Latest news with #AtomAraullo
GMA Network
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
20 years later, Atom Araullo gets his graduation moment with parents at UP Cebu
After skipping his own college graduation 20 years ago, Atom Araullo finally had his sablay moment at the University of the Philippines Cebu. On Facebook, the Kapuso journalist revealed that he didn't attend his graduation ceremony in 2005 because "tinatamad lang talaga ako." Admittedly, he failed to realize back then that the ceremony's significance was not just for him but for his parents. "Ang hindi ko naisip noon, para rin sana ang araw na 'yon sa mga magulang nating ilang taon nagsakripisyo para maitawid ang pag-aaral natin," he wrote. Two decades later, Atom made up for it by joining the 2025 graduating class of UP Cebu, not as a student but as the keynote speaker. And this time, he brought his parents along. "Kaya kahapon, nang maanyayahan akong maging graduation speaker sa UP Cebu, isinama ko na sina Mama at Papa," he said. "First time ko rin magsuot ng sablay—ang opisyal na academic costume ng UP. O 'di ba, parang nag-march na rin ako… 20 years delayed nga lang!" he added. He ended the post with a warm thank you to the university and a powerful reminder to the graduates. "Daghang salamat, University of the Philippines Cebu, sa pagkakataon,"he said. "At isang taos-pusong pagpupugay sa lahat ng nagsipagtapos. Paglingkuran ang bayan!" Meanwhile, Jessica Soho also served as a keynote speaker at the 114th General Commencement Exercises of the University of the Philippines Diliman on Sunday. Previously, Atom and Jessica were among the guest speakers at an industry roundtable organized by the Asian Academy of Creative Arts, where they shared their purpose as journalists and the importance of telling the stories of underprivileged and marginalized communities. —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
04-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Atom Araullo urges young journalists: Be brave, responsible in the digital age
For award-winning journalist Atom Araullo, truth-telling is no longer just the job of newsrooms; it now belongs to everyone with a phone and a platform. The GMA Integrated News anchor and documentarist was in Cebu on Friday, July 4, 2025, to serve as commencement speaker in the 86th commencement ceremony of the University of the Philippines Cebu. Araullo, an alumnus of UP Diliman, anchors "State of the Nation" and creates documentaries for "The Atom Araullo Specials" and "I-Witness." Before the graduation ceremony began at 2 p.m., Araullo faced the local press during which he shared his thoughts on journalism, social responsibility, and how young people can shape public conversation. 'Everybody, I think, today, should consider themselves a journalist,' Araullo said. 'Because the way we use social media is shorthand for how we do our job. So we gather information, we verify the proof or veracity of that information. And we make a decision whether or not to post it, to amplify it, to comment about it,' he added. Araullo encouraged young journalists to embrace their voice and purpose, even in an age where professional media "no longer have the monopoly of information." 'I always tell young journalists to be bolder, believe that they have a voice — and that their voice, in a way, is even more influential than people who work in mainstream media, because that is the power of youth,' he said. 'You are unblemished, in a way, and there is an assumption that you're just working for your future. So be courageous, and also show the way to people and older journalists who might be becoming jaded through the years,' he added. He added that activism and truth-telling are not limited to big acts but can happen quietly within personal circles. 'You don't have to fight with people you don't know online. It's a waste of energy. But if you have chat groups — family chat groups — maybe your uncle posted something like this, or maybe your aunt posted something like this… we should start with our immediate circle and make sure that we're being part of the solution,' he said. Araullo also warned against the dangers of unchecked technology and artificial intelligence (AI), calling for clear ethical boundaries early on. 'With AI, we should be… Well, hopefully, we've learned our lesson. This early, we should already set the guardrails,' he said. 'We should engage and we should use it in a way that is open-minded. We should know that it can be used for bad purposes. At the same time, we should also accept that it's here. It's like a Pandora's box. You open it, there's no putting it back,' he added. UP Cebu President Angelo A. Jimenez emphasized the role of scientific innovation in activism, saying that today's revolution comes from labs, not just the streets. 'Activism should be a way of life… Every time Atom Araullo exposes a social injustice, that's activism,' he said. 'They say activism is trying to overthrow the government. But really, the most revolutionary changes that has happened in the world are created in science laboratories… activism is conducted in quieter places, in simple places, in calm places,' he added. A total of 480 students graduated across nine programs this 2025, stepping into a world where, as Jimenez reminded them, meaningful change can come from both quiet work and bold action, 'from the regions, for the nation.' A MESSAGE OF HUMILITY AND SERVICE In his speech, Araullo opened up about his own uncertainties, calling himself an introvert and sharing that he skipped his own graduation ceremony in 2005 for no deep reason, just because he was 'a corny student, feeling cool.' To make up for it, he said he brought his parents with him to UP Cebu, 20 years later, to finally march with them by his side. 'The truth is, this celebration is not just for students, but also for the people who supported you on this journey… You are here not just for yourself, but also for them,' he said. The seasoned journalist didn't present himself as someone with all the answers, but instead offered hard-earned insights from two decades of navigating what he called a 'chaotic, ever-changing, beautiful, but often heartbreaking world.' Araullo also reminded the graduates of the role they now play in shaping the future of a country that remains both beautiful and deeply unequal. 'The Philippines is a country of breathtaking beauty, and Filipinos are a people of myriad talents… But behind every celebration of Filipino pride is a harsh and undeniable truth: millions still live every day in conditions of uncertainty, injustice, and marginalization,' he said. He urged the graduates to understand, not judge, and to walk with the poor and the unheard, not out of charity, but out of justice. 'You don't have to be poor to stand with the poor. You just have to care enough to act, because in the end we are only as strong and as successful as the most vulnerable among us.' He also spoke out on the war in Gaza, calling it a genocide and encouraging graduates not to look away. 'The killing of children, the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools — these are crimes that history will remember. And it will ask us, 'Where were you? What did you say? And what did you do?'' he said. He further added that 'service is not a sacrifice, it is a privilege. And understanding is not weakness, it is the foundation of strength.'
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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
