Helen Gamboa Sotto, born Helen Albent Gamboa on May 7, 1945, is a well-known Filipina actress, singer, dancer, and former beauty queen.
She is married to former Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is not only an actor and comedian but also a TV host and politician. Their family is blessed with four children: Romina Frances, Diorella Maria, Gian Carlo, and Ciara Anna. They also have a loving brood of eight grandsons: Romino Vicente, Victorio, Vicente IV, Carlos Edrigu, Alessandro Jose, Marciano, Juan Rossano, Domiku Yosef, and Vincenzo Jose, as well as two granddaughters: Helena and Amaria Jiliana. Sadly, their son Vincent Paul passed away five months after his birth in 1975 due to side effects of contraceptives, as reported by doctors at the Makati Medical Center.
In the realm of politics, Helen’s son Gian Carlo served as councilor of Quezon City’s 3rd District in the 2010 elections, eventually becoming the vice mayor of the city in the 2019 elections. Meanwhile, her daughter Diorella Maria “Lala” made her mark in the 6th District of the same city before being appointed chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board in 2022.
Not only a beauty, but Helen also showcased her talents in the world of pageantry, becoming a runner-up to Cynthia Ugalde by a single point in the Miss Press Photography of the Philippines contest in 1961.
In the late 1960s, Helen earned the title of “Dancing Queen” of Philippine cinema and TV musicals, a moniker bestowed upon her years before the ABBA song of the same name gained popularity, showcasing her immense talent and influence in the entertainment industry.
