Jessica Soho is the Philippines’ answer to Oprah Winfrey, but exactly twelve years and ten months ago, she covered the remarkable 1995 visit of Pope John Paul II for the 10th World Youth Day in Manila, Philippines.
After Pope John Paul II’s visit for World Youth Day from January 12 to 16, 1995, viewers from the Philippines came to watch the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand live on GMA-7, QTV-11, ABS-CBN-2, ABC-5, PTV-4, RPN-9, IBC-13, Studio 23 and CLTV-36. This event is set to take place from December 6th to December 15th, 2007.
On November 12, 2007, a month before the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, GMA executives led by Chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon, President Gilberto Duavit, Jr., CFO Felipe Yalong, and SVP for Entertainment Wilma Galvante, together with Solar Entertainment’s Wilson Tieng, PAGCOR Chairman Efraim Genuino, and PSC’s William Butch Ramirez, convened at the Manila Golf and Country Club to formally sign the contract for the live coverage of the 24th Southeast Asian Games. This momentous signing event solidified their commitment and dedication to bringing the exhilarating sporting action to viewers. The collaboration between these esteemed individuals and organizations sets the stage for a truly remarkable and unforgettable broadcast of the games, promising spectators nationwide an immersive and thrilling experience. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the forthcoming 24th Southeast Asian Games are palpable, and thanks to this historic agreement, sports enthusiasts and fans across the nation can eagerly await the live coverage of the games on GMA and Solar Entertainment.
The 2007 SEA Games coverage on GMA and QTV was memorable, thanks to the dynamic lineup of hosts who brought energy and enthusiasm to the broadcasts. A mix of seasoned journalists and popular personalities effectively engaged viewers while highlighting the various sports and athletes participating in the games.
These are Mike Enriquez, Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, Jay Sonza, German Moreno, Angelique Lazo, Vicky Morales, Drew Arellano, Atom Araullo, Pia Arcangel, Paolo Bediones, Ruth Cabal, Aubrey Carampel, Nelson Canlas, Arnold Clavio, Mickey Ferriols, Rovilson Fernandez, Pia Guanio, Rico Hizon, Carlo Ledesma, Jiggy Manicad, Ivan Mayrina, Oscar Oida, Benjie Paras, Miriam Quiambao, Eagle Riggs, Lhar Santiago, Rhea Santos, Howie Severino, Connie Sison, Emil Sumangil, Valerie Tan, Jay Taruc, Raffy Tima, Mariz Umali, Iya Villania, Ryan Agoncillo, Mr. Fu, KC Montero, Suzi Entrata, Kara David, Luchi Cruz- Valdes, Ninna Castro, Lyn Ching, Gin de Mesa, Margaux Salcedo, Melissa Gecolea, Jimmy Gil, Arnell Ignacio, Susan Enriquez, Lala Roque, Mark Salazar, Melo del Prado, Joel Reyes Zobel, Tisha Silang, Ali Sotto, Antoinette Taus, Francis Magalona, Dingdong Dantes, Martin Andanar, Butch Francisco, Ricky Lo, Lolit Solis, Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Jimmy Santos, Cacai Velasquez, Janno Gibbs, Michael V., Ogie Alcasid, Chris Tiu and Sam YG.
The coverage’s production locations, including the Westside Studio, GMA Broadway Centrum, and Studio 2, GMA Network Center, provided a vibrant backdrop for their presentations.
Filipino swimmers Ryan Arabejo and Miguel Molina added on December 7, 2007. Arabejo got his gold in the men’s 200-meter backstroke and Molina got his in the men’s 400-meter individual medley, both events held on Friday, December 7, 2007. Finishing after Arabejo were two Singaporeans Zach Ong in second and Mingzhe Marcus Cheah in third. Finishing after Molina were Muhammad Nasution of Indonesia in second and Zhi Cong Lim of Singapore in third.
Aside from gold medalist swimmers Ryan Arabejo, Miguel Molina, Daniel Eugenio Coakley, and James Bernard Walsh, De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tankers member and UAAP swimming championships men’s division MVP Ernest Lorenzo “Enchong” Dee was in lane 8 of the men’s 100-meter butterfly finals on December 9, 2007.
Makalipas na walong taon, kamusta pa ba ang aktor na si Enchong Dee pagkatapos ng 2007 SEA Games sa Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand at 2009 UAAP swimming championships, siya ay naging contestant sa reality show na Pinoy Big Brother na may edisyon na “737” noong 2015 at host ng reality show na Pinoy Big Brother na may edisyon na “Gen 11” noong 2024.
