Maria Virginia Sy

Article (news)

Gian Sotto

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div>Trigger warning: This article mentions self-harm.</div>On his final term as Quezon City Vice Mayor, 47-year-old Gian Sotto reflects on a life transformed not by politics or fame, but by faith.Guesting at the ABS-CBN Fellowship Tuesday, the son of veteran actor-politician Tito Sotto and actress Helen Gamboa shared his story of redemption, renewed purpose, and unwavering belief in Jesus Christ.“I’ve been very blessed with very hardworking parents. My earliest memory, I’d remember my mom waking up very early in the morning, puyat sa taping but she would cook for us,” he said. “‘Yung tatay ko ihahatid kami sa eskwelahan. I remember my dad dropping me off then [after that] may taping.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/175403391624520250801-gian-sotto-HO-153559.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto. Dyan Castillejo</div>Gian grew up admiring his parents and aspired to follow in their footsteps, initially drawn to the world of showbiz.“Growing up, I always wanted to be like my mom and dad. I saw them work and I wanted to be like them… sa pag-aartista,” he said.But it was watching his father balance acting and public service that eventually sparked a deeper calling. “I saw na he’s helping people but also working as an actor and comedian,” he said.Still, his early adult life took a different path. While in college, Gian sought independence and pursued a lifestyle focused on self-fulfillment.“I started a band — it was a heavy metal rock band. Hindi mo maiintindihan ‘yung mga kanta namin,” he recalled. “I wanted to prove everybody wrong. This is my life. My rules. Ako masusunod.”Behind the scenes, however, Gian said he was spiraling and turned to drugs, became unfaithful to his now-wife Joy Woolbright, and battled depression. “Very downward spiral. My lifestyle was focused on myself,” he said.Gian’s breaking point, he said, came after three suicide attempts.  During the last one, he made a call to his cousin Oyo Sotto.n“Nagbibilin na sana ako sa kaniya,” he said as he shared how he was in tears during the call.But that call became a turning point — Oyo invited him to a Bible study and reminded him: “God is good all the time. Maniwala ka.”He also recalled hearing a voice that said, “huwag,” just as he was about to end his life.At that Bible study, Pastor Robert Gonzalez led a session on repentance.“Coach Robert said something very memorable to me. He asked ‘ano gusto mong mangyari?’” Gian answered honestly — he wanted his wife back, but believed it was impossible.“Then he told me: ‘If you want your relationship back, have a relationship with God.’ I said, nagdadasal naman ako, nagsisimba, but he said iba ang religion sa relationship. A relationship is saying yes to someone that you love.&#x27;”That moment became the cornerstone of Gian’s transformation. On December 18, 2008, he surrendered his life to Jesus.“From then on I understood faith is not just about remembering Bible verses and going to church but having a deep and intimate relationship with God. And when I committed to that relationship, that’s when everything fell into place,” he said.His marriage was rebuilt as he and Joy both got into the Word of God.  “Para kaming nagliligawan ulit,” Gian said. Joy shared her realization too: “I didn’t know that was actually the formula of a marriage — for each of you to have your own relationship with God before your marriage because God has to be in-between… In a marriage it has to be kayong tatlo, you, God, and [your partner].” Within just two weeks, Joy said, “God fixed our marriage.”Today, Gian and Joy are proud parents of six children. Their marriage stands strong, founded on faith and mutual love for God.As for his entry into politics, Gian never saw it coming. “I never had the desire to get into politics ever, pero I had that desire to serve God,” he said. When the opportunity opened up, he was hesitant — until he talked to his father.“He told me, alam mo hindi ka magiging politiko kung hindi ka magiging politiko. Meaning, you won’t be doing moves na ginagawa ng politiko but rather as a public servant.”This advice shaped Gian’s approach to governance. “That work is meant to promote the lives of the people, not your last name. Not yourself. Not your agenda.”While his father may have laid the groundwork, Gian credits the transformation to God. Quoting Philippians 2:3, he said: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”Now nearing the end of his final term as vice mayor, Gian Sotto’s life is living proof of grace, redemption, and purpose beyond politics.<div> </div><div>Editor&#x27;s note:</div>A group in the Philippines is dedicated to addressing those who have suicidal tendencies.The crisis hotlines of the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation aim to make these individuals feel that someone is ready to listen to them.These are their hotline numbers:Information and Crisis Intervention Center
(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
0917-558-HOPE (4673) or (632) 211-4550
0917-852-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-6876
0917-842-HOPE (4673) or (632) 964-4084In Touch Crisis Lines:
0917-572-HOPE or (632) 211-1305
(02) 893-7606 (24/7)
(02) 893-7603 (Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm)
Globe (63917) 800.1123 or (632) 506.7314
Sun (63922) 893.8944 or (632) 346.8776You can also call the NCMH Crisis Hotline 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free).

Gian Sotto’s life didn’t change because of politics or fame — it changed when he found his true purpose in faith. From a rebellious past and personal struggles to becoming a devoted husband, father, and public servant, his journey is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for grace. 🙏❤️

Gian Sotto’s life didn’t change because of politics or fame — it changed when he found his true purpose in faith. From a rebellious past and personal struggles to becoming a devoted husband, father, and public servant, his journey is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for grace. 🙏❤️

How faith, not politics, transformed Gian Sotto's life

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How faith, not politics, transformed Gian Sotto's life

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 01, 2025 03:24 PM PHT

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Updated August 03, 2025 05:16 PM PHT

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