Helen Gamboa
Helen Albent Gamboa-Sotto (born May 7, 1945) is a Filipina actress, singer, dancer and former beauty queen of Spanish-American descent.[2]
Helen Gamboa-Sotto | |
|---|---|
| Born | Helen Albent Gamboa May 7, 1945 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1954–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 4 (including Gian and Ciara) |
| Parent(s) | Domingo Ponce Gamboa Eusebia Pangilinan Albent |
| Relatives | Vic Sotto (brother-in-law) Val Sotto (brother-in-law) Vico Sotto (nephew-in-law) Oyo Sotto (nephew-in-law) Pablo Cuneta (brother-in-law) Sharon Cuneta (niece) KC Concepcion (grandniece) |
Personal life
Gamboa was born Helen Albent Gamboa at 6:35 PM on May 7, 1945 at Maternity and Children's Hospital (now Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital) in Santa Cruz, Manila. Her parents are Domingo Ponce Gamboa (born October 13, 1908 in Santa Ana, Pampanga - died June 12, 1987)[3] and Eusebia Pangilinan Albent (born November 28, 1914 in Angeles, Pampanga - died January 21, 1986).[4] She also the sister of Elaine Gamboa (mother of Sharon Cuneta).[1][5]
Gamboa is married to Senator Vicente "Tito" Sotto III an actor, comedian, TV host and politician. They have four children: Romina, Diorella Maria, Gian Carlo and Ciara; eight grandsons: Romino Vicente, Victorio, Vicente IV, Carlos Edrigu, Alessandro Jose, Marciano, Juan Rossano, and Vincenzo Jose; and two granddaughters: Helena and Amaria Jiliana.[5][6]
In the 2016 elections, her son Gian Carlo was elected councilor of Quezon City's 3rd District, who was later elected as the vice mayor of the city in the 2019 elections, while her daughter Diorella Maria "Lala" was elected in the 6th District of the same city.[7]
Career
1960s: Early works
Gamboa became a runner-up to Cynthia Ugalde by a point in the Miss Press Photography of the Philippines contest in 1961.
In the late 1960s, Gamboa was given the title "Dancing Queen" of Philippine cinema and TV musicals; this title was given to her prior to the popularity of the ABBA song with the same title, the title having been given eight years before the Swedish rock band's song was released in 1976.
2001–2017: Breakthrough
Gamboa made a brief TV comeback through the ABS-CBN Primetime TV series Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan in 2001-2003, playing the role of Nelia Santos.
In 2009, Gamboa made her official comeback to Philippine primetime television in ABS-CBN network's Tayong Dalawa, where her son Gian also appeared. This marked Gamboa's 2nd Primetime TV series and comeback where she portrayed the antagonist Elizabeth Martinez in the TV series; the series also became a successful international phenomenon and featured a strong cast of award-winning actors from three generations of television, film, theater actors, some of whom came from appearances in internationally acclaimed indie films.[8]
In 2012, after a two-year hiatus, Gamboa played Margaret Montenegro in the highly acclaimed and most-watched program Walang Hanggan, featuring another ensemble cast where she was reunited with her Tayong Dalawa co-star Coco Martin who led the series. Gamboa's role was a main role in the series, Margaret Montenegro being the series' main antagonist.
On October 21, 2012, Gamboa showed her knowledge of the dance "Gangnam Style" in her performance in the Walang Hanggang Pasasalamat Concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
2017–2019: Return to GMA
In 2017, she finally returned to GMA Network after twenty-one years and starred as Lolita Honorio in Super Ma'am, which is also her television comeback. She was supposed to play Liza Lorena's role in a past GMA drama, Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas, back in 2013 after signing an exclusive contract but dropped out for health reasons.
2019–present: Return to ABS-CBN
Gamboa-Sotto returned to ABS-CBN for Kahit Minsan Lang but the series was cancelled before it could start filming because of restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Gamboa was supposed to be part of Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin but dropped out and Gina Pareno replaced her said role.
Discography
Albums
- Helen Gamboa Sings Together Again (Jonal Records, released in March 1967)
- La Gamboa (Vicor Records, released in 1969)
- Bunny Chanel (RCA Victor International/WEA, released in 1979 under the name "Bunny Chanel")
- Bunny Chanel 2 (RCA Victor International/WEA, released in 1980 under the name "Bunny Chanel")
Singles
1966
- Gone / Band of Gold (debut single)
- What They Have Done to the Rain? / He'll Come Back to Me (with JA and The Jitterbugs)
- Strangers in the Night / The Impossible Dream
- Just Say Goodbye / I Can't Remember Ever Loving You
- The Thirty-First of June / It's Not Unusual
- I Love You / No Other Love
- A Groovy Kind of Love / Forever with You (with JA and The Jitterbugs)
- Soul Time / In the Midnight Hour
- The In Crowd /
- Michael (Row the Boat Ashore) /
1967
- Somethin' Stupid / Summer Wine (duet with Gilbert Gamboa)
- Two of Us / Till We Meet Again / Whispering Hope (duet with Louie Levant)
- This Is My Song / Color My World
- Together Again / Cast Your Fate to the Wind
- All I See Is You / All Cried Out
- Oh, Oh What A Kiss / Wednesday's Child
- Only You (Can Break My Heart) / Time Alone Will Tell
