On the evening of April 6, 2025, the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, Philippines, transformed into a dazzling hub of glamour and celebration as it hosted the ABS-CBN Ball 2025. Among the constellation of stars gracing the event was Sofronio Vasquez, the Filipino singer who made history as the first Asian male winner of The Voice USA Season 26. The event, themed “Brighter Together,” brought together some of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment, including industry luminaries like Charo Santos-Concio, Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Martin Nievera. Vasquez’s presence at the ball, as noted in a post on his official Facebook page, marked a significant moment in his meteoric rise, showcasing his journey from a small-town crooner to an international sensation.
A Star-Studded Evening at Solaire Resort North
The ABS-CBN Ball, originally launched as the Star Magic Ball in 2006, has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the Philippine entertainment industry. Since its rebranding in 2018, the ball has become an all-inclusive celebration, welcoming artists from various management groups and even rival networks like GMA-7. This year’s event, held at the luxurious Solaire Resort North, was no exception, drawing a mix of A-list celebrities, up-and-coming stars, and media executives. The theme “Brighter Together” set the tone for a night of unity, romance, and fashion, with attendees showcasing stunning ensembles that lit up the red carpet.
Sofronio Vasquez’s attendance at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 was a highlight of the evening, as he joined a roster of high-profile figures, including Charo Santos-Concio, a veteran actress and former ABS-CBN president, Annette Gozon-Valdes, Senior Vice President of GMA Network, and Martin Nievera, the “Concert King” of the Philippines. A post on Vasquez’s Facebook page captured the moment, showing him alongside these luminaries, a testament to his growing influence in the industry. The event also featured standout couples like Coco Martin and Julia Montes, as well as GMA-7 stars such as Michelle Dee and Heart Evangelista, who walked the red carpet in a show of cross-network collaboration.
Sofronio Vasquez: From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom
Sofronio Parojinog Vasquez III, born on November 9, 1992, in Misamis Occidental, Philippines, has become a symbol of resilience and talent. Growing up in what he described as “the slums” of Mindanao, Vasquez faced financial hardships alongside his family of five, who lived in a one-room home. Despite these challenges, music was a constant source of joy, with Vasquez crediting his father, Oniol Vasquez, as his first coach and inspiration. “Music has been forever in our lives, like, every day, music, karaoke,” he shared in an interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch in December 2024.
Initially pursuing a practical career path, Vasquez studied dentistry and worked as a dental hygienist. However, the death of his father in June 2018 became a turning point, inspiring him to chase his dream of becoming a professional singer. He began performing on the Carnival Cruise Line and competing in singing competitions, including the second season of Tawag ng Tanghalan on ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime in 2017, where he finished as a finalist. He later returned for the all-star spin-off in 2019, placing third, and even served as a vocal coach for the program.
In 2023, Vasquez moved to Utica, New York, to work as a dental assistant while continuing to pursue his musical ambitions. His big break came in 2024 when he auditioned for The Voice USA Season 26. His blind audition performance of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” earned a four-chair turn from coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Gwen Stefani, with Bublé ultimately becoming his mentor. Vasquez’s journey on the show culminated in a historic win on December 10, 2024, making him the first Filipino and first male Asian champion in the show’s 26 seasons. He walked away with a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.
A Triumphant Return to the Philippines
Following his victory, Vasquez returned to the Philippines in January 2025, where he was met with a hero’s welcome. On January 8, he paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace, performing for the president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The Philippine Senate also honored him with Resolution No. 1259, recognizing his achievement as a source of national pride. Vasquez’s homecoming included appearances on ASAP and It’s Showtime, where he performed alongside Filipino music icons like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, and served as a special judge for the Tawag ng Tanghalan grand finale.
In February 2025, Vasquez signed an exclusive contract with Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, during a ceremony attended by key executives like Cory Vidanes and Laurenti Dyogi. He performed “A Million Dreams” at the event, which took place at the same venue where he had competed in Tawag ng Tanghalan years earlier. Vasquez also announced his 2025 concert tour, which includes stops in North America, Australia, and the UAE, with dates such as March 15 in San Francisco, July 19 in New York City, and May 24 in Dubai.
The ABS-CBN Ball 2025: A Milestone Moment
Vasquez’s appearance at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 was a milestone in his journey, marking his integration into the upper echelons of Philippine entertainment. Standing alongside industry giants like Charo Santos-Concio, Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Martin Nievera, Vasquez represented the new generation of Filipino talent making waves on the global stage. Nievera, who had previously mentored Vasquez before his final The Voice performance, had told him that he carried “over a million dreams” with him, a sentiment that resonated deeply as Vasquez took the red carpet.
The ball was not just a celebration of glamour but also a charity event benefiting the ABS-CBN Foundation, with proceeds supporting various community initiatives. Vasquez’s presence underscored the event’s theme of unity, as his story of perseverance and triumph inspired attendees and fans alike. His journey from a small-town crooner to an international showstopper, as highlighted in an ABS-CBN Lifestyle feature, has made him a beacon of hope for aspiring Filipino artists.
Conclusion: A Star on the Rise
As Sofronio Vasquez stood on the red carpet at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025, he embodied the theme “Brighter Together,” shining as a symbol of what Filipino talent can achieve on a global stage. His encounter with Charo Santos-Concio, Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Martin Nievera was more than a photo opportunity—it was a moment of recognition for a young man who has overcome immense odds to make his mark. With a world tour on the horizon, a television drama special in the works, and endorsements from notable brands, Vasquez’s star is only set to rise higher. For the millions of Filipinos who see themselves in his story, Vasquez’s journey is a reminder that dreams, no matter how big, are within reach when fueled by talent, hard work, and a heart full of hope.
