places like Lipa, where they would be tied with plastic ties and loaded into vans per group. He also claimed to have heard direct orders over the phone to kill them, saying, "Wala tayong magagawa kung hindi natin patayin 'yan. Patuloy na lolokohin tayo ng mga 'yan." ["We have no choice but to kill them. If we don't, they'll just keep deceiving us. "] In a phone call with Carmen and Ederline Malacca, mother and sibling of Edgardo Malacca Jr., one of the missing sabungeros, Alyas Totoy confirmed: "Wala na po tayong pag-asa na mabuhay pa ang anak n'yo. Dahil wala na siya." ["We have no hope that your son is still alive—because he's already gone."] Alyas Totoy believes that 108 sabungeros were killed during his "term," although only 34 were investigated, possibly because he believes the other families were too afraid to come forward. However, some families are reported to have settled their cases financially. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice expressed its openness to placing Alyas Totoy under the Witness Protection Program. "Papakinggan namin siya at bibigyan ng proteksyon," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said. ["We will listen to him and ensure his protection."] As of writing, seven cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention have been filed by the DOJ, with many other cases still under investigation by the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation. —GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'Baga Queen' Jackielyn shares difficult road to success on 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho'
"Baga Queen" made a splash in the internet after she went viral for wearing lots of gold jewelry while selling pigs' lungs in the streets of Carriedo, Manila. Born Jackielyn, also fondly called Ate Jack, the street vendor runs a shop called "Baga ng Mama Mo." Before the success she enjoys now, however, she had her fair share of trials. According to Sunday's episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Jackiely got pregnant at 19 and had to stop schooling. This was when her mother tasked her to sell wallets. "Pinagtinda ako ng Mama ko para may panggastos sa bata. Ayaw ng parents namin na iasa 'yung sarili mong pamilya sa kanila," she said. "Mahirap sa umpisa kasi bata pa kami." ["My mom made me sell things so we'd have money for the baby. Our parents didn't want us to rely on them to raise our own family. It was difficult at first because we were still so young."] But given her perseverance and hard work, Jackielyn was able to graduate college with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Specialization in Cruise Line Management. Even after getting her diploma, Jackielyn continued working as a street vendor. And since she loves cooking, she tried selling hotdog sandwiches and on sticks in 2011. "Hindi pa uso ang mga vlogger is talagang dumog na 'yung tao sa akin. Box office queen ang tawag nila sa akin nu'n," she said. ["Back then, vloggers weren't even a thing yet—but people were already flocking to me. They even called me the Box Office Queen."] As her family grew, she found that her income started to become lacking. Jackielyn traveled abroad to work. "Umalis kasi ako ng Pilipinas. Baka sakaling suwertehin. Pero hindi rin," she said. ["I left the Philippines, hoping I'd get lucky. But I wasn't.] She then tried her hand at selling fruits in Quiapo. Her earnings there helped her survive during those days. However, the fruit business caused a major loss of money, and Jackielyn fell deep into debt. More bad luck came her way as she was scammed P4 million in 2020. Because of this, Jackielyn mortgaged her beloved jewelry collection. She also worked at an aesthetic clinic for six months during those times. Jackielyn then decided to go back to selling, as she was having difficulty raising her three kids. So for the third time, Jackielyn returned to Quiapo to sell. By 2022, food stalls in Quiapo became popular as it was always featured in food vlogs. Jackielyn then had a bright idea. "Doon ko naisip na ibalik 'yung hotdog sandwich ko sa Carriedo. Baka sakaling kagaya noon, tangkilikin ulit ng masa. Ayun nga, nag-boom bigla," she said. ["That's when I thought of bringing back my hotdog sandwich business in Carriedo. I hoped the masses would support it again—just like before. And sure enough, it suddenly boomed."] However, when a seller named Neneng B became popular, Jackielyn's income took a hit. "Siya na po 'yung hinahanap ng mga tao. Bumaba po talaga ang kita. Kaya sabi ko, ipagpaubaya na. Ibigay na lang po sa kanila. Maglalabas ako ng matatawag kong sariling akin," Jackielyn said. ["People are looking for Neneng B now. Our sales really dropped, so I said, just let it go—give it to them. I'll