Gian Carlo Gamboa Sotto was born on March 18, 1978, to celebrities Tito Sotto and Helen Gamboa. Belonging to the Sotto family of Philippine entertainment and politics, he is a grandson of former Senator Vicente Sotto. He is also the nephew of actor and television personality Vic Sotto, making him a first cousin of actor Oyo Sotto and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto.[3]
Sotto had several acting stints on films notably appearing alongside his uncle Vic Sotto's box-office hits and at television being formerly part of ABS-CBN's talent management Star Magic from 2007 to 2009.[5] He previously worked as an actor on GMA Network and later under MZET Production from 2006 to 2009.[4]
Sotto also became active as the vocalist of the prominent record label Ivory Music's rock band Nerveline.[6]
Political career
In 2010, Sotto was elected to the Quezon City Council as a councilor from the third district. He was a member of the Liberal Party until he switched parties, joining PDP–Laban on May 10, 2017. As councilor, he served as the chairman of the Committee on Parks and Environment Protection Committee and of the Committee on Anti-Illegal drugs.[4] He would continue serving as councilor until 2019, where he was term-limited.[7]
In 2019, Sotto ran for vice mayor of Quezon City as the running mate of Joy Belmonte. He entered a field of five candidates, which included fellow television personalities Roderick Paulate and Jopet Sison. On May 13, 2019, Sotto narrowly defeated his closest opponent —Sison— to become the city's eighteenth vice mayor. He was sworn in on June 30, 2019.[3] Sotto was re-elected to his second consecutive term in 2022.
As vice mayor, he presides the Quezon City Council and also has the right to vote to break ties if there are disputes in ordinance proposals.[3]
Personal life
Sotto is married to Joy Woolbright-Sotto, whom he met as a fellow student at the University of Asia and the Pacific. The couple tied the knot in 2007.[8] They have six children.[3] Beyond politics, Sotto is a Christian, attending Victory Christian Fellowship services,[4] and is also an actor, writer and producer.[3]