Highlighting Chinoy Journalists This Women’s Month

In the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, democracy once again triumphed after two decades of dictatorship rule. In honor of our countrymen’s bravery, the historic protest led our country to support the freedom of the press or “malayang pamamahayag” so our journalists could be a watchdog to those in power. 

This historic revolution amplified the voices of brave journalists and allowed the media to prosper through transparent reportage. Since the Filipino-Chinese community has been integrated into Philippine society, you can see that there are also notable Chinoy journalists who keep the ideal of democracy alive.

So, this International Women’s Month, let’s highlight Chinoy journalists who have contributed to our country’s democratic ideals. 

Betty Go Belmonte 

Co-founded Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, and Pilipino Star Ngayon

More than just the LRT station name, Betty Go-Belmonte deserves to be honored this International Women’s Month because of her fearless dedication to fair and transparent reporting.

Her journalistic roots can be traced back to her father, Go Puan Seng or Jimmy Gom, who founded The Fookien Times in 1927, one of the largest Chinese Filipino national newspapers. He fearlessly wrote against Japanese atrocities during World War 2 and was a staunch critic of the Marcos Administration, which forced him to close the newspaper in 1972 due to martial law.

Inspired by her father’s bravery, Go-Belmonte continued writing for another newspaper, The Daily Express. She started a monthly magazine called The Star, which was vocal against the atrocities during the Marcos era.

She was also one of the founding members of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (along with Eugenia D. Apostol and Max Soliven) in 1985. She eventually established Ang Pilipino Ngayon (now known as Pilipino Star Ngayon) and co-founded The Philippine Star with journalists like Max Soliven and Art Borjal after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. 

(Photo from Philippine Star Facebook Page) 

 

Mel Tiangco

One of the Pillars of Philippine Journalism

Mel Tiango is undoubtedly a household name in the Philippines because of her media career spanning over 30 years. Her appearance in 24 Oras as an anchor and Magpakailanman as a host established her professionalism as one of the pillars of today’s journalism. 

Tiangco also worked for two of the biggest media corporations in the Philippines: ABS, CBN, and GMA. Through her hard work and dedication to journalism, she has been awarded prestigious awards, including the Gusi Peace Prize for Outstanding Broadcast Journalist & Social Servant. 

She is also the founder of GMA Kapuso Foundation along with Melando Jimenez, a social-civic organization that initiates social programs for the public. 

As part of the Women’s Month celebration, Mel Tiangco is a testament to the fearless dedication to transparent reporting and democracy, showing how bravery embodies everyone regardless of gender. 

(Photo from GMA Network)

Jessica Soho

The Multi-Awarded Broadcast Journalist 

“Lumipad ang aming team ” has become a catchphrase on social media because of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, a television news magazine that is part of Filipino households on Sundays. Because of her experience in broadcast journalism, the show has garnered popularity due to its informative segments.

Her experience also stands as a testament to why she is a multi-awarded broadcast journalist. Throughout her career, Soho has reported stories from all walks of life, including crises like typhoons, war, natural disasters, and political issues. 

Indeed, she has been the face of Philippine journalism on every occasion. As a result, she gave the Philippines its first George Foster Peabody Award in 1999 and soon earned another Peabody win in 2014.

Jessica Soho embodies how women can achieve great success as long as they dedicate themselves to their craft.

(Photo from Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Facebook page) 

Lyn Ching

A Seasoned Broadcast Journalist and Television Host 

Unang Hirit, GMA Network’s morning show, has been part of every Filipino’s breakfast. Many of us will remember how our parents watched Unang Hirit before we went to school to catch up with the news quickly. One familiar host we might remember is Lyn Ching, who has been with the show since 1999. 

Ching has taken anchor roles throughout her career, especially in lifestyle and feature journalism. On her social media accounts, you can also see her interviewing Hollywood celebrities and getting updates on the latest entertainment news. 

Her experience hosting a news program and an entertainment show showed how committed she was to her craft, which made her presence in the Philippine media enduring. 

(Photo from Lyn Ching Facebook Page) 

Gretchen Ho 

From Athlete to Broadcast Journalist 

Gretchen Ho was first known as a volleyball star before transitioning to the media industry. She earned her BS in Management Engineering and AB Communications double degree from Ateneo de Manila before transitioning to journalism. 

Ho started her hosting stint with ABS-CBN as one of the hosts of Gameday Weekend. She also garnered experience as an anchor, segment host, and field reporter for various programs. Now, she is also an anchor for TV5’s One News and a host for Morning Matters, showing her dedication to the craft of journalism by interviewing politicians and key figures in our country. 

Ho is also the founder of Woman in Action, a brand and online platform that promotes her advocacy for positive change. She makes change happen in her community one step, one move, and one action at a time.” She also has a “Donate A Bike, Save A Job” campaign to provide bicycles to the most vulnerable sector during the pandemic.

Ho is truly a notable journalist this women’s month because she embodies the spirit of democracy by practicing journalism’s ideals and using her platform to spread positive influence. 

(Photo from Gretchen Ho Facebook Page) 

Upholding Democratic Ideals This Women’s Month

The word “protest” is deeply embedded in our history because of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. We can learn from this history that we have the power to inspire change.

This allows us to freely celebrate Women’s Month as a protest against gender discrimination and live in a world where equality is the norm. It also reminds us that women can be the face of resistance and the spirit of advocacy.

In honor of democracy, we highlight Chinoy journalists who uphold democratic ideals that safeguard our rights and remain a beacon of truth and justice. More than this, we highlight them to inspire everyone to be brave, strong, and dedicated in the face of oppression.

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