10 endearing facts about Senate President Tito Sotto

Gian Sotto is the only son and second to the youngest child of newly installed Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and one of the most beautiful faces in showbiz, Helen Gamboa Sotto.

Friends close to him say that he is his father’s son — a family man, a good husband, a public servant and most importantly, a God-fearing person. He is a graduate of the University of Asia and the Pacific, where he met his lovely wife of 12 years Joy Woolbright.

When asked if he ever dreamed of being in politics, he quickly replied, “I never wanted to enter politics. But God led me here, changed my heart, and made me realize that not all public servants are politicians.”

His father’s son. Quezon City councilor Gian Sotto with his father, Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III. Photos courtesy of Gian Sotto

Gian, who was elected  councilor of the third district of Quezon City in May 2010, lives by his slogan “Gawa at Serbisyo” (www.facebook.com/GawaAtSerbisyo.Sotto). Now on his last term as councilor, Gian will be tossing his hat in the ring, this time for vice mayor of the largest city in the country.

As we celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday, let us read on as Gian Sotto shares with us 10 things most people don’t know about his dad.

1.My dad taught me to always put God in the center of my marriage, my family, work and in everything I do. God is our refuge and our strength. We can never have a storm-free life, but with God in it, it will be storm-proof, meaning, we can withstand trials and challenges that come our way.

2. He is very affectionate. He always holds my mom’s hand everywhere they go. I do the same to my wife.

3. My dad is my first guitar teacher. He told me that’s how my mom fell in love with him. My dad used to play in a band. And as soon as he knew my mom loved Elvis (Presley), he made sure he played some Elvis songs to her. My favorite is Wooden Heart. #Harana

A bonding moment.

4. Growing up, I always looked forward to weekends with my dad. This is when we would go on road trips to play golf or go to the beach. I remember we would go to Canlubang, Laguna and just spend the whole day with him. He even allows me to drive the golf cart for him, for the entire 18 holes!

5. He loves doing magic tricks for his grandchildren. He always comes up with new tricks and I just love how they are always so amazed.

6. My dad always excels in everything he puts his heart into, especially in sports like practical shooting, bowling and golf. Now he’s stuck with golf.

7. He drives himself to work all the time. Again, I do the same!

President Duterte with Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and Gian Sotto.

8. He is very organized and very particular with cleanliness. Sad to say, I’m the complete opposite. When we travel, his side of the bed is always neat, while my side is always messy. At home, he can spot anything, even a grain of rice on the floor, and he will pick it up himself.

9. My dad is always on time. He always makes sure he is never late. Something I’m trying to perfect.

10. My dad always makes a conscious effort to be home for dinner, no matter how busy he is at work. He values time with family and this is one of the things that I also prioritize and value now as a father. I would like to pass this on to my children as well.