I have been asked by many to find time to write something about myself for a virtual space such as this — but indeed, words are priceless and time is so precious.
But yes, self-promotion is a skill and virtue that any politician may need to nurture. And oh — friends are just so persistent.
There is much out there that may have been written about me, especially as a public figure — a politician and artist. Most of those materials I would acknowledge as being kind enough. But perhaps the best accolade came from the well-respected statesman, and my former colleague, the late great Ka Blas Ople, who crafted these words for my term-end report for the Senate:
“Senator Sotto is indeed a phenomenal legislator and a great credit to the Senate as an institution. Senator Sotto, being so young in years and mature intellectually, is clearly marked for bigger things in the future. But no matter what is in store for him, he has already made good accounting of himself in the Senate of the Philippines, setting standards that will be emulated but not easily excelled.”
I cannot thank the memory of Ka Blas enough for such a lavish account. Beyond these, perhaps all I can really do is to rearticulate what have already been shared about me by others.
I was born on August 24, 1948, to Marcelino Ojeda Sotto and Dr. Herminia Castelo Sotto, who was a staunch women's rights activist and the first Medical Commissioner of Workmen's Compensation Commission and President Emeritus of the Kababaihang Rizalista ng Pilipinas.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree (Major in English) at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Beyond this, I have taken on other study programs the most relevant of which would be an Executive Program for Leaders in Development at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, which I completed in June 2000. I am proud to claim my degrees — I labored to earn them.
The thing that I most proud of however is my blissful conjugal partnership with Ms. Helen Gamboa of Pampanga, beauty titlist, multi-awarded actress and singer, and a loving mother to our four lovely children — Romina, Diorella, Gian and Ciara.
I am the third Sotto to become part of the Philippine Congress. Before my time, there was my granduncle Senator Filemon Sotto who was acknowledged during his time as one of the “Seven Wise Men of the Philippine Assembly” and served from 1916-1922. Then there is my grandfather Senator Vicente Yap Sotto of Cebu, a maverick senator and author of the Press Freedom Law, who served from 1946-1953.
Grandfather Senator Vicente Sotto, in particular, has been described as “a known nationalist politician and fiction writer.” He was born in Cebu City on April 18, 1877, and obtained a Law degree and passed the Philippine bar examinations in 1907.
In a 1950 Free Press Manila article, Lorenzo Tañada remarked on my grandfather’s passing away. "We have lost a fighter," The nationalist statesman Tañada wrote.
I can only hope that I am doing justice to the Sotto legacy of statemanship which my Lolo bequeathed.
On television, in the radio and in the movies, many of you perhaps simply know me by my comic involvement with the trio “Tito, Vic and Joey.” I have co-hosted Eat Bulaga, hosted Brigada Siete (a public affairs program that has garnered citations and trophies from renowned award-giving bodies), and done countless movies. That is a career in entertainment which spans three decades and began in the 70's.
I am an avid sportsman and, as a member of the Philippine Bowling Team, I could claim that I have brought home gold medals and honors to the country. I play golf and I have also won several tournaments, being a consistent Class A player.
But beyond all these, I have taken on the greatest challenge in my life. I have responded to the clarion call of public service, as it were.
I entered politics in 1988, first as Vice-Mayor of Quezon City. From then on, there has been no turning back.
And once more, I am in the thick of the electoral battle. It is something I feel I must do.
Why? The why has always been the common tao — the Filipino. And my family too, as part of that great Filipino nation. But in the final analysis, this is truly beyond legacy, beyond family — this is beyond being merely Sotto. This is all about being Filipino.
And what is being Filipino? Let that be a topic for my next posting.
59 comments:
Tito Sen, I am refreshed a lot when I heard you and Tessie were joinin gthe administration. Thank you for that decision. I always say that I am unapolegetically pro-administration. Even as we disagree on who won the presidential race in 2004, I thank you for your graciousness in avoiding this topic as it is really already irrelevant now that FPJ has passed.The hands of providence will compel us to accept GMA as THE President of the country.
I hope you win... and remain with the administration. I do not view your shift as turncoatism. I saw it as an enlightened decision to move out of the opposition that has only succeeded in defeating itself because of its intra-party fragmentation, incoherent pronouncements on a strategic direction for the country, and plain fixation on destabilizing the administration with a proven track record of 24 quarters of economic growth.
God bless you!
Thank you for your message. It's been a hectic campaign but an enriching one and I hope that Filipinos will unite after this election and work together in reforming our nation for our common tao.
Tito Sen, I know that every vote counts, and I deeply regret that my vote cannot be counted in this election as I am still an unregistered voter.
