Why Helen Gamboa-Sotto’S birthday BASH is a quintuple celebration

On Saturday, May 10 — just two days before the midterm elections — close friends and family gathered for an intimate and meaningful celebration in honor of the ever-graceful Tita Helen Gamboa-Sotto. The evening was more than just a birthday dinner; it was a heartfelt, quintuple celebration marked by love, gratitude, and hope.

We celebrated Tita Helen’s birthday and Mother’s Day, but our prayers that night were also for the success of her loved ones in the upcoming elections. Her husband, former Senate Pres. Tito Sotto, was seeking re-election to the Senate. Their son, Gian, was running to keep his post as vice mayor of Quezon City. And their nephew, Vico Sotto, was gunning for a third term as mayor of Pasig.

It was a rare moment where family, public service and personal milestones converged in one joyful occasion. (And the prayers were answered — all three won.)

Helen with her lovely daughters — MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto- Antonio, Apples and Ciara Sotto.

Held on the second floor of Chef Jessie’s restaurant, the gathering was cozy and personal, attended only by a few of us — Tita Helen’s “dabarkads” — and by family, though Gian and Vico were absent because they were at their respective miting de avances.  

Birthday celebrant Helen with her ‘dabarkads’ Shirley Kuan, Eric Quizon, yours truly, Bechay Nakpil, Veana Fores, Law Tan and daughter Apples Sotto.

Among the early birds was none other than actress Elizabeth Oropesa, who brought not only her warmth but also stories of her surprising artistic journey. She delayed a planned trip to the United States just to celebrate with Tita Helen and revealed that she’s mounting an art exhibition there. I was stunned to learn she’s also a painter, aside from being a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. When she showed me a photo of her painting of Whang-od, the legendary 109-year-old tattoo artist, I was truly impressed. What a delight to discover the many layers of a woman as talented as La Oropesa.

The venue, beautifully transformed by event stylist Kate Garcia, glowed with a summer feel. A tent centerpiece housed a vibrant green chandelier, surrounded by tulips and hydrangeas in full bloom. Thoughtful party favors of tassel-adorned throw pillows and white-laced parasols added a charming touch — both beautiful and practical in the summer heat.

Multi-talented veteran actress Elizabeth Oropesa.

Guests were asked to wear spring colors, and the birthday girl herself looked radiant in a mint and white dress by Paul Cabral that was a vision of elegance and grace. There was even a fun fashion coincidence: Sen. Grace Poe, Jaypee Victoriano and I arrived in nearly identical blue and white floral tops that made us look like an accidental girl band.

Blue flower power: Jaypee Victoriano, Senator Grace Poe and yours truly.

Tita Helen’s daughters — Apples, Ciara and MTRCB chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio — took the reins as gracious hosts, ensuring every detail was perfect for their mom.

Tito Sen with Gello Jamias, Anes Victoriano, Eric Quizon and Law Tan.

The sit-down dinner was a culinary treat. We began with Chef Jessie’s signature ciabatta bread and dip, followed by Caesar salad, a choice of French onion or cream of mushroom soup, and a refreshing passion fruit sorbet.

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, family friend of the Sotto girls, with daughter Isabella.

For the main course, guests chose between grilled U.S. Black Angus rib eye steak or baked Chilean seabass fillet in miso sauce. Dessert was either the famous chocolate soufflé or crepe samurai. Because my tablemate Law Tan and I wanted to try it all, we put into effect our “half-and-half” game plan that allowed us to taste and share the main courses and desserts.

Halfway through the dinner, Tito Sen arrived after attending the miting de avance of nephew Vico. Conversations naturally turned to the elections (which were two days away) and our predictions for the Senate’s “Magic 12,” along with a few stories best kept off the record.

One couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude on Tita Helen’s behalf — for answered prayers, for milestones reached and for the love of family and friends that filled the room.

A few days later, the election results came in, and many of us were surprised — if not quietly pleased — with the outcome. Analysts were quick to point out a key factor: the decisive role of millennials and Gen Z voters, who now comprise around 30 percent of the voting population. No longer swayed solely by name recall or celebrity status, the youth cast their votes based on track record and integrity. The results were telling — several entertainers failed to make the cut, and even some long-standing political dynasties were toppled.

This new generation of voters is far from apolitical. They are discerning, data-driven and deeply concerned about the country’s future. They fact-check, call out misinformation and campaign with intensity, especially on social media. Their enthusiasm translated into action, contributing to an impressive 81.65 percent voter turnout according to COMELEC — remarkably high for a midterm election.

With the elections behind us and new officials taking their seats, we can only hope they rise to the occasion. May they match the passion of the electorate with sincere service, and may they work together — regardless of party lines — for a more progressive, united Philippines.

After all, just like the celebration we had for Tita Helen, the true essence of leadership is grounded in love, gratitude and the quiet but powerful resolve to make a difference.