‘I Witness” hosts share learnings with aspiring journalists in UST forum

As part of its milestone 25th anniversary celebration, GMA Network’s flagship and acclaimed documentary program, I-Witness, gathered students from various schools for an inspiring talk session dubbed “i-25: The I-Witness Talks” last August 20 at the Blessed Frassati Auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas.

I-Witness’ hosts, Kara David, Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta,  shared their experiences as documentarists, giving the attendees helpful advice.

Kara shared the fulfillment she feels writing her own scripts and reminded all the aspiring documentarists that they have the power in their hands.

She  said, “Noong pumasok ako sa GMA, ang aking ama na nasa midya rin dati, may bilin sa’kin. Ang bilin niya sa’kin, ‘pag gagawa ka ng storya, ‘wag mong kalilimutan ito: You are not the story. You are the storyteller. ‘Wag mong gagawing ikaw ang bida. It’s never about you, it’s about the people you interview.”

As a veteran journalist, Howie humbly narrated his beginnings in the industry.

“Documenting is important.  I never stop documenting, not just for television, but for family – taking pictures, taking videos, etc. So even if you don’t end up in GMA or I-Witness, you can still be the documentarist of your family, and you can be a good one if you put your mind to it,” he said.

Atom, meanwhile, showcased a few of the remarkable stories he made for I-Witness and highlighted the importance of bearing witness to people’s lives.

“This privilege of telling stories makes all of the risks worth it. No one documentary will change the world. Pero naniniwala ako na kapag tama ang ating pagkukuwento, malaki ang kapangyarihan nito para imulat ang mga tao at unti-unting itulak ang kasaysayan sa tamang direksyon,”  he shared.

As one of the newest hosts of I-Witness, Mav shared:

“Hangga’t maaari, kung gagawa ka ng dokumentaryo, ‘yung mayroong konkretong impact sa lipunan. Minsan kasi iniisip natin inspirational lang ‘yung mga documentaries, but sometimes the inspirational translates into something that is tangible.” 

“i-25: The I-Witness Talks” was hosted by Sparkle artist Rain Matienzo.

First aired  in 1999, I-Witness was hosted by some  of the finest journalists in Philippine media, including Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales, Cheche Lazaro, Luchi-Cruz Valdes, and the late Mike Enriquez. 

Catch I-Witness every Saturday at 10:15 p.m. on GMA. Global Pinoys can watch it via the international channel GMA Pinoy TV.