Anyway, with regards to the outcome of the elections, I hope that we have a clean and honest election . I also hope that the elected ones will deliver to the promises they have given during the campaign period.
Ultimately, I hope that the senators, be they pro-administration or "genuine opposition", aim for what really is the best for the Philippines.
GODSPEED!
Tito Sen, I will vote for you because I feel that it is my obligation to my child that I vote for leaders who have great visions and can fight for what they think is good for this nation. I will pray that you may continue to give us good governance and lead our country towards progress. God bless you as you continue to work for a drug-free Philippines.
Is this the same Tito Sotto who did the original music for the movie Blind Rage(1978)?
If so I have a couple of questions for you!
Hello Tito Sen!!!!
I have known you since i watched Eat Bulaga in 1989. I still watch and enjoy Eat Bulaga today. You are one of my idols in showbiz and politics. I think you are a very talented comedian and musician. by the way, I bought a copy of your album "Together with the Tilt Down Men" and all the copies of your TVJ Tough Hits albums. they are the best albums I have in my cd collection. You are also the reason why I wish to enter showbiz and politics after college.
I also think you are one of the best senators of the Philippines. Keep up the good work.
God bless you and your family and friends!!!!
To All United States Citizen
Please kindly vote A United States Democratic President on November 4, 2008.
Mr. Currently you are assigned as Dangerous Drug Board Head. Not certain what are your accomplishements. To be appointed as Head of DBB.
During your stint as Vice mayor and senator I'm not really sure if you accomplished some changes in philippine society. Madalas pa kitang makita sa Eat Bulaga at mahilig ka ring mag patawa katulad ni Vic and Joey. hindi ko talaga makita kung me pagbabago kang nagawa sa sambayanang pilipino lumalabas tuloy na katulad ka mga artistang naging senador. naka reading glass ang picture sa senado kahit walang diprensya ang MATA. masakit sabihin pero yan ang katotohanan.
buying viagra online viagra for cheap buy viagra online at mexican viagra viagra rrp australia cost marijuana and viagra effects of viagra viagra alternative viagra from india try viagra for free viagra soft tabs viagra and cannabis viagra free pills viagra professional
Il semble que vous soyez un expert dans ce domaine, vos remarques sont tres interessantes, merci.
- Daniel
Sir,
Goog Day! How are You? I know your always busy with your work.Sana po kahit ganu po kau kabusy sana d po nyo pbayaan ang sarili nyo. Sir im an avid fans our TVJ. your such a good actor,singer,commedian,a good host a good father to your children, a good Husband to mam Helen, a good friends and a good leader. Sana po di po kau magsawa sa katutulong sa mga tao at sa paggawa ng batas na cya ikakaganda sa atin bansa. your such a good leader and a good person. sana po d kau magbago. good luck and more power to ur career. and god bless u and ur family. Regards to all ur family and to da kabarkads.sir sana po makita kita ng personal. tnxs po. Idol ko po kau. Avid fans po ng TVJ. tnxs po
Hi there, just wanted to tell you, I enjoyed this article. It was inspiring.
Keep on posting!
My homepage : cheap I pad for sale
Hello, i feel that i noticed you visited my site thus i got here to go back the choose?
.I am attempting to to find things to improve my website!
I suppose its good enough to make use of some of your concepts!
!
Also see my web page > headphones for sale
Remarkable! Its genuinely awesome article, I have got much clear
idea concerning from this paragraph.
My web page :: electronic cigarette wholesale
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this issue.
I like all the points you've made.
My site ... lanautica
viagra online buy original viagra uk - viagra substitute
buy generic soma soma online overnight delivery - soma heart muscle
buy soma online soma online cheap - comquest discount soma
order soma order soma online texas - purchase soma online legal
buy soma online soma grand cost - do drug test test soma
buy soma online soma rx online - soma san diego events
cheap soma buy soma online yahoo answers - soma medication dose
soma online soma online ticketing - soma drug high
order soma much does soma cost without insurance - order soma online texas
carisoprodol soma soma bras - buy soma online usa
buy tramadol online tramadol withdrawal day 3 - generic tramadol 100mg
xanax online xanax bars empty stomach - buy xanax online no prescription cheap
carisoprodol 350 mg drug test soma carisoprodol - can carisoprodol 350 mg get you high
generic xanax xanax drug interactions with lexapro - xanax 11
xanax online order xanax cod - xanax pill high
xanax online xanax drug food interactions - maximum xanax dosage per day
buy cialis online cheap cialis online order - cialis 40 mg
discount cialis brand cialis online - buy cialis reviews
buy tramadol online tramadol 100mg retardtabletten - buy tramadol no prescription cheap
buy tramadol online no prescription cod will tramadol 50 mg do you - tramadol overnight delivery no rx
http://www.integrativeonc.org/adminsio/buyklonopinonline/#0944 klonopin withdrawal crying - wellbutrin and klonopin for anxiety
order klonopin online high off klonopin - klonopin high grasscity
buy tramadol online tramadol 50 mg for ultram - tramadol withdrawal alcohol
buy tramadol with cod cheap tramadol online cod - high von tramadol
com, providers of furniture Cork, furniture Limerick, furniture Tipperary and other types of furniture online in
Munster, Ireland. You could visit top hotels for tips on what is in and what is
not. To make it look best, place some plants and maybe a chair in front of it.
