Jessica Soho
Soho in 2012
Born
Maria Jessica Aspiras Soho

(1964-03-27) March 27, 1964 (age 59)
Agoo, La Union, Philippines
NationalityPhilippines
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines Diliman, (BA)
Occupations
  • Journalist
  • presenter
Years active1985–present
Parents
  • Abelardo Soho (father)
  • Maura Aspiras (mother)
AwardsPeabody Award

Maria Jessica Aspiras Soho (Tagalog: [ˈdʒɛsika ˈsɔho]; born March 27, 1964) is a Filipino broadcast journalist affiliated with GMA Network. She is the host of the news magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (2004–present) on GMA, and was the news anchor for State of the Nation on GTV from 2011 to 2021.

Soho is a multi-awarded journalist.[1] In 1998, Soho became the first Filipino to win the British Fleet Street Award for Journalism.[2] In 1999, Soho and the I-Witness team received the Philippines' first Peabody Award for producing the "Kidneys for Sale" and "Kamao" documentaries.[3] Soho's story of a hostage crisis in Cagayan Valley made her the first Filipino to win in the New York Film Festival.[4]

Early life

Maria Jessica Aspiras Soho was born in Agoo, La Union, Philippines, on March 27, 1964. Her parents are Abelardo Soho, a government employee, and Maura Aspiras, an agriculturist.[1] Soho's grandmothers, Sixta "Apo Ittang" Aspiras and Concepción "Cion" Soho, influenced her in telling stories.[1]

Soho attended the University of the Philippines Diliman to study mass communication. One of her professors was Luis Beltran, who inspired Soho to finish her studies and practice journalism in Manila.[5]

Career

This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2022)

Soho joined GMA News and Public Affairs in January 1985.[1] Soho's first voice-over report was a feature story on the inauguration of the Manila Line 1 from Baclaran to Monumento. Soho was later assigned to the defense and military beats.[6]

In 1991, Soho earned a Bronze Award at the New York Film Festival for her coverage of a hostage crisis in Cagayan Valley,[6] the first for a Filipino.[7] She also received the Ka Doroy Valencia Award given by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. In 1994, she received the Grand Prize from the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union for her coverage of a breaking news story. Soho is included in the list of 100 Filipino Women of Distinction chosen during the Philippine Centennial celebrations.[7]

Soho helped conceptualize the one-hour documentary television program I-Witness, which she co-presented from its premiere in 1999 to 2004.[8] The I-Witness documentaries "Kidneys for Sale" and "Kamao" made her the first Filipino reporter, with GMA Network as the first Filipino network, to win a Peabody Award in 1999.[4] She won the Asian Television Award for Best News and Current Affairs Special for the 2001 "Saksi Sa Kasaysayan" documentary.[4]

In 2014, Soho's GMA news programs Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho and State of the Nation with Jessica Soho were recognized by the Peabody Awards for their coverage on Super Typhoon Yolanda. State of the Nation also earned Soho consecutive wins for Most Trusted News Presenter by Reader's Digest Asia.[9][10]

In 2015, Soho was given an honorary doctorate in humanities by the University of Northeastern Philippines during its 67th commencement exercises on April.[11]

Controversies

In May 2013, a controversy sparked involving Soho and comedian Vice Ganda, involving a joke directed at the anchor during the latter's concert held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.[12] Vice mentioned Soho, among several other personalities, in a stand-up skit involving celebrities starring in a pornographic film, adding that Soho would be gang raped if she were cast, as well as making several jokes ridiculing her weight. Vice Ganda later issued a public apology during his regular appearances in It's Showtime, admitting to his wrongdoing and that he offended Soho and several others with his jokes. Soho later acknowledged Vice's apology but she denied any intent to close any further discussion with the comedian.[13]

In June 2021, Nas Daily announced that Soho, among other known Filipino personalities, which include Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, fashion designer Michael Cinco, and food vlogger Erwan Heussaff would teach courses through his Nas Academy. However, following the Whang-od controversy, Jessica Soho has made a statement that she would no longer pursue the Jessica Soho course in Nas Academy.[14]

In January 2022, Soho was accused of being "biased" against Bongbong Marcos, a presidential candidate in the 2022 Philippine presidential election, by his spokesman Victor Rodriguez after declining to participate in The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews on GMA Network.[15][16] GMA responded to Rodriguez's claim on Marcos' absence, saying "Throughout her career, Ms. Soho has consistently been named the most trusted media personality in the Philippines by both local and foreign organizations, a testament to her embodiment of the GMA News and Public Affairs ethos: 'Walang Kinikilingan, Walang Pinoprotektahan, Serbisyong Totoo Lamang'".[17][18]

