Tito Sotto: Senator-next-door
February 14, 2007 | 12:00am
Trepidation, more than anything, was what I brought to the interview of singer, actor, politician, and former senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. This is because some degree of malice and intrigue has long plagued the landscape of Philippine politics. And in light of upcoming elections, an interview with a politician didn’t strike me as a walk in the park. Not to mention the fact that he, too, is a big name in show business, which is an industry known to breed that infamous "star complex" among its attractions. I was hesitant, to say the least.
I was also expecting to maneuver through a coterie of handlers  the erstwhile Man Fridays, bodyguards and sundry helpers  but was surprised to be let in by just one good-natured driver who pointed the way to the front door. No one else was in sight, and this was a telltale sign of pleasant things to come.
We were ushered into a simple but well-appointed living room and had hardly begun to wait when a jovial, mustachioed gentleman came bounding down the stairs right at the appointed hour, two steps at a time. He was beaming when he introduced himself. "Tito Sotto," he said, like the whole of the Philippines wouldn’t recognize his face. He was casually dressed with hair still damp from a shower and giving off a faint, pleasant citrus scent. He welcomed us just as he might old friends, with easy manners, absolutely no affectations and a relaxed countenance. He’s like your true gentleman-next-door. Truly down-to-earth would be the perfect description.
I was half-expecting to see several personages lurking in the shadows  a secretary, perhaps a bodyguard, or an assistant? But there was no coterie at all. The atmosphere was quiet and comfortable when we proceeded with the interview. What stands out about Tito Sotto is his sharpness regarding national issues  something that may be surprising because of his famous showbiz persona: he is known as an ace comedian. And he is, by the way. His sense of humor lives up to legend and it is quite difficult not to be regaled by him. He is articulate in both English and Filipino and is impassioned by causes such as the anti-drug campaign and the women and children crisis centers in the country. He speaks passionately about his family and his country and is bent on a life of service to the people.
KIKAY EYE: What do you perceive to be your most important role?
Being the head of the family, also a husband, a father and a grandfather. That is a carryover from my parents and grandparents, I believe. We were raised to be family-oriented and God-fearing, to be good if not excellent members of society, and to be compassionate to others.
What kind of father are you: the buddy type or the disciplinarian?
Oh, I’m a disciplinarian, but not as strict as my father, though.
Do you set aside time alone for each child?
Definitely. I make sure I spend time with them individually. We do what they enjoy. My children have different traits. Apples is outspoken so we talk a lot; Lala is into the arts and music, now she is in politics so we spend time exchanging thoughts on those things. My son Gian is playful and athletic so we play sports like golf, etc. Not so many kids like to play golf with their dads because it’s not action-packed, so I know it’s special when we do play together. Ciara, the youngest, is a combination of the other three. She’s the most cultured in the family; her musicality is superb. She’s the most traveled among us. In fact, we travel alone together.
What do you do in your spare time?
I stopped competitive bowling in 1986 so now I play golf. Other than that I’m a homebody. I always swim with my grandchildren; that’s my favorite thing to do. I watch AXN and the Crime/Suspense channel.
How do you start your day?
I browse through the papers. I don’t really embroil myself in them because if I read something bad, I worry and it gives my day a bad start.
What kind of food do you enjoy?
Any dish made by my wife. She’s an excellent cook. I love her Spanish omelets for breakfast, which she makes with chorizo. I like to take my family to Chinese restaurants.
What is your opinion on fashion?
I like it somewhat but I’m not a full-blown aficionado like my wife (laughter). I have a sense for fashion, I think, but it takes time for me to adapt to new trends. I’m more into the classic look.
Do you shop for yourself?
Only when I’m abroad. Here, my wife shops for me.
Do you have favorite brands?
For shoes, because of the comfort and the look, I like Tod’s and Ferragamo. But for formal events I wear Artiolo shoes; I feel dressed up when I wear them.
What is your favorite scent?
Ano ba yon? Ano nga ba yon? I just put some on  the bottle is clear  ah, Jo Malone.
What is the most luxurious thing you own?
Siguro my car. It’s a BMW. I like to drive; I drive myself all the time.
Do you think you will win a seat in the Senate in the coming elections?
I’m very optimistic. I feel I have much to contribute still like updating the anti-drug act, and addressing the plight of our children and women. There is a necessity to rehabilitate addicts and abuse victims so that they can reintegrate themselves into society.
Do you believe in fate? Do you believe you are destined to be a public servant?
