December 22, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — If all goes as planned, Sofronio Vasquez is returning to the Philippines this January 2025 for a short but sweet homecoming before diving back to work as “The Voice US” Season 26 champ.
After his inspiring journey as the first Asian and Filipino to win the globally popular singing search — an early Christmas gift to our music-loving nation, if we may add — the 32-year-old singer is excited to personally celebrate his victory with family, friends and supporters here.
“I got a slight confirmation that I will come home on Jan. 5,” Sofronio teased during Episode 0 of “Meet the Press,” a collab podcast powered by The Pod Network featuring seasoned talent manager Noel Ferrer (also of Pep), Marinel Cruz (Inquirer), Bobby Requintina (Manila Bulletin) and yours truly for The STAR.
“Sana magkaroon ng gathering for press or kung ano man. Gusto ko lang personally magpasalamat because, in one way or another, lahat ng interviews na nagawa ko for the past two months leading to the finale talagang nag-reach out sa lahat ng Filipino,” he said.
He’s also looking forward to meeting President Bongbong Marcos as he received word for a possible courtesy call in Malacanang. “Hopefully, matuloy because yeah, I got the communication na sana… I would just be grateful kung matuloy kasi paano mo ba i-ko-culminate yung panalo mo? Eh ‘di ba yung ma-meet yung president kasi yung napakalaking honor nun na i-recognize ka ng presidente.”
The 32-year-old Mindanaoan singer performs ‘The Greatest Showman’ theme song A Million Dreams during the finale.
He’s equally grateful for the recent Senate Resolution No. 1259 commending him on his “historic achievement.” He’s also aware of guest appearances being arranged for him across networks. “Alam mo, in all honesty, kinikilabutan ako everytime nababasa ko kasi weird lang ba na, ‘Totoo ba na nangyayari ‘to sakin?’”
Nevertheless, the first order of the day upon his return is definitely treating his family, especially his mom, to a celebratory meal.
Incidentally, right before the podcast, Sofronio related that he just got a call from his “The Voice” coach Michael Bublé.
He went on to share, “Actually, tumawag siya sakin kanina at niloloko ko si Michael Bublé, ‘Hey, I know that you released a song (Maybe This Christmas) for Christmas, and I found out that you had recently released a version of you singing with a Spanish singer.’ And I told him, ‘Why did you not do it with me? I’m Filipino.’
“And he was like, ‘Buddy, tell the world we’re doing it… Kung hindi man natin kaya this year, for the next year, gagawin talaga natin. Consider it approved.’ Sabi ko, nag-promise ka ha?
“It’s a newly released song… Sinulat niya yun dahil na-inspire siya doon sa mga tao na katulad ko daw na sobrang layo (from home) this Christmas. I’m so excited.”
Sofronio confirmed that his coach has been extending guidance beyond the show.
“After the show, I really thought it was over. Kumbaga, tapos na yung mission niya — naipapanalo na niya ako. But tinext niya ako ng biglaan na, ‘What’s next? What’s going on with you? Hindi pwedeng maputol ‘to. And hey buddy, this is not just a win for you, this is for everyone. So you have to work.’”
Such was Michael’s concern that even Noel received a direct message from the Canadian hitmaker, saying, “How can we help out the guy to become the star he is meant to be?”
Sofronio during his US press tour for NBC’s ‘California Live,’ ‘Access Hollywood’ and ‘Buzz’ shows.
This gesture appears to be an extension of Michael’s deep affinity with Pinoys.
Sofronio attested, “He really expressed his love and gratitude sa Filipinos. According to him, medyo matagal siyang nagkaroon ng break (in the industry), but because of his manager, they decided to visit Asia and the Philippines. Philippines was one of those first countries na nag-sold out ng show niya. Talagang iba yung pagmamahal niya sa mga Pinoy.”
Meanwhile, Sofronio, who moved to Utica, New York last year, knows the journey is far from over and that winning “The Voice” is just the beginning. It comes with exciting new opportunities, including signing with a record label and management contract. He also received prize money worth $100,000 or almost six million in Philippine pesos.
“Medyo nasa weird spot kami ngayon kasi nagbe-break yung mga tao, but their suggestion is to go back to work by the first week of January. Kaya sulitin ko muna yung pahinga ko,” he said.
Despite this newfound recognition, Sofronio remains humbled by the outpouring of support. “Kinikilabutan ako every time nababasa ko yung mga messages. Totoo ba na nangyayari ‘to sakin? Although I was hopeful na mangyayari ‘to, pero yung recognition, grabe, yung buhos ba, kaliwa’t-kanan.
“Talagang sinubukan ko lang kasi pero nabigay sakin. Kailangan ko i-remind yung sarili ko na nangyayari siya and I am super grateful.”
Sofronio talked more about his life before and after “The Voice” — from his musical roots in Mindanao to how the Filipino community in the US and OPM influences led him to victory — in his “most extensive” interview yet set for release on Dec. 28.
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