Helen Gamboa’s elegant birthday bash gathers stars and lifelong friends
MAY 7 MARKED THE ELEGANT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF HELEN GAMBOA, the beloved wife of senator Tito Sotto (a.k.a. Tito Sen) and the loving mother of MTRCB Chairperson Lala Sotto, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Apples Sotto and Ciara Sotto.
The intimate yet grand gathering was held at Finestra, the premier contemporary Italian restaurant at Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque, which provided a stunning, sophisticated backdrop for the night’s festivities.
Surrounded by a tight-knit circle of family and lifelong friends, Tita Helen was showered with an outpouring of warm wishes and affection. Renowned for her trademark graciousness, innate generosity and deeply loving nature, she made every single guest feel uniquely welcome throughout the enchanting evening.
Radiant and timelessly elegant, the celebrant turned heads in a stunning white cocktail dress specially crafted by her favorite fashion designer, Paul Cabral. Tita Helen warmly greeted her guests alongside Tito Sen, who, ever the consummate gentleman, lovingly accompanied his queen from table to table, exchanging laughter and fond memories with their guests.
Before the lavish dinner was served, Gian Sotto led the family in a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, joined closely by all of Tita Helen’s grandchildren. He prayed for continued blessings of good health, peace and longevity for his mother and the entire family. With Mother’s Day then just three days away, Gian also took a tender moment to express his profound gratitude for having a matriarch like Tita Helen — a loyal wife, devoted mother and doting grandmother who serves as the family’s anchor.
The buffet spread prepared by Finestra’s culinary team was nothing short of a gastronomic feast. Guests began their culinary journey with a rich, creamy lobster bisque, an artisanal assortment of freshly baked breads, premium cheeses, charcuterie and crisp salads. This was accompanied by a spectacular, ice-chilled seafood display brimming with lobsters, succulent oysters, mussels and prawns.
For the main course, the sumptuous menu featured perfectly prepared roast beef, crispy fried pork belly, garlic prawns, grilled salmon, roast chicken, a rich beef bourguignon and seasonal grilled vegetables. Attentive waiters also served freshly prepared specialty pizzas, handmade gnocchi and a velvety mushroom risotto directly to each table. Dessert was equally indulgent, featuring a decadent assortment of mini pastries, cakes and a classic tiramisu that perfectly capped off the superb meal.
Adding even more sparkle and star power to the joyous celebration was the presence of several of the country’s most notable personalities. Sharing a lively table were Megastar Sharon Cuneta and her husband, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, alongside former Senator Gringo Honasan and his lovely wife, Jane.
I also had the wonderful chance to catch up with my former boss, the iconic Charo Santos-Concio, who was seated with the legendary Boots Anson-Roa-Rodrigo. Boots excitedly shared the thrilling news that she would soon be launching her highly anticipated biography simply titled “Grateful.”
Longtime friends of the Sotto family, Tony and Mads Tuviera, were also present to toast the celebrant, together with Tito Sen’s famous siblings — Val, Maru and Vic Sotto, who arrived with his beautiful wife, Pauleen Luna-Sotto.
Of course, our beloved “Dabarkads” eating group was in full attendance to spread cheer, including Dolor Guevarra and her daughters Jaypee and Anes, June Rufino, Bechay Nakpil, Veana Fores, Roselle Monteverde, Eric Quizon, Law Tan, Gello Jamias and Maricel Soriano.
Throughout the evening, I also caught up with Wilma Galvante, Bibeth Orteza and Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, who were all smiles as they mingled with fellow showbiz luminaries in the beautifully lit dining room.
No celebration hosted by the ever-generous Tita Helen would ever be complete without her signature, thoughtful giveaways. As the memorable night came to a close, the ladies were gifted with a chic, native straw shoulder bag. Tucked inside was a beautiful floral apron, a rustic wooden spoon, and a notebook — a charming, deeply personal reflection of Tita Helen’s well-known passion for cooking and hosting. It was the perfect ending to a night dedicated to a woman who has spent her life nurturing those around her.
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