Latest news with #I-Witness
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.'
GMA Network
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Kara David shares how 'I-Witness' helped a struggling student become a top graduate
Kara David took to social media to share an inspiring moment that unfolded at the graduation ceremony of Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), where she served as the commencement speaker. On Facebook, the Kapuso journalist shared photos of herself with RJ Castillon, who, according to Kara, approached her during his graduation to say that "I-Witness" saved his life. Kara said he asked RJ to explain it further, and the newly graduate recounted a time in college when he was on the brink of giving up. "Noong mga panahong nahihirapan na ako sa mga klase ko at gusto ko nang sumuko, napanood ko 'yung dokyu ninyo na 'Ambulansyang de Paa' tungkol sa mga mangyan na nagbubuhat ng pasyente sa bundok," he said. RJ said it reminded him why he started studying in the first place: to become the doctor that underserved communities desperately need. Fast forward to 2025, RJ graduated summa cum laude with a degree in BS Microbiology. MSU-IIT also awarded him the prestigious Leadership Award. "Congratulations, RJ. Salamat sa iyong pangarap at pagpupursige," Kara wrote. "Masaya kami na sa maliit na paraan nakapag-ambag ang 'I-Witness' sa iyong pag-aaral," she added. Kara currently hosts GMA Network's flagship and acclaimed documentary program "I-Witness" alongside Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta. In March, David and her fellow "I-Witness" hosts were awarded Best Documentary Program Hosts at the 38th PMPC Star Awards for Television. In the same month, she was honored with the Media Excellence in Public Affairs Hosting Award (Female) for "I-Witness" at the Lauris Nobilis Media Excellence Awards. —Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Kara David dubbed as 'Queen of Potential Sound' by netizens
Kara David has now stamped her place in the Philippine internet's hall of fame with the netizens calling her the "Queen of Potential Sound." The moniker was coined by several social media users, who got inspired by her reactions and witty dialogues on TikTok. On Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the award-winning broadcast journalist said that she didn't know that her candid dialogues would turn into memes. "When I started TikTok—I just wanted a venue where I can teach and at the same time show some behind the scenes when I shoot 'Pinas Sarap' and 'I-Witness.' Walang intention whatsoever to be viral," she told GMA News Online through a text message. "Honestly, nagugulat pa rin ako na 'yung isang Gen X na Tita tulad ko ay puwede pa rin palang maging relevant sa TikTok na very Gen Z," she added. Kara proved once again why she's the Queen of Potential Sound as she hilariously described the taste of a suman made from kamoteng kahoy—and yes, it was as witty as ever! "I-Witness" airs on GMA Network every Saturday at 10:15 p.m. after "Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko." Meanwhile, "Pinas Sarap" airs every Saturday on GTV at 8:15 p.m. after G! Flicks. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
