MANILA, Philippines — Sofronio Vasquez, the first Filipino and Asian to win “The Voice USA,” is back in the Philippines to celebrate his historic victory. One of the highlights of his homecoming is his first major concert since winning the show, and it’s even more special because it’s happening in Cebu, where he gets to perform for his fellow Bisaya and honor his roots.
The 32-year-old Season 26 champion is set to take center stage during the Sinulog Festival weekend on Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in Lahug. Primetime Events and Talent Management said that they managed to close the deal to mount a homecoming concert for Sofronio last Dec. 23, 2024. “VIP tickets are practically sold out already,” producer Mario Colmenares told this paper. But there are still a few Gold (P2,800 for reserved seating) and Silver (P1,800 for free seating) tickets available for purchase at SM Tickets and at the Waterfront lobby.
Sofronio, who hails from Ozamis, Misamis Occidental but whose father is Cebuano, is expected to share his journey from being a Mindanaoan singer — who either lost, got rejected or was close enough but never really topped national singing shows — to the world-class performer that he is now.
Before his homecoming, yours truly alongside media colleagues Noel Ferrer, Bobby Requintina and Marinel Cruz got to talk to him at length in “Meet the Press,” a collab podcast for the Pod Network on Spotify. During the interview, the former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” runner-up had something to say about netizens bashing TV contests he previously appeared in.
“(I’ve read comments saying) ‘tingnan niyo ‘to, tinalo… I really don’t think it’s a good idea. Although I appreciate them na nasa likod sila sa akin… but with me, if you happened to be the star of that event, no matter how great you are, if the stars don’t align for you, (nothing will happen). And I truly believe that time, it wasn’t for me. Maybe (‘The Voice’ US win) happened because I worked hard at it (I persisted),” he said.
“What I’m thinking now is that had I been fortunate to win before, I don’t think I would have joined ‘The Voice US.’ Kasi nanalo na ako, nakuha ko na yung ultimate dream ko by that time. But I’m just blessed that it all happened to me and I can (say now) that I never lost hope.
“After that defeat and all those things that happened in the past, (I remember telling myself) kaya ko pa, feeling ko meron pa. That’s why I looked for a way and nabigla lang talaga ako na yung stars of being on ‘The Voice,’ it was like on the roadmap.”
More of these revelations, including how he “really used my being Pinoy” on the show, taking inspiration from such OPM icons as Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha in interpreting the very American songs and impressing international judges and audiences.
Meanwhile, here are some excerpts from The STAR’s exclusive chat with Sofronio in between his guestings now that he’s here in the country for two weeks.
How does it feel to be back in the Philippines?
“What is the term? Over the moon? Extra happy. I remember we’ve talked about how excited I am. But ngayon na nakauwi talaga ako, iba yung conclusion, iba yung recognition na nangyari sakin. Kumbaga, may idea na ako na naging impactful yung panalo ko for the Filipinos.
“But of course, I really wanted to feel the warmth in person. So when I saw my Mama and people recognizing me, I felt, ‘Ay, ito yung lugar ko. Ito yung mahal na mahal ako.’ Sobrang nakakatuwa.”
What was the first thing you did upon arriving home?
“Kumain. But I really spent time with my family. Umuwi ako kila Mama. Nag-request ako ng kahit mga an hour lang to spend time with my dogs because I missed them. Tapos, ayun, tuwang-tuwa ako na nagawa ko yun. Kumain lang kami ng itlog, pandesal sa bahay in the morning.”
So how long are you staying in the Philippines?
“I am staying for two weeks. I will be flying back on the 20th. So my schedule has really been hectic. (On TV appearances) I just did Fast Talk. Tomorrow, I will be on ‘TV Patrol’ and ‘24 Oras’ — so both networks. I have a vlog with Vice Ganda coming up. I have an interview with Karen Davila, I also have ‘Toni Talks,’ I also have Korina (Sanchez). Then, I will be back on ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ on ‘It’s Showtime’ for the grand finale. I don’t know if I’m allowed to announce but I would be a special judge.”
Is ABS-CBN’s talent management arm Star Magic (that arranged this interview) handling your career in the Philippines?
“I cannot say yes, I cannot say no. But with Star Magic, isa siya sa nag-send ng proposal and maganda naman yung proposal. I still have to talk to producers… and executives who can talk to me and help with the decision-making. Of course, to honor the show, hopefully, makapag-arrive na ng magandang desisyon para gumalaw na kami. Gusto ko nang magtrabaho (I really want to work). But considering the Los Angeles wildfire (incident) now, baka mamo-move na naman kasi ang gulo-gulo.
“But… mapalad lang din ako na nagkaroon ako ng moment na wala nang network wars. Kasi kung meron, mahihirapan ako ngayon. Now, it’s more seamless, kaya tuloy-tuloy lang.”
Can we talk about your Malacañang courtesy call? How was it?
“It was heartwarming, emotional. Alam mo naman, probinsyano tayo, ‘di ba? Mga Bisaya. We always see that place, Malacañang, in our books. Sa Hekasi, ganun. When I went there, it felt like, wow, I’m finally here. Nag-flashback lang na ang galing talaga ng pagkakataon to be able to meet the President (Bongbong Marcos).
“We had a sit-down. Mind you, ha, we rehearsed all that — where to sit, how you’d sing — because it’s protocol and he’s the President, right? But when we were there, nawala yung practice. Siya mismo yung nagsabi, ‘Andito na tayo, ayaw na natin masyadong pormal.’”
Your first-ever major concert since “The Voice” will be in Cebu before fellow Bisaya. How special is it for you?
“It is very special because my Papa was born and made his life in Cebu. My father’s family is really from Cebu. They just moved to (Ozamiz). But he was born in Talisay City.
“Knowing that I will be able to sing for the Filipinos, for the Cebuanos, and it’s timely, it’s the Sinulog, alam mong grabe talaga (you know how really special it is). It’s a celebration, a festive moment, among Bisaya eh.
“To be able to sing for the Cebuanos is just... ang sarap-sarap (so great).. I’m excited to sing for the Bisaya audience because it’s a different feeling.”
What can the audiences expect from your solo concert in terms of repertoire?
“They have to expect great songs. Songs that I performed in my competitions here, they will hear them. I am performing with a live band and the band has been with me all throughout my career. I feel they will enjoy the concert. And all the songs that I performed in ‘The Voice’ that made an impact, I will sing them in Cebu.”
What’s next after the concert?
“The plan is to be back in Los Angeles, work, talk to people, make music and hopefully make it big. The goal is to make a hit. Because there’s going to be Season 27 already, which airs in February, so medyo maliit lang talaga yung time frame ko. Feeling ko naman kaya. Kailangan lang talagang pagsipagan. I’m excited! Kung hindi man ibibigay, at least we tried, right?”