“The Voice USA” Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez III’s heartfelt performance of his winning piece, “A Million Dreams” at Malacañang yesterday brought President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos to tears.

During a conversation with the Filipino singer, Marcos said he almost declared a holiday last month following Vasquez’s victory in the popular competition.

“You are not just the first Filipino but first Asian (to win ‘The Voice USA’). That is a huge thing. That’s quite hard,” Marcos told Vasquez.

After watching Vasquez’s performance, Marcos said, “I will never sing again.”

The First Lady then told Marcos, “Promise?” to which he replied, “Never again.”

“If I cannot learn how to sing that way, I will not sing again,” Marcos, a known music lover, said.

Also present during Vasquez’s courtesy call was Marcos’ sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta.

Aside from his winning song, Vasquez also performed John Lennon’s “Imagine,” noting that the President is a fan of The Beatles.

“I’ve prepared and researched a bit that you are a Beatles fan and this is one of your favorite songs, sir,” Vasquez told the President.

Prior to singing a couple of songs, Vasquez sat down and talked with Marcos and the First Lady at the President’s Hall for several minutes, where the singer shared his personal story.

They also talked about his “The Voice” coach, Canadian singer and songwriter Michael Bublé, and his connection with Filipino fans.

Before concluding the ceremony, Vasquez had a photo opportunity with the first couple. – Helen Flores