release something I can truly call my own."] She then thought of adding a new menu item, baga ng baboy or pigs' lungs and named her shop "Baga ng Mama Mo." Baga ng Mama Mo Jackielyn's family starts their day at 7 a.m., when her husband picks up their supplies in Divisoria, which they chop and turn into adobo for their family. The remaining kilos are brought to her stall in Quiapo. They arrive at lunchtime and would sell all day. However, things changed after becoming viral. Nowadays, their stock is sold out by 6:30 or 7 p.m. They usually sell 75 kilos per day, and would sell up to 100 kilos from Friday to Sunday. "'Yung lasa po, sinu-sure ko po talaga na walang lansa, masarap at malinis ko pong niluto," she said. "Pinipilahan na din 'yun. Tapos nagdire-diretso na 'yun." ["I really made sure that it didn't have any unpleasant taste—that it was delicious and cooked clean. People started lining up for it, and from there, it just kept growing."] Jackielyn's shop continued to grow popular. With a successful business and a high demand, Ate Jack was also able to hire an employee. She is also able to earn P10,000 a day. "'Yung pasahod lahat ng tao, siyempre doon mababawas. Siguro half na lang din 'yung maiuuwi mo kasi 'yung mga tauhan ko po, libre ang pagkain nila mula almusal hanggang meryenda. Tapos ang sahod nila is medyo above minimum. Kasi 'yung pagod nila, kailangan suklian natin eh," Jackielyn said. ["There will be deductions from our income, like the salaries of our staff. In the end, we might only take-home half. But our staff gets free meals from breakfast to afternoon snacks, and we pay them slightly above minimum wage—because they work hard, they deserve to be compensated fairly."] She is thankful for the food vloggers for making her food known. She also makes sure to entertain them when they visit her stall. Gold jewelry With her larger income, Jackielyn is slowly able to buy gold jewelry. "Ang mother ko kasi mahilig talaga siyang mag-alahas. Bata pa lang kami nasanay na kami sa mother ko na pinagsusuot niya kami ng gold," her child said. ["My mother really loved jewelry. Even when we were little, she would already make us wear gold.] Jackielyn called the gold jewelry an investment. "Ito 'yung unang-unang mapapamana ko sa [mga anak ko] eh. Hindi ko naman pinapasuot sa kanila kasi sa panahon ngayon talaga delikado," she said. ["This is the very first thing I'll be able to pass on to my children. I don't let them wear it, though—it's just too risky these days.] More than that, because of Baga ng Mama Mo, she was able to build a home and buy a car. She is also able to send her kids to private school. "'Yung mga anak ko 'yun eh. 'Yun 'yung pinakaimportante kaya araw-araw ko ginagawa ito. Para mabigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan," Jackielyn said. ["My children are the most important to me, they are the reason I do this every day—to give them a better future.] She added, "Tapos 'yung mga kapatid ng ampon ko, kapag kailangan nila ng tulong, sa akin sila lumalapit. Sa akin siya ngayon umaasa para makapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral." ["Even my adopted child's siblings come to me when they need help. Now, she's relying on me to finish her studies."] Jackielyn said that she defines success as having a surplus of what she needs. They say Jackielyn can be compared to Diwata, who also rose to fame through selling. On Sunday, KMJS aired that that day Jackie was oblivious that someone would visit her stall—none other than the internet personality Diwata! "Ituloy mo lang 'yan 'yung pangarap mo, huwag mo intindihin 'yung mga taong naninira sa'yo. Tuloy-tuloy lang. Basta ang importante dito wala kang taong inaapakan at inaagrabyado. Laban lang!" Diwata said. ["Just keep chasing your dream. Don't mind the people trying to bring you down—just keep moving forward. What matters most is that you're not stepping on anyone or doing anyone wrong. Keep fighting!"] "Hindi ka kinukulang, hindi ka nagugutom. Sa panahon ngayon walang madali sa buhay eh. Kung ano man 'yung gusto mo, pinaghihirapan mo," Jackielyn added. ["You don't lack anything, and you don't go hungry. These days, nothing in life comes easy—whatever you want, you have to work hard for it."] —JCB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho Celebrates 40 Years in the Industry via Digital Archive
From Accidental Journalist to One of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices From Accidental Journalist to One of the Nation's Most Powerful Voices Jessica Soho Celebrates 40 Years in the Industry via Digital Archive Jessica Soho never planned to be a journalist. 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 akingteam 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.
