NEWSFLASH

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CIARA SOTTO FOLLOWS COUSIN SHARON'S FOOTSTEPS

Manila, Nov. 24, 1997 - A standout on GMA Channel 7's Saturday show T.G.I.S. is probably the only Sharon Cuneta fan who was glad to see the Megastar leave for an extended stay in the United States.

Ciara Sotto, Sharon's first cousin, firmly believes that God allowed Sharon to leave "so that I could be independent."

Ciara's mom is Helen Gamboa, beauty queen sister of Mrs. Elaine Cuneta. Growing up in a family of stars was tough, because she was always in the shadow of her more popular elders. Mom Helen was Miss Press Photography and a successful movie star, dad Vicente Sotto is not only a Senator of the Republic, he's also one of the most popular TV hosts. Aunt Mina Aragon, who died last year, was a movie star and boss of Viva Films. And of course there's first cousin Sharon, the brightest star in the family and in the world of show business.

Ciara joined a Repertory Philippines workshop, then participated in a play produced by the Ateneo New Repertory.

She has launched her first album which carries her first hit song "Dalagita" and is now preparing to record her second album. Just like her cousin Sharon, who started her brilliant career by recording songs.

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