“Hindi Kapani-paniwala ang Buhay ni Julia Clarete Ngayon! Nakakagulat na Balita—Ang Unang Anak Niya Ay Anak Ni Vic Sotto…”

Eda Giselle Rosetta and Clarete, more popularly known as Julia Clarete, was born on September 24, 1979. She is a Filipina singer and actress in both theater and film. She was introduced as part of the fourth batch of Star Circle, now known as Star Magic, in 1996. Julia became a regular presence on Eat Bulaga, the country’s longest-running noontime show. Her biggest break came in 2005 when she became a member of the “Dabarkads.”

Julia first appeared on Eat Bulaga not as a host but as a contestant in a singing quiz segment. Eventually, she was given the opportunity to become one of the hosts. Her hosting style was known for being spontaneous and energetic—never a dull moment. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. From then on, Julia became a constant presence in Filipino households every lunchtime. According to her, the people on Eat Bulaga became like family

In 2016, Julia Clarete left Eat Bulaga to start a family of her own. The TV host-actress admitted it was difficult to leave, as the show had been her home for nearly 10 years. But she felt she had to do it, especially since she wanted to focus on a different path—something she couldn’t do while juggling her role on the show and her relationship with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Gareth McGeown, the CEO of a global soft drink company.

Their decision to “level up” in their relationship came as a surprise to many, especially since Julia disappeared from Eat Bulaga without saying goodbye. She later posted an apology on her Facebook page, explaining her sudden departure and sharing that she would now be living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with her longtime partner.

“Please pray for me to stand firm in my decision and be truly happy,” she wrote.

Julia denied rumors that she left Eat Bulaga because she was pregnant. She also clarified that she had no conflicts with anyone on the show. Her departure, she said, was done properly—with respect toward the management, colleagues, and staff of the country’s longest-running noontime program.

Another controversy linked to Julia was the rumor that she was the third party in the breakup of Sharon “Shara” Soto and Jojo Concepcion. However, it was Shara herself who cleared Julia’s name in the show Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

Julia also shared the story of how she met her husband Gareth McGeown, an Irish businessman. She revealed that a fellow Eat Bulaga host helped Gareth get her phone number. Gareth first met Julia at a golf event where she was invited as a special guest. Julia noticed Gareth looking at her intently, as if he had seen an extraordinarily beautiful creature. But since Julia wasn’t interested in foreigners, she ignored him at first.

Two weeks later, fellow Dabarkads host Pauline Luna-Sotto called Julia and asked if she could give her number to a guy from a soda company—possibly Scottish. Before Pauline, Gareth had already asked Drew Arellano, who was a friend of his, for help. Gareth and Drew became friends after meeting at another event.

It took four months before Julia and Gareth had their first date. On that date, Julia brought Gareth to a party hosted by Allan K. “We were just supposed to have dinner, but I was going to Allan’s party after, and since we were enjoying our conversation, I invited him to come,” she recalled.

That first date made Gareth realize Julia was special—natural, down-to-earth, and real. Gareth is currently the CEO of a major soft drink company operating in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei. He and Julia both share a love for adventure.

In 2017, Julia married Gareth at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Ireland. After stepping away from showbiz in 2016 to build her family in Malaysia, she returned to the screen in 2020 with a role in a TV5 series. Then, in 2023, she landed a lead role in a sitcom on Net 25.

As of now, Julia hasn’t made any clear statements on whether she’s back in the Philippines for good or planning to fully return to showbiz. What she does know for sure is that she’s currently happy with her loved ones.

For those asking whether Vic Sotto is the father of Julia Clarete’s eldest son, the answer is no. Her son, Sebastian, is from her previous partner, Stephen Uy—not Vic Sotto.

Today, Sebastian is already a young adult. Julia recently posted on Instagram about a date night with her son, and many netizens were surprised to learn that she already has a teenage child—saying the two look more like siblings. Since Julia never had another child after Sebastian, the two are extremely close. Julia values their bonding moments, especially now that Sebastian is a teen with his own circle of friends.

In another IG post, Julia proudly showed off Sebastian performing with his band at his school, International School Manila. It seems Sebastian inherited Julia’s musical talent—she herself was once in a band.

In November last year, Julia was seen performing alongside her son Sebastian in a benefit show for a friend. The concert, titled Revolution: A Benefit Gig Series, was held at 70s Bistro Bar in Anonas, Quezon City.