Accolades

International recognitions

British Embassy in Manila

Year Category Result Ref.
1998 Fleet Street Awardee for Investigative Journalism Won

Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Asia

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2011 Digest's Most Trusted News Presenter State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won [9]
2012 Won
2013 Won
2014 Won
2015 Won
2016 Won [10]
2017 Won [19]

Local recognitions

Adamson University

Year Category Result Ref.
2012 Adamson University Media Award Won [20]

ALTA Media Icon Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Best Magazine Program Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won

Anak TV Seal Award

Year Category Result Ref.
2007 Most Admired Female Personality Awardee Won
2008 Won
2009 Won
2010 Won
2011 Won
2012 Won
2013 Hall of Famer Won

Catholic Mass Media Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2002 Best Public Affairs Show Host Jessica Soho Reports Won

CCP Gawad Natatanging Parangal

Year Category Result Ref.
1989 Special Award Won
1990 Won

CLASS Awards (City of Malabon University)

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2014 Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

COMGUILD Center for Journalism

Year Category Result Ref.
2015 Media Persona of Excellence Won [21]
Hall of Fame for the Most Outstanding Female News Presenter Won

EdukCircle Awards

Year Category Result Ref.
2012 World Achiever in Documentary Won [22]
Most Outstanding Filipino Documentarian of All Time Won
2013 Most Outstanding Journalist of the Year Won
2014 Best Female News Anchor of the Year Won
2015 Best Female News Anchor of the Year Won
2016 Best Magazine Show Host Won

Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc.

Year Category Result Ref.
2014 Bayabay Media Award Won [23]

FemaleNetwork.com

Year Category Result Ref.
2013 Womanity Award in the field of Media Won [24]

Gawad Duyan Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2014 Himay-Ulat Award State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

Gawad Pasado Awards

Year Category Result Ref.
2015 PinakaPASADOng Mamamahayag sa Larangan ng Kamalayang Pilipino Won

Golden Dove Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2002 Best Public Affairs Show Host Jessica Soho Reports Won

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines

Year Category Result Ref.
2014 CEO Excel Award Won [25]

International Business and Academe Conference's Service Excellence and Partners Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2013 Best TV Public Affairs Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
Outstanding Broadcaster of the Year — Won

International Center for Communication Studies (ICCS)

Year Category Result Ref.
2012 Most Outstanding Filipino Documentarian of All Time Won [26]

Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas

Year Category Result Ref.
1999 Best Host in Golden Dove Awards Won
Broadcaster of the Year (Ka Doroy Valnecia Award) Won

Mary Kay Philippines

Year Category Result Ref.
2003 Women with a Heart Award Won

Metro Pacific Corporation Journalism Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
1997 Political Reporter of the Year Award "The Ipil Massacre" coverage Won

Metrobank Foundation

Year Category Result Ref.
2001 Outstanding Broadcast Journalist Award Won

MTRCB TV Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2009 Best Female Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won [27]

Paragala Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
Best News Program Female Anchor State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

Platinum Stallion Media Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Best Female News Anchor State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Best TV Public Affairs Program Host State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

PMPC Star Awards for Television

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2002 Best Magazine Show Host Jessica Soho Reports Won
2003 Nominated
2004 Nominated
2006 Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated
2007 Best Public Service Program Host Sana'y Muling Makapiling Nominated
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated
2008 Best Public Service Program Host Reunions Nominated
Best Public Affairs Program Host Hot Seat Won
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated
2009 Best Public Service Program Host Reunions Nominated
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
2010 Best Public Service Program Host Reunions Nominated
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
2011 Best Female Newscaster State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
Best Public Affairs Program Host Brigada Nominated
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated
Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award — Won
2012 Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
Best Female Newscaster State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Nominated
2013 Best Public Service Program Host Reunions Nominated
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
Best Female Newscaster State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Nominated
2014 Best Documentary Program Host Brigada Nominated [28]
Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated
Best Female Newscaster State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
2015 Best Magazine Show Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Nominated' [29][30]
Best Female Newscaster State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

School Press Advisers Movement (SPAM)

Year Category Result Ref.
2014 Award of Excellence in the Field of Broadcasting Won

PUP Mabini Media Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2014 Best Television Female News Program Anchor State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
Best Television Magazine Program Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won

The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service (TOWNS)

Year Category Result Ref.
2001 Broadcast Journalism Won

Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award

Year Category Result Ref.
1993 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award Won

Rotary Club of Manila

Year Category Result Ref.
1989 TV Journalist of the Year Won
1990 Won
2003 Hall of Fame, Journalism Awards for Broadcast Journalism Won

UmalohokJUAN Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2015 Best News Anchor State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

