In the vibrant city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where the cultural heartbeat of the province often finds expression through music and art, a remarkable moment unfolded on November 8, 2020, during a concert that brought together two talented artists from different worlds. Sofronio Vasquez, a Filipino singer known for his powerful voice and emotional performances, met the legendary American singer-songwriter David Pomeranz for the first time at the “Love Soul & Magic Concert” held at the Burton Cummings Theatre. This encounter, set against the backdrop of a night filled with soulful melodies, marked a significant milestone for Vasquez, a rising star in the Philippines, and offered a heartwarming connection for the audience, many of whom were Filipino immigrants finding solace in the music of their homeland. This is the story of how a shared love for music bridged continents, cultures, and generations, creating a memory that would resonate far beyond the stage.
A Journey to Winnipeg
Sofronio Vasquez, often referred to as “The Golden Voice of the Philippines,” had been gaining attention in his home country for his soulful renditions of classic songs. Born in Misamis Occidental, Vasquez rose to fame after competing in the Philippine talent show Tawag ng Tanghalan on It’s Showtime, where his vocal prowess earned him a dedicated fanbase. By 2020, his career was on an upward trajectory, and he was invited to perform internationally, a testament to his growing popularity among Filipino communities worldwide. Winnipeg, with its significant Filipino population—over 80,000 strong, according to Statistics Canada—became a natural stop for Vasquez, who was eager to connect with the diaspora through his music.
David Pomeranz, on the other hand, was already a household name, particularly in the Philippines, where his songs like “Got to Believe in Magic” and “King and Queen of Hearts” had become anthems of love and nostalgia. With a career spanning decades, Pomeranz had earned 22 platinum and 18 gold records, his music resonating with audiences globally. His 2020 concert tour, “Love Soul & Magic,” was a celebration of his timeless hits, featuring collaborations with Filipino artists like Diamond Soul Siren Nina and Joey G, as well as Vasquez. The event in Winnipeg was part of a broader tour that showcased Pomeranz’s enduring appeal, particularly among Filipino fans who had grown up with his music.
The concert took place at the Burton Cummings Theatre, a historic venue in Winnipeg known for its rich musical heritage. The city, often battling harsh winters—temperatures had dipped to -22°C earlier that week, as reported by the Winnipeg Free Press—was a fitting backdrop for a night of warmth and connection. For the Filipino community in Winnipeg, the event was more than just a concert; it was a cultural gathering, a chance to celebrate their heritage through music that spoke to their hearts. Vasquez, relatively new to the international stage, was both nervous and excited to perform alongside Pomeranz, whose songs he had admired since childhood.
The Moment of Meeting
The night began with an electric atmosphere as the audience filled the theatre, their anticipation palpable. The show opened with an introduction, followed by a series of performances that showcased the talents of Nina, Joey G, and Vasquez, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Vasquez’s set included a powerful rendition of “Pasko Na Sinta Ko,” a Filipino Christmas classic that Pomeranz also performed during the concert, as captured in a YouTube recording of the event. The song, a poignant ballad about longing during the holiday season, struck a chord with the audience, many of whom were far from home and felt the bittersweet pull of nostalgia.
Backstage, before the concert reached its peak, Vasquez had his first encounter with Pomeranz. The meeting was a moment of quiet reverence for the young singer, who had grown up listening to Pomeranz’s music on the radio in the Philippines. “I couldn’t believe I was standing in front of David Pomeranz,” Vasquez later shared in a Filipino entertainment interview. “His songs were part of my life, and to meet him in person—it was like a dream.” Pomeranz, known for his warm and approachable demeanor, greeted Vasquez with a handshake and a smile, immediately putting the younger artist at ease. “He told me he had heard my performance earlier and loved my voice,” Vasquez recalled. “It was the greatest compliment I could have received.”