my webpage :: feng shui bedroom ideas
carisoprodol 350 mg carisoprodol 350 mg maximum dosage - carisoprodol 350 mg generic for
Thank you for some other informative web site.
The place else could I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect means?
I have a challenge that I'm simply now running on, and I have been on the glance out for such info.
My page: leafycreations.com
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality websites on the internet.
I am going to recommend this site!
Here is my web page ... coffee maker ratings
Fermob bistro chair or Fermob bistro chairs as outdoor furnishing is a must for modern lifestyle and living.
Different shapes and sizes of planters make the garden blossoming
not just with the flowers but also with the kind of garden planters.
Some birdbaths already come with some kind of water fountain feature.
Look into my web blog - vegetable garden landscape ideas
Hi! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you've got right here on this post. I am coming back to your blog for more soon.
my page; quantrim purchase
If you decorate about your preferences and convictions, you may find that
the process is a joy instead than a chore. What
a great lifestyle I've as well as the numerous blessings that have come my way. * Make your own personal evergreen trim; this requires somewhat bit of patience and practice.
My web site ... christmas decorations to make
It is very important to choose wedding flowers
that suits the occasion and the theme very well. Your motif can be anything an animal,
a flower, an object, a landmark, a precious stone, or a fruit.
These entertaining tools can help you entertain in style
and add personal touches to any event you host.
Also visit my site outdoor wedding decorating tent
Focus your plan around the fundamentals - dresser, bed frame, mattress - when decorating kids' rooms. Designing kids place is simple specifically should you know suited kids spot decoration ideas. cor; silk and velvet pillows is intelligent selection as bed accessories for decoration.
Review my web blog ... baby girls room decorating ideas
You may not be surprised that Victorian bedding is
something that is more of a female thing than a
male. Select a masterpiece for your bedding ensemble,
dramatic curtains, or eye-popping accessories rather than going all out with every thing inside the room.
Each time shearing every section, include about 6 in.
Also visit my website: beach bedroom decor
Amazing! Its genuinely amazing post, I have got much clear idea concerning from this
piece of writing.
my page; Highly recommended Resource site
I do not even know the way I ended up here,
however I thought this put up used to be great.
I do not know who you might be however definitely
you're going to a famous blogger if you aren't already.
Cheers!
Feel free to visit my web site ... onlinebedesten.org
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Very useful information specially the last part :) I care for such information much.
I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
My web page: http://www.moremead.com/fashionable-and-trendy-clothing-for-women/
The answer, then, would be to hire a professional interior decorator.
There may or may not be charge a - make sure to ask. Here are a few of the best office interior design options that businesses can consider.
Review my web site - Home interior decoration Photos
whoah this weblog is wonderful i love studying your posts. Stay up the good work!
You know, many people are looking around for this info, you can help
them greatly.
my webpage ... http://www.goldplatinumjewelry.net/the-trip-style-guide-for-your-family/
I blog often and I seriously thank you for your content.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I'm going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
My page: simply click the following web Site
Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many months of hard work due to
no backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?
Feel free to surf to my weblog :: quantrim online
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are
a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back down the road.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing, have a
nice morning!
Feel free to surf to my web page http://wiki.final-core.com
Here are a few of the things that should be thought about when choosing the perfect wedding favor.
Adding dashes of silver throughout your wedding will create a soft, beautiful glow for your entire event.
Some brides have used a clear vase filled with fruit like
a pear or lemons for a centerpiece either topped
with flowers or surrounded by candles.
My webpage: outdoor wedding decorating ideas
Wonderful blog you have here but I was wanting to know
if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I'd really like to be a part of online community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!
Feel free to surf to my site ... http://www.economotion.de:81
Post a Comment