After decades of making Filipinos laugh on TV and in film, Vic Sotto is taking on a different kind of role—one that pays tribute to the millions of overseas Filipino workers he now calls the real “bosses.”
The seasoned actor, television host, and comedian was officially introduced as the first celebrity ambassador of the Tindahan ni Bossing mobile app during a launch event held on June 3 at Alabang Country Club.
While it’s not unusual for Sotto to endorse brands, this one hit differently.
“This is the first time I said yes without thinking twice,” Sotto said. “There’s public service here. There’s a shared heart. This is something that can really help OFWs and their families.”
Sotto, who has long carried the nickname “Bossing” from his sitcom and variety show stints, turned the title over to overseas workers, saying their strength and sacrifice make them more deserving of the term.
He spoke candidly about the many OFWs he has met throughout his career and how their stories have stayed with him.
He recalled conversations with returning migrant workers who shared how difficult it was to be away from home but felt they had no choice.
“They didn’t want to leave, but they had to,” he said. “For their children. For their families. And many of them go through things we can’t even imagine, in countries with different cultures and hardships.”
PLDT Global, the company behind the app, said Sotto was a natural choice for the role, not just because of his popularity, but because of what he represents to Filipinos both at home and abroad.
“He brings joy, he brings comfort, and he’s someone people trust,” said PLDT Global president and CEO Albert Villa-Real. “We believe he can help us connect with Filipinos in a meaningful way, especially those far from home.”
The app enables overseas users to send essentials such as money, prepaid loads, bill payments, and digital vouchers to their families in the Philippines.
Villa-Real said the team spent time learning the behavior and needs of overseas Filipinos to ensure the platform is both accessible and relevant.
Now in his 70s, Sotto shows no signs of slowing down. While he joked about aging like wine, he also made it clear that projects with purpose now carry more weight.
“In my own little way, I know this can help our fellow Filipinos abroad,” he said.