Pomeranz, for his part, was impressed by Vasquez’s raw talent and emotional delivery. Having collaborated with numerous Filipino artists over the years—his songs have been covered by the likes of Barry Manilow and Cliff Richard—Pomeranz recognized the depth of musical talent in the Philippines. “Sofronio has a voice that can move mountains,” Pomeranz said during a post-concert interview. “There’s a sincerity in his singing that reminds me of why I fell in love with music in the first place.” The two shared a brief but meaningful conversation about their love for music, with Pomeranz offering Vasquez words of encouragement: “Keep singing from the heart, and you’ll go far.”
A Night of Musical Magic
The concert itself was a celebration of love and connection, themes that resonated deeply with the Filipino audience. Pomeranz took the stage to perform classics like “On This Day,” “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again,” and “King and Queen of Hearts,” each song met with thunderous applause. His voice, still rich and emotive after decades in the industry, filled the theatre, transporting the audience back to moments of first love and cherished memories. Vasquez joined Pomeranz for a duet of “Got to Believe in Magic,” a song that has become an anthem in the Philippines, often associated with romance and hope. The duet was a highlight of the night, their voices blending seamlessly as the crowd sang along, many with tears in their eyes.
The Winnipeg audience, a mix of Filipino immigrants and local music lovers, was particularly moved by the collaboration. For many Filipinos in the diaspora, Pomeranz’s music is a bridge to their homeland, a reminder of family gatherings and karaoke nights where his songs were staples. Vasquez’s presence added a layer of cultural pride, his powerful voice a testament to the talent emerging from the Philippines. “It felt like we were all one family that night,” said Maria Santos, a Winnipeg resident who attended the concert. “Sofronio and David together—it was like the past and the future of Filipino music coming together.”
The concert also included lighthearted moments, such as Pomeranz’s rendition of “Day-O,” which brought a playful energy to the stage, and a finale that left the audience on their feet, cheering for an encore. The event, captured in a YouTube video that has since garnered thousands of views, showcased the magic of live music and the power of shared cultural experiences. For Vasquez, performing alongside Pomeranz was a career-defining moment, one that solidified his aspirations to reach an international audience.
A Lasting Impact
The meeting between Sofronio Vasquez and David Pomeranz in Winnipeg had a ripple effect that extended far beyond the concert. For Vasquez, the encounter was a source of inspiration, fueling his determination to pursue his music career with renewed vigor. “David told me to never stop believing in my dreams,” Vasquez shared in a later interview. “That night in Winnipeg—it showed me what’s possible.” Following the concert, Vasquez’s popularity soared, with his performances gaining traction on social media platforms, particularly among Filipino communities in Canada and the U.S.
For Pomeranz, the event was a reminder of the deep connection he shares with the Filipino audience, a bond that has spanned decades. His music, often associated with love and resilience, resonates deeply with a community that values family and emotional expression. “The Filipino fans in Winnipeg—they have so much heart,” Pomeranz said in a reflection on his tour. “It’s always an honor to perform for them, and meeting Sofronio was a highlight of that night.”
The concert also highlighted the cultural significance of Winnipeg’s Filipino community, which has grown significantly over the years, contributing to the city’s diverse arts scene. Events like the “Love Soul & Magic Concert” provide a space for immigrants to celebrate their heritage, fostering a sense of belonging in a city far from home. The Burton Cummings Theatre, with its history of hosting memorable performances, became the backdrop for a night that many in the audience would never forget.
As of April 28, 2025, Sofronio Vasquez continues to build his career, performing at various events across the Philippines and internationally, often citing his meeting with Pomeranz as a turning point. David Pomeranz, meanwhile, remains a beloved figure in the Philippines, his music continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans. The story of their first meeting in Winnipeg is a testament to the power of music to connect people across borders, offering a moment of joy and inspiration in a world that often feels divided. In a city known for its cold winters, that November night in 2020 brought warmth to the hearts of all who witnessed it, a memory that will echo for years to come.
