Sofronio Vasquez, as photographed by Dix Perez

Sofronio Vasquez’s journey towards his dreams was not smooth-sailing. He faced many challenges and received painful comments before he became the first Filipino and Asian to win The Voice US. In a way, those bitter memories made his success even sweeter. And because he turned the pain into a powerful driving force, he emerged on top.

“Habang I was doing the blind auditions,“ Sofronio began explaining one of the painful things he realized during The Voice. “Kasi I think it’s painful for not just me, but also painful for the Filipinos in history na we are always given the chance to be on stage kaso mukhang hindi naman ipapanalo ’yan… bait ’yung Filipino na magaling, ganyan-ganyan. At the finals itself, ilalaglag din. It was really painful reading it kasi nakakalungkot siya na talagang ’yung Filipinos na-submerge na du’n sa idea na ’Oo nga, talagang ilalaglag na tayo.’”

But, despite people’s doubts, Sofronio continued working his way up to reach his dreams and even gained fans who stood by him no matter what.

“But I really think that I handled it very well,” he added. “Because kung may mga taong nagiging negative in a way, talagang may mga lumalaban din… So, hindi na ako nag-iisa.”

Even after winning the title, Sofronio still isn’t spared from receiving hateful comments; people would ask why he returned to the Philippines when he can have all the glamour and recognition of being an international artist. He commented on this while being grateful during his contract signing with the Star Magic management. He shared, “I’m just super blessed to be given this opportunity. I always say this sa lahat ng interviews ko, it has been my dream to just be recognized. And now, given the recognition, I am sitting with the VIPs, the bosses of ABS-CBN.”

The bosses of ABS-CBN, including COO for Broadcast Cory V. Vidanes, also thanked Sofronio and assured him there’s more for him in the industry. ABS-CBN’s Head of TV Production and Star Magic Head, Director Laurenti Dyogi, said, “I’d like you to know na sobrang importante ’yung pagkapanalo mo, ’yung pagiging recognized mo bilang unang Asyano at bilang unang Pilipino sa entablado sa Amerika.”

He added, ”It was the dream of every Filipino artist to prove to the world continuously na mahusay ang mang-aawit na Pilipino. At maraming salamat dahil ikaw ang bagong simbolo ng mga pangarap na iyon. And I know in our hearts na nakita rin namin, umuwi ka dito, p’wede ka naman na manatili doon, but you opted also to be coming here, to be sharing your victory, to be celebrating with your countrymen.”

ABS-CBN’s Business Unit Head and the Head of Polaris management, Reiley Santiago, also shared a message with Sofronio: “We know you deserve all the love that you are receiving. So that’s why we’re celebrating this event for you. We knew for many years, with TNT [Tawag Ng Tanghalan] and It’s Showtime, we knew you had the skills, the heart, the mindset, and that it’s just a matter of time na ma-recognize ng buong mundo ’yung talento mo. So, you are proof that what we do here every day, looking for raw Filipino talent and lifting it up will always pay off. Because now, because of you, we can remind everyone that the Filipino voice is world-class and worthy of being heard.”

Having showcased world-class Pinoy talent, he’s off to more opportunities here and abroad. He’s in the process of preparing for his international tour. He shared that he’ll be flying to Los Angeles, California on March 8 and will open and close the Manila International Film Festival; during which event, he will also share the stage with Grammy Awards nominee, Deborah Cox, in one of his performances.

On Sofronio: Suit by Griffin Malazarte

His tour will continue on March 15 at the Bal Theatre in San Francisco, California; March 29 at Hiram Johnson Auditorium in Sacramento, California; April 25 at Petrus Hall in Winnipeg, Canada; May 2 at Rajveer Hall in Calgary, Canada; May 4 at Riverside Hall in Vancouver, Canada; May 24 at the World Trade Center in Dubai, UAE; June 14 at The Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York; July 19 at The Townhall in New York City; July 25 at the Sydney Coliseum in Sydney, Australia; July 26 at Melbourne, Australia (exact venue to be announced); with many more shows to be announced.

This series of shows could take a toll on his voice and his well-being. So, we asked him about his pre-show routine, and he said, “I am a testament na dapat nag-vocalize ’yung singer and dapat nagha-hydrate. Whether it’s cold water or lukewarm water, basta hydrate lang talaga… [I watch] motivational videos. And it’s really weird na ’yung motivational videos ko are the vlogs from the Filipinos who are vloggers in the Philippines, whether it’s a comedian or not. Kumbaga, I just feel home every time na nakikita ko na nagkukulitan ’yung mga Pinoy.”

The Voice US Season 26 winner Sofronio Vasquez is further proof that Filipinos can succeed on the global stage. He’s still got a million dreams, and he’s unstoppable. Now, everyone’s excited to see what more he will achieve as the “Filipino Phenom.”

Photography by Dix Perez

Creative direction by Chookie Cruz

Sittings editor: Grace Libero-Cruz

Styling by Macky Combe

Fashion coordination: Aida Patana

Grooming by Peps Silvestre

Videography by Pat Buenaobra

Special thanks to Star Magic and Polaris