Jessica Soho. Kara David. Maki Pulido. Drew Arellano. Atom Araullo.
These names have been synonymous with GMA Public Affairs. For over 35 years, GMA Public Affairs has continued to be the leader in producing stories that impact Filipinos’ lives: from investigative reports that tackle in-depth discussions of issues, to magazine and reality programs that touch hearts, and to documentaries that open the public’s eyes to shocking realities.
Like GMA Public Affairs, Jessica, Kara, Maki, Drew, and Atom are just some of the broadcast journalists who have showcased what it means to create stories that are “Tatak Public Affairs,” upholding truth in the age of fake news and misinformation.
Tatak Public Affairs is anchored on three values: Tapang. Talino. Totoo.
Tapang (Courage). It takes grit and determination to report big stories and engage in dangerous coverages.
Talino (Intellect). Every story is backed by thorough research and a discerning attitude to achieve objectivity and balance.
Totoo (Truth). GMA Public Affairs’ pledge and commitment have always been the truthful delivery of stories and information to Filipinos.
“Pag sinabi mong ‘Tatak Public Affairs,’ hindi lang tayo nagbabalita o nagkukwento. We want to change lives, one episode at a time,” shared Jessica.
“The Philippines’ Most Awarded Journalist,” Jessica is one of the main driving forces behind GMA Public Affairs. She conceptualized many iconic Kapuso public affairs shows, including “Brigada Siete” and “I-Witness.”
“Yung ating mga kinukuwento na mga buhay at mga tao — hindi lang sila case studies, kapwa natin sila, kapwa Pilipino, mga kababayan. At kung kailangan tulungan, dapat tulungan, Naniniwala ako sa tagline natin na ‘Dapat Tama’ so hindi tama na iiwan mo lang yung ini-interview mo kahit nangangailangan sila ng tulong,” she added.
Jessica is the Philippines’ first recipient of the highly coveted George Foster Peabody Award.
She is also the first and only Filipino broadcast journalist to have been nominated and won the bronze medal in the prestigious New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition in the Best News Anchor category.
For Kara, being a public affairs host does not end when the camera stops rolling. “Yung mga taong ini-interview natin, nagpapatuloy ‘yung impact ng taong ‘yun sa buhay mo,” Kara shared.
“The Country’s Premiere Documentarist,” Kara has been praised for her documentaries that tug at the viewer’s hearts. One of her documentaries for I-Witness, ‘Ambulansyang de Paa,” gave the Philippines its second George Foster Peabody Award.
Kara says providing Serbisyong Totoo sets GMA Public Affairs apart from others. “Iba ang Serbisyong Totoo — ito ‘yung paglilingkod sa tao nang wala kang hinihintay na kapalit.
Ginagawa mo ito hindi lang dahil trabaho mo, kung di dahil obligasyon mo ito bilang isang tao. Iisa tayo ng puso. To feel that compassion and empathy for the other person—I think iyon ang Tatak Public Affairs. Hindi pwedeng tumigil sa pagrolyo ng camera ang koneksyon natin sa isa’t isa.”
Aside from “I-Witness,” Kara currently hosts “Pinas Sarap” and “Brigada.”
Maki also believes that a “Tatak Public Affairs” story has to have a heart. “Ang Tatak Public Affairs ay ‘yung kuwentong may puso. Yung matapang na nag-uungkat ng isyu ng bayan, nagsisiwalat ng katiwalian sa gobyerno. Layunin niyang magbigay ng boses sa mga walang boses sa lipunan. At ‘yung kuwento laging may puso. ‘Yung kwento may puso dahil tungkol ito sa tao,” she added.
As “The Fearless Journalist,” Maki is known for her passion for news and in-depth reporting.
She made a niche in the industry for her exclusive reports and coverage on significant national issues. She currently co-anchors GTV’s flagship evening newscast “State of the Nation” and co-hosts the internationally-acclaimed public affairs program “Reporter’s Notebook.”
As an “Adventurer for Life,” Drew is always seeking discoveries he can share with the public. “It’s the process of constantly learning,” he shared about hosting public affairs shows. “It gives you more knowledge of certain types of places, certain types of cultures, different personalities of people, what makes them tick—I just want to keep on doing it.”
For the host of award-winning public affairs shows “AHA!” and “Biyahe ni Drew,” what does “Tatak Public Affairs” mean? “It’s about being curious all the time. If you don’t know something, just ask. For the past 20 years I’ve been asking, until now, I’m still asking.”
Drew has been reaping various recognitions, winning best program hosts in educational, lifestyle, and travel show categories. This year AHA! earned a finalist status at the prestigious Prix Jeunesse International Festival 2022. The show was also included in the festival catalogue 2021/2022 dubbed “Quality in Children’s TV Worldwide.”
As “The Truth Seeker,” Atom sees the commitment to truth as what makes GMA Public Affairs a cut above the rest. “‘Yung commitment na makapagkuwento ng mga bagay na nangyayari sa paligid natin kahit minsan hindi masyadong maganda, komportable.
Naniniwala ang GMA sa kahalagahan ng ganitong uri ng storytelling na hindi maikakahon sa dalawang minuto. That commitment itself is special.”
He adds, “At the end of day, it’s all about the truth. The truth is the truth, and the truth will set us free. The past years have shown us that the only reason we enjoy living in the world of truth is because ipinaglalaban siya. At ang mga mamamahayag ay bahagi ng struggle na iyon—to seek the truth. And that process involves courage. Kung madaling makita ang katotohanan, hindi kailangan ng masinop na mamamahayag.”
Considered as one of this generation’s notable journalists, Atom believes that each story’s impact on the viewers is a reward itself. “Kahit isang tao lang yan na nabago ‘yung buhay dahil doon sa kwento mo – I think it makes it worth it,” he said.
On air and online, GMA Public Affairs continues to blaze the trail as one of the largest and most followed content creators in the Philippines. But like true Public Affairs hosts, Jessica, Kara, Maki, Drew, and Atom believe that the awards and stories are never about them.
“Hindi ikaw ang balita, ang balita ‘yung ini-interview mo, ‘yung buhay na kinukwento mo. I think it all boils down to that. Iyon ang take off point ng lahat ng ginawa ng News and Public Affairs through the years. Kaya rin siguro lumago at naitaguyod ‘yung mga programa. It shouldn’t start and end with us,” Jessica concluded.