Yes, I do. You cannot pre-program anything. If God doesn’t want it to happen, it won’t.
When are you happiest?
When I’m with my family.
After the interview, we asked him to kindly answer the Proust Questionnaire and he said, chuckling, "Ang hirap naman nito sagutin. Masahol pa ito sa exam." After which we proceeded with the fashion shoot. The lady of the house, Helen Gamboa Sotto, joined us just then, looking slim, fresh and forever youthful in a crisp white shirt and jeans and with hardly a trace of makeup.
She lit up when she saw the clothes that stylist Ana Kalaw had hand-picked, which were shirts in different shades of blue. "He is dead set on blue, that’s his favorite color," she exclaimed. We learned from her that her husband is a true romantic. He, to this day, leaves handwritten love notes for her on her dresser and other places around the room. He makes it a point to come home to dinner every night and never fails to make a phone call in the event that he is tied up somewhere else.
During wardrobe changes, the interactions between husband and wife were very affectionate. They called each other "sweetheart," finished each other’s sentences, and giggled at family jokes that they generously shared with the rest of us. They obviously found delight in each other’s company because even at unguarded moments there was glaring evidence of a real, solid connection between them.
At the sight of her husband looking spiffy in a dress shirt and tie she unabashedly said, "Sweetheart, you look so good in that!" And she was right.
Your chief characteristic: I have difficulty answering because it’s actually how I would like God to judge me: as compassionate.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Strength with compassion.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: That she is loving.
Your favorite qualities in friends: That they are loving.
Your biggest flaw: I’m always in a hurry.
Your favorite occupation: Musician, composer.
Your idea of happiness: Playing with my grandchildren.
Your idea of misery: A horrible round of golf.
If not yourself, who would you be? Paul McCartney.
Where would you like to live? Florida or Mt. Makiling.
Your favorite color and flower: Blue, rose.
Your favorite composers: Lennon and McCartney.
Your favorite hero: Moses.
Your favorite heroine: Mary Magdalene.
Your pet aversion: Flies.
What character in history or fiction do you most dislike? Macbeth.
The military deed you admire the most: General Patton’s aggression in World War II.
The reform that you appreciate most: New approaches to fighting drug abuse.
How would you like to die? Peacefully.
What is your present state of mind? Stressed.
For what fault have you the least tolerance? Tatanga tanga.
Your favorite motto: "He who humbles himself shall be exalted."
 Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
I was also expecting to maneuver through a coterie of handlers  the erstwhile Man Fridays, bodyguards and sundry helpers  but was surprised to be let in by just one good-natured driver who pointed the way to the front door. No one else was in sight, and this was a telltale sign of pleasant things to come.
We were ushered into a simple but well-appointed living room and had hardly begun to wait when a jovial, mustachioed gentleman came bounding down the stairs right at the appointed hour, two steps at a time. He was beaming when he introduced himself. "Tito Sotto," he said, like the whole of the Philippines wouldn’t recognize his face. He was casually dressed with hair still damp from a shower and giving off a faint, pleasant citrus scent. He welcomed us just as he might old friends, with easy manners, absolutely no affectations and a relaxed countenance. He’s like your true gentleman-next-door. Truly down-to-earth would be the perfect description.
I was half-expecting to see several personages lurking in the shadows  a secretary, perhaps a bodyguard, or an assistant? But there was no coterie at all. The atmosphere was quiet and comfortable when we proceeded with the interview. What stands out about Tito Sotto is his sharpness regarding national issues  something that may be surprising because of his famous showbiz persona: he is known as an ace comedian. And he is, by the way. His sense of humor lives up to legend and it is quite difficult not to be regaled by him. He is articulate in both English and Filipino and is impassioned by causes such as the anti-drug campaign and the women and children crisis centers in the country. He speaks passionately about his family and his country and is bent on a life of service to the people.
KIKAY EYE: What do you perceive to be your most important role?
Being the head of the family, also a husband, a father and a grandfather. That is a carryover from my parents and grandparents, I believe. We were raised to be family-oriented and God-fearing, to be good if not excellent members of society, and to be compassionate to others.
What kind of father are you: the buddy type or the disciplinarian?
Oh, I’m a disciplinarian, but not as strict as my father, though.
Do you set aside time alone for each child?
