Val Sotto

Valmar Castelo Sotto, better known as Val Sotto, is a Filipino actor, singer, composer, and comedian. He is best remembered as one of the lead vocalists of the iconic disco band VST & Company, a group that defined the Manila Sound era and brought disco to the Philippines in the late 1970s. With his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, Sotto helped the band achieve nationwide fame with hits like "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" and "Rock Baby Rock."

Beyond music, Sotto carved out a respected career in television, starring as the lead actor in the long-running series Agila from 1987 to 1992. He also served as a councilor in Parañaque City for nine years, showing a commitment to public service that matched his entertainment career. Today, at 81, he remains a beloved figure in Filipino pop culture, celebrated for his contributions to music, television, and politics. [edit]

Val Sotto was born into a family deeply rooted in Philippine public life. His father, Marcelino Antonio "Nonong" O. Sotto Sr., and mother, Herminia Castelo-Sotto, raised him and his siblings in Manila. He grew up as the eldest of four brothers, including future senator Tito Sotto, Marcelino Antonio "Maru" Sotto Jr., and actor Vic Sotto. The Sotto household was politically and culturally active, with Val's great-uncle, Filemon Sotto, and grandfather, Vicente Sotto, both having served as senators.

Music was a constant presence in the Sotto home. Val and his brothers sang together informally, developing a natural harmony that would later become their trademark. Val attended local schools in Manila, but details of his formal education remain private. Before joining VST & Company, he worked in various jobs, though none of them captured his passion the way music did. His early exposure to the entertainment industry through his family's connections and his own innate talent set the stage for his eventual breakthrough as a vocalist. [edit]

Val Sotto's big break came in 1978 when he became a lead vocalist for VST & Company, a band conceived by his brother Tito Sotto with help from Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. The group's debut single, "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko," exploded onto the scene, sparking "VST Mania" and making disco a household phenomenon in the Philippines. Between 1978 and 1980, the band released five studio albums, including their self-titled debut, which went gold. Songs like "Rock Baby Rock" and "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" became anthems for a generation, and Val's voice was central to their appeal.

After the band's initial success, Val expanded into acting. He landed the lead role in the television series Agila, which aired from 1987 to 1992 on RPN and ABS-CBN. The show, produced by TAPE Inc., showcased his dramatic range and made him a familiar face on Philippine television. Later, Val shifted to public service, serving as a councilor for the second district of Parañaque City from 2004 to 2013. His political career, though less publicized, reflected his commitment to community and his ability to connect with people beyond the stage. [edit]

Val Sotto is remembered as a charismatic performer who brought joy to Filipino audiences during the disco era. His role in VST & Company made him a symbol of the Manila Sound, and fans of a certain age still associate his voice with the carefree dancing of their youth. As a public figure, he was known for his warm, approachable demeanor, whether on stage, on screen, or in the political arena. His shift to local politics earned him respect as someone who genuinely cared about his community, and he remains a nostalgic figure for many Filipinos. [edit]

Val Sotto's enduring presence in Philippine pop culture stems less from a singular celebrity cult and more from his integral role within the VST & Company phenomenon that defined the Manila Sound. His fanbase is a broad, nostalgic community of enthusiasts who celebrate the band's catalog and the Sotto family dynasty rather than a structured entity dedicated solely to him. Unlike modern stars with designated clubs, Val's followers are united by the resurgence of 1970s Filipino disco and the collective memory of carefree dancing. These fans keep the legacy alive through digital streaming, sharing archival footage, and driving attendance to reunion concerts, such as the significant engagement seen during the 40th-anniversary celebration of their hit song "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko." While there are no recorded rituals or specific campaigns unique to Val alone, his participation in high-profile reunions with his brothers Vic and Tito serves as a direct validation of the band's historical significance, allowing audiences to relive the golden era of Filipino music. The mythology surrounding him is built on the timeless success of these anthems and the emotional resonance of recent comebacks where the surviving core members performed together decades after their peak. Despite this deep cultural footprint, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). Consequently, no numeric rank or score can be assigned to Val Sotto at this time.[edit]

Val Sotto is an uncle to actors Ciara Sotto, Danica Sotto-Pingris, and Oyo Sotto, as well as the late Miko Sotto. He shares the nickname "Wahoo" with his son Victor, who also serves as a councilor in Parañaque. Val and his wife Theresa have been married for over five decades, a rarity in the entertainment industry. He is also a great-nephew of former Senator Filemon Sotto and a grandson of Vicente Sotto, making his family's political legacy span generations. A legendary moment in his career involves the release of "Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko" in 1980, which became the definitive anthem of the Manila Sound and remains a cultural touchstone forty years later. Fans often retell the story of the band's formation in 1979 as a foundational myth, with Val cited as a key vocalist and guitarist alongside his brothers Vic and Tito. Another iconic event occurred in December 2022 when Val, Vic, and Tito performed together at a private party celebrating Tito's daughter Ciara, marking a powerful reunion of the surviving core members that reinforced the band's enduring legacy.[edit]

Val Sotto married Theresa Marco on December 14, 1969, and the couple has been together ever since. They have four children: Beverly, Valerie, Vanessa, and Victor, who is known as "Wahoo" and follows in his father's footsteps as a councilor in Parañaque. The family also includes seven grandchildren, making for lively gatherings. Val's parents, Marcelino Antonio "Nonong" O. Sotto Sr. and Herminia Castelo-Sotto, instilled in him the values of hard work and public service, which he carried into his own career. His brothers, Tito, Maru, and Vic, remain close, and the family's entertainment and political ties are a defining part of their identity. [edit]

Val Sotto is closely associated with his brothers Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto, both of whom were instrumental in forming VST & Company. He also worked alongside Spanky Rigor, a bandmate, and Joey de Leon, who contributed to the group's songwriting. His wife, Theresa Marco-Sotto, has been a constant presence in his life, and his son Victor continues his political legacy. [edit]

Val Sotto married Theresa Marco on December 14, 1969, in a ceremony that brought together two families. The couple has been together for over fifty years, a testament to their strong bond. They have four children: Beverly, Valerie, Vanessa, and Victor, and seven grandchildren. There are no public records of any other significant relationships, and Val has always been described as a devoted family man. As of 2026, he remains married to Theresa, and the couple continues to live in the Philippines. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Val Sotto's net worth at $5 Million, a figure reflecting his decades-long career in entertainment and public service. His primary income sources include music royalties from VST & Company's hits, which continue to be played at events and on streaming platforms, as well as residuals from his acting work on Agila. During his tenure as a councilor, he received a government salary, though that was modest compared to his entertainment earnings. His wealth has grown steadily over the years, thanks to wise investments and the enduring popularity of VST & Company's music, which has seen a revival among younger audiences nostalgic for the Manila Sound.[edit]