Leah Salterio

Vic: ‘I leave everything to God’

January 15, 2025 Leah C. Salterio 80 views
Vic
Vic Sotto with Sante Barley executives

BARELY a month after he did his first-ever dramatic role in director Michael Tuviera’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “The Kingdom,” comedian-TV host Vic Sotto still couldn’t believe that he actually did serious drama for the first time on the big screen.

“After watching the finished product of ‘The Kingdom,’ I would say that I’m very proud of it,” Vic said. “I’m very happy to be part of that film. At the start, kabado ako. Will the public accept me for this new and serious role? Then mamamatay pa ako.

“After viewing the film, sulit lahat ng pagod namin sa paggawa ng pelikula. For so many months, I was in front of the mirror looking at my image as a king. I was memorizing my lines. I looked at my costars and they gave their all for their roles.”

Vic is thankful all these years to the support of his family, his friends in the business, friends in showbiz who continue to support him, like Sir Joey (Marcelo) for trusting Vic with endorsing his product, Sante Barley.”

Since last year, while he was even doing ‘The Kingdom,” Vic has taken Sante Barley. The vitamin supplement has helped him not just physically but mentally to be constantly in condition.

Vic attributes it to clean living that’s why he still managed to be around even at this time after nearly five decades in the business.

“Do not step on other people’s toes,” he said. “Huwag kang manira, huwag kang maangas. Stay humble. Humility is an important word to me. Stay relaxed.”

Admittedly, the 70-year-old star is not getting any younger. “Matagal akong nagpahinga sa pelikula before I did ‘The Kingdom’,” said Vic. “I know how tedious and draining to make a movie. It drains your energy emotionally and physically.

“Making a movie takes so much of your time. We want to raise the quality of the Filipino films that we make. We want to be really professional. We need to be constantly conscious of certain number of blockings, throwing of lines, doing the angles in doing the shots. It’s no joke to do all that.”

His constant source of joy are his children, not just the two young ones – Tali and Mochi – but even Danica and husband Mark Pingis, Oyo Boy and wife Kristine Hermosa, Vico, Paulina.

“Every once in a while, we go out for dinner, catching up,” Vic offered. “We do that regularly.”

Vic, who is known for his strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, enduring connection to fans of all ages and dynamic onscreen presence, is the perfect face for a brand that’s all about promoting a better quality of life.

He was recently introduced as the latest brand ambassador of Sante Barley, a leading global provider of organic health and wellness products. Santé has built its reputation as a trusted name in health and wellness.

“More than just endorsing Sante Barley, he has been an inspiration to the Sante family globally,” Joey emphasized.

Vic’s partnership with Sante Barley will also feature him in a series of campaigns, including TV commercials, digital content and live events designed to educate Filipinos about the importance of organic health products.

“Vic’s ability to connect with people and his genuine approach to wellness make him the perfect partner for Santé,” added Sante CEO Joey Marcelo. “We’re excited to see how this collaboration will inspire Filipinos to make health and wellness a priority.

“We want Sante Barley to be part of the 50th anniversary of “Eat Bulaga,” Joey added. “We are looking at a bigger partnership with Bossing in the years to come. We are looking at a stronger partnership. Whenever we do partnership, we want it long term.

“I know Bossing is inspiring OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) in Hong Kong, Dubai. When you hear the stories of our kababayans abroad, malulungkot ka. We want to inspire our OFWs to create something big, create something huge so they can eventually return home and be with their family.

“We know Bossing can really help us a lot to inspire OFWs. They are so far away from us. The least that we can do is to show them that there is really hope while you’re alive.”

Vic has been a prominent fixture in the Philippine showbiz scene since the 1970s. As an original host of the long-running noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” alongside his brother Tito Sotto and Joey de Leon, Vic has been a household name for decades.

His extensive filmography features lead roles in sitcoms and iconic comedy and fantasy films, such as “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote” (2010), “Enteng ng Ina Mo” (2011) and “Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako” (2012).

Last December, Vic took on his first real dramatic role in the 2024 film, “The Kingdom,” a project that explores an alternate history of the Philippines had it not been colonized, marking a significant departure from his usual comedic repertoire.

He is open to do another drama in the future. “Or it can be drama with touches of comedy,” he said. “I’ve proven that I can do drama. We can do another one.”

In staying constantly cool and calm, Vic attributes it to taking care of his mental health. “Trust in God, he said. “With God on your side, you can easily ignore those stress and trials, tanggal lahat ‘yan.”

He is leaving everything to God, whatever problems or trials that he is facing. “With God on your side, wala ang mga stress na ‘yan,” Vic said.

“Kayang kaya mo ang mga pagsubok, whatever it is. As long as you trust God, tanggal lahat ng trials mo.”

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