Stories shape how we see the world — and how we build a nation. They remind us who we are, give us hope in times of darkness, and give voice to the unheard. Today, when fake news spreads faster than facts, we need storytellers who are fearless, honest, and trusted more than ever.
On September 23, 2025, the Storytellers’ Academy opens its doors at Cinema 11, Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.
Created by GMA Public Affairs, the Storytellers’ Academy is more than a class or a workshop. Here, young voices will be guided not only to sharpen their skills but also to understand the responsibility that comes with telling stories that matter.
And who better to begin this journey than GMA Public Affairs pillar and the most trusted broadcast journalist, Ms. Jessica Soho. From the day she chased her first story as a rookie reporter in 1985, to building landmark programs like I-Witness and leading the country’s most-watched program, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Jessica has never stopped carrying the voices of everyday Filipinos.
Her work has brought global recognition, including the country’s first George Foster Peabody Award, but more importantly, her stories gave light to lives that might have otherwise been ignored.
Now, she steps into a new role as a mentor. At GMA Public Affairs’ Storytellers’ Academy, Jessica will share the lessons, instincts, and heart that carried her through four decades of journalism. She hopes to pass the torch and inspire a new generation of storytellers who will ask the hard questions, seek the truth, and respect the people whose lives they tell.
“It’s my 40th year as a journalist and I thought that it was time to give back lalo na sa mga kabataan ngayon na lahat ay content creators o content generators na,” Jessica shares.
Jessica also emphasizes the importance of telling truthful stories, “Sa Storytellers’ Academy, gusto kong i-share ‘yong nalaman ko, lahat ng na-experience ko, lahat ng lessons learned, gusto ko silang i-mentor. Paano ba maging better storyteller? Importante rin yun mga values na natutunan ko bilang isang journalist, katulad ng pagiging fair and responsible, at most especially ang pagiging accurate kasi ang daming maling balita o wrong information na pinapakalat ngayon o fake news. Importante rin malaman kung paano ba yung tama. Dito sa Storytellers’ Academy I will walk you through what happens behind the scenes.”
The GMA Public Affairs’ Storytellers’ Academy is an open door for the curious and the brave, to those who see storytelling not only as a skill but as a form of service. Registration is now open at https://tinyurl.com/storytellersacademy. Slots are limited and applicants will go through a selection process.