Definitely. I make sure I spend time with them individually. We do what they enjoy. My children have different traits. Apples is outspoken so we talk a lot; Lala is into the arts and music, now she is in politics so we spend time exchanging thoughts on those things. My son Gian is playful and athletic so we play sports like golf, etc. Not so many kids like to play golf with their dads because it’s not action-packed, so I know it’s special when we do play together. Ciara, the youngest, is a combination of the other three. She’s the most cultured in the family; her musicality is superb. She’s the most traveled among us. In fact, we travel alone together.
What do you do in your spare time?
I stopped competitive bowling in 1986 so now I play golf. Other than that I’m a homebody. I always swim with my grandchildren; that’s my favorite thing to do. I watch AXN and the Crime/Suspense channel.
How do you start your day?
I browse through the papers. I don’t really embroil myself in them because if I read something bad, I worry and it gives my day a bad start.
What kind of food do you enjoy?
Any dish made by my wife. She’s an excellent cook. I love her Spanish omelets for breakfast, which she makes with chorizo. I like to take my family to Chinese restaurants.
What is your opinion on fashion?
I like it somewhat but I’m not a full-blown aficionado like my wife (laughter). I have a sense for fashion, I think, but it takes time for me to adapt to new trends. I’m more into the classic look.
Do you shop for yourself?
Only when I’m abroad. Here, my wife shops for me.
Do you have favorite brands?
For shoes, because of the comfort and the look, I like Tod’s and Ferragamo. But for formal events I wear Artiolo shoes; I feel dressed up when I wear them.
What is your favorite scent?
Ano ba yon? Ano nga ba yon? I just put some on  the bottle is clear  ah, Jo Malone.
What is the most luxurious thing you own?
Siguro my car. It’s a BMW. I like to drive; I drive myself all the time.
Do you think you will win a seat in the Senate in the coming elections?
I’m very optimistic. I feel I have much to contribute still like updating the anti-drug act, and addressing the plight of our children and women. There is a necessity to rehabilitate addicts and abuse victims so that they can reintegrate themselves into society.
Do you believe in fate? Do you believe you are destined to be a public servant?
Yes, I do. You cannot pre-program anything. If God doesn’t want it to happen, it won’t.
When are you happiest?
When I’m with my family.
After the interview, we asked him to kindly answer the Proust Questionnaire and he said, chuckling, "Ang hirap naman nito sagutin. Masahol pa ito sa exam." After which we proceeded with the fashion shoot. The lady of the house, Helen Gamboa Sotto, joined us just then, looking slim, fresh and forever youthful in a crisp white shirt and jeans and with hardly a trace of makeup.
She lit up when she saw the clothes that stylist Ana Kalaw had hand-picked, which were shirts in different shades of blue. "He is dead set on blue, that’s his favorite color," she exclaimed. We learned from her that her husband is a true romantic. He, to this day, leaves handwritten love notes for her on her dresser and other places around the room. He makes it a point to come home to dinner every night and never fails to make a phone call in the event that he is tied up somewhere else.
During wardrobe changes, the interactions between husband and wife were very affectionate. They called each other "sweetheart," finished each other’s sentences, and giggled at family jokes that they generously shared with the rest of us. They obviously found delight in each other’s company because even at unguarded moments there was glaring evidence of a real, solid connection between them.
At the sight of her husband looking spiffy in a dress shirt and tie she unabashedly said, "Sweetheart, you look so good in that!" And she was right.
Your chief characteristic: I have difficulty answering because it’s actually how I would like God to judge me: as compassionate.
Your favorite qualities in a man: Strength with compassion.
Your favorite qualities in a woman: That she is loving.
Your favorite qualities in friends: That they are loving.
Your biggest flaw: I’m always in a hurry.
Your favorite occupation: Musician, composer.
Your idea of happiness: Playing with my grandchildren.
Your idea of misery: A horrible round of golf.
If not yourself, who would you be? Paul McCartney.
Where would you like to live? Florida or Mt. Makiling.
Your favorite color and flower: Blue, rose.
Your favorite composers: Lennon and McCartney.
Your favorite hero: Moses.
Your favorite heroine: Mary Magdalene.
Your pet aversion: Flies.
What character in history or fiction do you most dislike? Macbeth.
The military deed you admire the most: General Patton’s aggression in World War II.
The reform that you appreciate most: New approaches to fighting drug abuse.
How would you like to die? Peacefully.
What is your present state of mind? Stressed.
For what fault have you the least tolerance? Tatanga tanga.
Your favorite motto: "He who humbles himself shall be exalted."
 Based on The Marcel Proust Questionnaire
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