UPLB Gandingan Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2008 Best Magazine Program Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won
2011 Best Magazine Program Host Won
2012 Best Magazine Program Host Won
Hall of Fame for Best Magazine Program Host Won
2013 Best News Anchor State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
2015 Best News Anchor Won
Best Investigative Program Host Brigada Won
Best Magazine Program Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won

USTv Students' Choice Awards

Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
2013 Best Female News & Current Affairs Program Host State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
2014 Students' Choice of Magazine Program Host Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Won [31]
Students' Choice for News Program Host State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won
Student Leaders' Choice of TV Personality — Won
2015 Students' Choice for Female News Host State of the Nation with Jessica Soho Won

Honors

References

  1. ^ a b c d Raquel, Butch S. (November 21, 2014). "The treasures of Jessica Soho". philstar.com. The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 21, 2016. Given the numerous awards she has received over the years, many people would consider Jessica to be an exceptional storyteller.
  2. ^ "Jessica Soho: Filipino Awardee of British Fleet Street". No. Tuesday, March 3, 1998. Manila Standard. March 3, 1998.
  3. ^ "I-Witness wins Peabody award". philstar.com. The Philippine Star. April 8, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c "Jessica Soho cited for internationally acclaimed documentaries". GMA News Online. GMA Network, Inc. GMA News and Public Affairs. September 25, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  5. ^ Cabaero, Nini (June 27, 2015). "Cabaero: Stay put". SunStar. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "GMA News Pillar Jessica Soho is first-ever Filipino to be named as NYF Best News Anchor finalist". GMA Network. March 2, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Jessica Soho hailed Most Trusted News Presenter for fourth time". June 11, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  8. ^ "10 years of 'I-Witness' tonight on GMA". mb.com.ph. Manila Bulletin. November 8, 2009. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011.
  9. ^ a b Lo, Ricky (July 16, 2015). "Jessica 5-time 'Most Trusted' TV person". philstar.com. The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  10. ^ a b "GMA Network, Mike Enriquez at Jessica Soho, kinilala sa Reader's Digest Trusted Brand Awards". GMA News Online. GMA Network, Inc. July 1, 2016. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
  11. ^ "Jessica Soho to grace UNEP's 67th Commencement Exercises". Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  12. ^ "Rape joke ni Vice Ganda tungkol kay Jessica Soho, binatikos" (in Tagalog). Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  13. ^ "Vice Ganda speaks up on Jessica Soho joke". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  14. ^ Nies, Jose (August 11, 2021). "Jessica Soho Course Cancelled Amidst Nas Academy Issue". Tito Peps. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  15. ^ Gonzales, Cathrine. "Bongbong Marcos camp says he skipped TV interview for presidential bets due to 'biased' host". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  16. ^ "After skipping Jessica Soho interview, Marcos accuses award-winning journo of bias". Philstar.com. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  17. ^ "Biased? GMA tells Marcos camp Jessica Soho's questions 'tough' like the presidency". RAPPLER. January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  18. ^ "GMA Network releases statement on BBM skipping 'The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews'". Manila Standard. January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  19. ^ GMA New Media, Inc. "GMA Network wins top honor in 2017 Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Awards | GMANetwork.com - Corporate - Articles". Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  20. ^ "Jessica Soho, ginawaran ng 2nd Adamson University media award". GMA News Online. GMA Network, Inc. GMA News and Public Affairs. February 2, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  21. ^ "Jessica Soho wins in COMGUILD Awards". The Mindanao Daily Mirror. August 21, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  22. ^ "Jessica Soho, Sandra Aguinaldo at Maki Pulido, pinarangalan sa 8th Big Edukcircle Convention on Media Communication". GMA News Online. GMA Network, Inc. GMA News and Public Affairs. August 27, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  23. ^ "GMA News and Public Affairs pillars recognized at 2014 FPI Bayabay Media Awards". GMA Network Portal. GMA Network, Inc. September 12, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  24. ^ "Womanity Award Winner Jessica Soho Thanks Those Who Voted for Her". FemaleNetwork.com. March 23, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  25. ^ "Jessica Soho given CEO Excel Award". philstar.com. The Philippine Star. September 14, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  26. ^ "Jessica Soho cited for internationally acclaimed documentaries". Gma News Online. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  27. ^ "1st MTRCB TV Awards winners bared". pep.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal. September 8, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  28. ^ "28th Star Awards for Television nominees revealed". pep.ph. Philippine Entertainment Portal. November 5, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  29. ^ "Alden Richards, Maja Salvador lead winners of 29th Star Awards for TV". Philippine Star. December 4, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  30. ^ "FULL LIST: Winners, 2015 PMPC Star Awards for TV". Rappler. December 4, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
  31. ^ "GMA 7 thanks UST for the 10th USTv Awards (2014)". University of Santo Tomas. August 3, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2016.


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