Sofronio Vasquez III with President Bongbong Marcos. Image from Vasquez’s Instagram
Sofronio Vasquez III, the first male Asian and the first Filipino winner of “The Voice USA” Season 26, transformed Malacañang into a concert hall during his courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old singer performed one of Marcos’ favorite song—”Imagine” by John Lennon, and his winning piece, “A Million Dreams,” from the film “The Greatest Showman,” which also left First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos teary-eyed.
READ: Sofronio Vasquez returns to PH after historic ‘The Voice USA’ win
In their meeting, Vasquez, Marcos, and the First Lady shared a lighthearted discussion about the singer’s victory on the international stage.
Sofronio Vasquez with Pres. Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos. Image from Noel B. Pabalate / PPA Pool) po ang credits ng photos
“Kaunti nalang gagawin na naming national holiday ‘yung pagkapanalo mo,” the president said jokingly.
(We’re close to making your victory a national holiday.)
In an ambush interview after the courtesy call, Vasquez vowed to remain humble despite his enormous success.
“Wala akong rason na nakikita na magkaroon ng yabang, yung ibang side na yabang. Siguro yabang na nanalo tayo, but yung sa pagkatao ko, I don’t think na magiging maganda siyang ugali kasi I was just once a dreamer,” he said.
(I don’t see any reason for arrogance from the other side. Maybe pride because we won, but in terms of my character, I don’t think it would be a good trait because I was once just a dreamer.)
“Ilang beses akong nag-fail, but my heart is just overwhelmed na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon. Sobrang natutuwa ako kasi napansin pala ‘yun ang ating President and he even took time to watch my video,” he also said.
(I failed many times, but my heart is just overwhelmed that I was given a chance. I’m so happy because our President noticed it and even took the time to watch my video.)
Vasquez was part of the team of renowned singer-songwriter Michael Buble, who mentored him in the course of the competition. He won a US$100,000 or P5.8 million cash prize and a record deal with Universal Music Group.
Vasquez also previously joined “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in It’s Showtime, where he reached the semifinals.