- Uptight / Single Girl (with JA and The Jitterbugs)
- Please Don't Go / Cherish
- Shing-A-Ling Time / Somebody to Love
1968
- Ain't No Mountain High Enough / Two Can Have a Party (with The Tilt-Down Men)
- I'm Coming Home / Kiss Me Goodbye
- After You / Why Can't I Remember to Forget You
- Don't Give Up / Everytime I See a Rainbow
- It's a Happening World / Shoot Your Shot
- Bang-Shang-A-Lang / Shotgun
- Son of a Preacher Man /
1969
- The Fool On The Hill / The Horse (Love is All Right)
- Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da / Harper Valley PTA
- Mississippi Delta / The Glory of Love
- I'm a Tiger / Every Day I Have to Cry Some
- This Girl's in Love with You / Where Is Tomorrow
- Those Were the Days / Stay Away from Love
- Bitter Memories / Our Day Will Come
- Boom Bang-A-Bang / The Windmills of Your Mind
- Put a Little Love in Your Heart /
1970
- Evil Ways / Great Big Bundle of Love
- If Ever You Go / Put A Smile on Your Face
- Do the Popcorn / Both Sides Now
1973
- Anytime of the Year / It's a Crying Shame
- A Cowboy's Work Is Never Done / Betcha By Golly, Wow
- Put Your Hand in the Hand / Rose Garden
- Do Me / Somebody Waiting
- Love a Little Longer / Rock and Roll Lullaby
1974
- Doctor's Orders / Only Yesterday
- Please, Mr. Postman / My Melody of Love
- Head Over Heels / Leave a Little Room
Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Type of Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Kahit Minsan Lang (cancelled) | N/A | Supporting role | Kapamilya Channel |
| 2017 | From Helen's Kitchen | Herself | Host | Colours |
| Super Ma'am | Lolita Honorio | Main Role | GMA Network | |
| 2012 | Walang Hanggan | Doña Margaret "Mamo" Cruz-Montenegro | Supporting role / Main Antagonist | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Parol | Maring | Episode guest | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Diploma | Rose | Episode guest | ||
| 2009 | Tayong Dalawa | Elizabeth "Mamita" Martinez† | Supporting role / Semi Antagonist | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya: Mesa | Linda | Episode guest | ||
| 2001–2003 | Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan | Nelia Santos | Supporting role | |
| 1992–1994 | Heart to Heart with Helen | Herself | Lead hostess | |
| 1991 | Luv Ko Si Kris | Herself | Guest appearance | ABS-CBN |
| 1981–1996 | Lovingly Yours, Helen | Herself | Hostess | GMA Network |
| 1979 | Eat Bulaga! | Herself / Hostess | Guest appearance | RPN-9 |
| C.U.T.E. | Herself | |||
| 1974–1977 | Friends | |||
| 1966 | Helen | Herself | Lead hostess | ABC |
Movies
- Etiquette for Mistresses (2015) as Conchita San Diego
- Segunda Mano (2011) as Adela Domingo
- Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love (2009)
- Bagong Bayani (1995) as Flor Contemplacion
- Umiyak Pati Langit (1991)
- Oras-oras, Araw-araw (1989)
- Kailan Mahuhugasan ang Kasalanan? (1989) as Adora Meneses
- Hot Summer (1989)
- Mama Said Papa Said I Love You (1985)
- Give Me Five! (1984)
- Angelita, Ako ang Iyong Ina Part II (1982)
- Angelita... Ako ang Iyong Ina (1980) as Janet
- Roberta (1979)
- Feliciano (1978)
- Mga Mata Ni Angelita (1978) as Janet - Gonzalo's Daughter
- Kapitan Kulas (1975)
- Darna and the Giants (1974) as X3X
- Biktima (1974) as Nurse
- Sarhento Fofonggay... A, ewan! (1974)
- Ako'y Tao, May Dugo at Lamán (1970) as Luisa
- Love Is for the Two of Us (1970)
- Banda 24 (1969)
- Matimbang ang Dugo sa Tubig (1969)
- Ngitngit ng Pitong Whistle Bomb (1968) as Nerissa
- Bang-Shang-A-Lang (1968)
- Boogaloo (1968)
- Kailanma'y 'Di Ka Mag-iisa (1968)
- Let's Go Hippie (1968)
- May I Go Out (1968)
- O Kaka, O Kaka (1968)
- Operation: Discothèque (1968)
- Otra Vez, Señorita (1968)
- Like Father, Like Son: Kung Ano ang Punò Siya ang Bunga (1967)
- Target: The A-Go-Go Generation (1967)
- Yesterday (1967)
- Palos: Counterspy (1966)
- Baril sa Aking Kamay (1966)
- Doble Trece (1966)
- Stranger in the Night (1966)
- Guillermo Bravado (1965)
- Dolpinger (1965)
- Misyong Mapanganib (1965)
- DJ Dance Time (1964)
- Let's Go (1964)
- The Nite Owl (Dance Party) (1964)
- Gorio... Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas (1963)
- Hugo, the Sidewalk Vendor (1962)
- Gorio and His Jeepney (1962)
- Sakay and Moy (1962)
- Walang Pagkalupig (1962)
- Palanca (1960)
- Maalaala Mo Kaya (1954)
Awards
| Year | Award Giving Body | Category | Nominated Work | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Awit Awards | Female Recording Artist of the Year | N/A | Won |
References
- "FamilySearch".
- "Ratings and Reviews for New Movies and TV Shows". IMDb. Archived from the original on June 21, 2014.
- "Domingo Ponce Gamboa". December 2, 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
- "Eusebia Pangilinan Gamboa". December 2, 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
- "Kapamilya Tree: The Sotto Family". ABS-CBN.com. ABS-CBN. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- "Vicente C. Sotto III". senate.gov.ph. Senate of the Philippines. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
- Ligunas, Mary Louise (May 17, 2016). "The Sotto clan celebrates five election winners". GMA News. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- "'Tayong Dalawa' premieres on January 19". ABS-CBN Interactive. January 8, 2009. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
External links
- Helen Gamboa at IMDb