GMA Network
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Jessica Soho's journalism legacy: 40 years of impactful stories
Earlier this May, Jessica Soho served as the keynote speaker at the 2025 National Schools Press Conference and National Festival of Talents. Held in Ilocos Norte, the event gathered over 4,000 aspiring journalists from 17 regions nationwide. Soho was warmly welcomed with cheers, countless selfies and autographs, and heartfelt appreciation from student journalists. In her inspiring speech, the Kapuso journalist shared seven important principles in journalism: Accuracy, impact, content, fairness, reading, balance, and doing good. She emphasized that the only real secret in her 40 years in the industry was hard work and dedication. "Alam ko, medyo gasgas nang salita ang hardwork," she said. ["I know the words 'hard work' sounds like a cliché these days.'] "But in my case kasi, iyon lang ang naging formula ko: Work hard and everything will follow," she added. ["But in my case, that was just my formula: Work hard and everything will follow."] Aside from breaking stories, Soho said stories hold a special power of improving lives. "We believe in the power of stories," she said. Reflecting on her career as a journalist, which spans 40 years, Soho recounted defining moments that shaped her career since 1984: From being a rookie GMA reporter to covering major national events like military coups, hostage crises in Cagayan, and even surviving a near-plane crash on the way to the Spratlys. She also highlighted some of her notable achievements and memorable experiences in media, including being the co-founder of "i-Witness," winning the Peabody Award, and producing powerful stories such as "Kidneys for Sale" and "Kamao." "Naghahanap talaga ako ng long form na format kasi takeaway from 'yung specials na ginagawa namin sa news noon," she looked back. [" I was really looking for a long-form format because it was a takeaway from the specials we used to do in news back then.'] "So hanggang ginawa ko 'yung concept ng 'I-Witness' and then I fought for it and it got approved." ["So I went ahead and created the concept for Ii-Witness,' and then I fought for it. Eventually, it got approved.'] Aside from her achievements, Soho shed light on how a journalist must brave the frontlines of the most dangerous situations to cover the news. She was on the frontlines of numerous natural disasters in the past, including gunfire during coup attempts, a landmine explosion in Afghanistan, as well as the Hyatt Hotel tragedy in Baguio during the 1990 earthquake. Above all, Soho took pride in the stories that transformed lives, particularly through her show 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.' Among the stories she was proud of are 'Bestida ni Ranelyn,' 'Sugat ng Pangungulila,' and 'Ang pag-uwi ni Jojo,' to name a few. In her speech, Jessica Soho said 'After 40 years of chasing the story; I often ask myself the same existential question many journalists surely ask themselves too: 'Is it all worth it? Sulit ba ang lahat ng aming pagod, hirap at sakripisyo?' Pero ako, if I have to live my life all over again, pipiliin ko pa rin maging journalist.' [ 'Is it all worth it? All the hard work, the struggles, the sacrifices?' For me, if I had to live my life all over again, I would still choose to be a journalist."] In celebration of Soho's 40 years in broadcasting, a digital archive of some of her most unforgettable reports and interviews will be launched in an online series dubbed "Jessica Soho at 40: Telling the Story of Filipinos." It's set to be released on the YouTube channel of GMA Public Affairs beginning on June 1, 2025.
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GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
GMA Network brings home 3 World Medals at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards
Broadcast giant GMA Network reaffirmed its global excellence in producing world-class content that resonates with international audiences, bringing home 3 World Medals for the Philippines at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film (NYF) Awards–including another prestigious Gold medal for 'The Atom Araullo Specials (TAAS).' For the third consecutive year, The Atom Araullo Specials earned the World Gold Medal, this time in the Documentary: National Affairs category for its powerful episode 'Pogoland.' Aired in 2024, the documentary hosted by Atom Araullo delved into the vast, deep, and intricate world of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO), offering viewers a deep and nuanced look into this controversial industry. The Atom Araullo Specials also won back-to-back Gold Medals in the Documentary: Social Issues category for 'Batas Bata' (Child's Game) in 2024 and 'Mata sa Dilim' (Eye in the Dark) in 2023. Aside from Gold, the Silver and Bronze medals were also won by GMA Public Affairs. Earning a Silver medal was the multi-awarded and highly-acclaimed film 'Firefly,' which won in the Films: Feature Films category. Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, Firefly previously emerged as the runaway winner at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California, taking home the highly coveted Best Picture honor. Shown in 2024, the film also dominated the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival. The Philippines' most awarded news magazine program 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)' added another laurel to its growing list of international accolades, taking home the Bronze medal for its episode 'Minahan sa Homonhon Island' (Nickel and Dime: The Cost of Mining in Homonhon Island) in the Documentary: Environment & Ecology category. The episode featured the devastating effects of large-scale mining in Homonhon Island in Guian, Eastern Samar, which sparked discussions online as host Jessica Soho went to Guiuan to personally investigate the issue. Equally giving the country prestige are '24 Oras' and "Lost Sabungeros," which earned Finalist certificates in their respective categories. GMA Integrated News' flagship newscast "24 Oras" was conferred with a Finalist Certificate for its special coverage titled 'Super Typhoon Carina (Typhoon Gaemi) and Habagat (Southwest Monsoon).' The recognition celebrates 24 Oras' exceptional journalism and public service as it delivered timely, accurate, and life-saving information to millions of Filipinos during one of the most destructive weather events in 2024. GMA Integrated News mobilized its reporters on the ground, integrated real-time data, and provided vital updates through multiplatform coverage. The program served as a critical lifeline for communities in distress, highlighted GMA Integrated News' continued excellence in disaster reporting to keep the public informed and safe, and its standing as the most trusted news organization in the Philippines. Completing the recognitions for GMA Network was "Lost Sabungeros," which secured a Finalist certificate in the Documentary: Investigative Journalism category. Directed by Bryan Brazil, the GMA Public Affairs' first-ever investigative documentary tried to shed light on the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros (cockfighters) who have been abducted in various incidents since 2022. Celebrating the world's best since 1957, the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards honors creative excellence and mastery of craft in all lengths and forms. This year's roster of shortlists included a diverse range of engaging primetime entertainment, documentaries, investigative journalism, sports coverage, promos, streaming media, and brand image films. GMA Network has consistently led the Philippines' presence at the New York Festivals, garnering the most nominations and awards for the country year after year. For more updates about GMA Network, visit
