SENATOR Imee Marcos recently filed a resolution 1259 congratulating and commending Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez III for winning the 26th season of The Voice in the US and for bringing pride and honor to the country.

The Philippines, on multiple occasions, has given recognition and praise to exceptional Filipinos for their remarkable achievements, unparalleled talents and unyielding efforts that bring pride, joy and honor to the nation.

On December 10, Sofronio Vasquez III, a 32-year-old Filipino from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, won the 26th Season of The Voice USA.

Representing Team Michael Bublé, a first-time coach in The Voice, Vasquez secured majority of America’s votes during the said finale and clinched the title, a $100,000 cash prize and a coveted record deal.

Vasquez’s journey to success was anything but ordinary. He was born in Mindanao and initially pursued a career in dentistry, studying at Misamis University. However, in 2022, when his father passed away, he reignited his musical aspirations.

Vasquez, thereafter, relocated to Utica, New York, juggling dental assistant work while sharpening his vocal skills.

Before his success in the US, Vasquez had already made waves in the Philippines in 2018, on It’s Showtime segment, Tawag ng Tanghalan.

In 2019, Vasquez returned in the All-Star Grand Resbak, reclaiming the stage with Kelly Clarkson’s My Grown-Up Christmas List and finished third.

Vasquez got his second chance at a music career in the United States when he was greenlighted through to The Voice USA Blind Auditions.

From his audition which got all four coaches to turn for him – Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and first-time coach Michael Bublé – Vasquez , who eventually chose to go with Bublé, soared through his performances.

He rendered his finale duet with his coach, the Roy Orbison ballad Crying, Sia’s Unstoppable and A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Vasquez is the first Asian and Filipino winner of The Voice USA. Not only people in the Philippines, but as well as those in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and China rooted for him, making his win, truly an international event.

The journey of Vasquez stands as a powerful example of how one’s talent and determination can ultimately lead to success.

Despite having been rejected many times and going through difficult adversities in life, Vasquez used these to turn the chair around which got him the best redemption anyone could ever imagine.

Vasquez’s outstanding performance and historic victory will serve as an inspiration and beacon of hope not just for the Filipino singers but for the entire nation, as well.

Now, therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved congratulating and commending Sofronio Vasquez for winning the 26th Season of The Voice USA and for bringing pride, joy and honor to the country.

If all goes well as planned, Vasquez is set to return to the country this January to celebrate his victorious homecoming, no matter how briefly, before he emerges into his busy schedule as winner of the competition.

In the US, Vasquez already made the rounds of TV guestings after his inspiring journey. The 32-year-old singer is looking forward to celebrate his singing victory with friends, family and supporters who rooted for him to win.

Vasquez is excited to share his winning moment with his family, who can’t wait to see him. Apparently, his victorious musical journey has yet to officially start yet.

Vasquez is expected to pay a courtesy call to President Bongbong Marcos, a great honor for him to be recognized and acknowledged by the president.

Vasquez is likewise expected to grace local TV networks where he will do guest appearances after his victory in the US.

The singer from Misamis remains humbled with the outpouring of support after winning The Voice. He is constantly overwhelmed with the outpouring of support given by Filipinos from all over the world.

He is also looking forward to rest after his journey in joining The Voice, his packed schedule of guestings and appearances and his victorious return to the Philippines.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio