Dreams do come true for Sofronio Vasquez, 32, who became the first Filipino and the first Asian to win the coveted “The Voice” singing contest on Season 26.
Born to Aida Parojinog and Oniol Vasquez, the charming and humble Sofronio calls his growing up years in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental as the “best part of his life because it made me who I am today.”
Winning $100,000 and a record deal with Universal Music Group, Sofronio advises his young followers, “never to stop dreaming and not be afraid to fail because there is always room for learning and improvement.”
We interviewed the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” third-place winner virtually and below he talks about his historic win, his mentor Michael Buble and what he learned from him, his other dreams, and why he will keep on joining contests.
Congratulations on winning Season 26 of “The Voice” and becoming the first Filipino and first Asian to do so! Can you please tell me what was going through your mind on finale night? Did you have any special good luck charms or habits that you did before you went onstage?
I do a lot of stuff like first of all, I pray alone in a corner every time before I go onstage. I always pray on the side before I go on. I have some secret potions, but I do not want to share them right now. As Filipinos, we usually believe in things that give us good luck. So far, they have worked!
My sibling and the family who adopted us while we are here in the U.S. So, I was very happy that I have a family here.
What do you think made you win or be able to reach the finale?
That is a good question. I was never asked that question. I really showed how you can be a vulnerable person no matter how big a person or an artist you are. All you have to do is show your heart. I know everyone in the Top 5 poured their hearts out. I was able to use my Filipino traits of being polite, and respectful. I respect everybody. I am honored that the reception of audiences was good, and we showed that we are grateful as Filipinos.
How was Michael Buble as a mentor? He kept calling you “my Filipino brother”? Did you create a bond?
Michael Buble as a coach is very meticulous and personal. He wants to know what I will be wearing wearing, how my arrangement is like. Then after the show, he asks us “what are you guys going to do after the show?” He is like family. He is such a happy person.
Are there any future plans to collaborate with Michael and record a song or make an album or perform together onstage?
For now, I cannot say anything. But he told me something, “Sofronio this is only the end of the show, but it has never started yet. I want us to do a collaboration. I want us to sing together or do a record together.”
What was some of the best advice that Michael gave you and why?
He told me to believe in the process and not rush everything. The night before the results day, he called me and said, “You know what Sofronio, even if I am only the coach and you are waiting on stage, believe me, I am also scared and nervous. I believe tomorrow you have to enjoy yourself and be at peace because whether we make it or not, it is a win. Because there are two of us in Team Buble. Just be present, he said.
You were also a third-place winner in Tawag ng Tanghalan. How was that experience and what did you learn from it?
I learned that timing is everything. Before I lost, I got so sad when I went home. I asked myself, “Why did I lose when I gave everything? I used up all my energy!” Now I realize that after winning this big event in my life, God tells me this is not for you yet, you just have to wait.”
You mentioned that you were born and raised in Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao. Can you please describe your life there?
That was probably the best portion of my life. It was that part of my life that made me who I am today. We played on the streets. No matter how poor you are, you have to be happy and grateful because if you show the Lord that you are industrious, he will give you everything that you desire or ask for.
If you had a chance to do your dream project, what would it be and why?
My dream would be to sing at the biggest stadiums in the world like the Walt Disney Stadium or the Royal Albert Hall with Michael Buble. I would love to win a Grammy. I think that is the dream of all singers. I am just dreaming. Who knows God might give it to me?
For sure, this win will open more doors for you – TV shows, endorsements, recording deals, etc.? What are you looking forward to the most?
Honestly, I am looking forward to going home to the Philippines and just share the win. I just got communication from the President of the Philippines, BBM, to go home and meet him. That is a huge compliment to me and everything that I am doing here. It is such a nice feeling.
I would also love to collaborate with my OPM icons who I idolize like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez. OPM icons who are getting to know me now. I want to take that opportunity when I go home.
Who do you idolize among the Filipino singers?
I idolize Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano and Lea Salonga. I idolize them so much. I would love to talk to them and collaborate with them. I can’t wait for that moment to happen.
You were planning to take up dentistry and then you changed your plans to be a singer. Can you talk about that and the influence of your dad on you?
The professional dream of my father for me was to be a dentist in America. This is because the best friend of my dad, who is my godfather, and his wife, who is my godmother, were both dentists. My dad wanted a good future for me because he didn’t have good financial stability. He wanted us to have a good profession, so he dreamt of me becoming a dentist.
It is still possible. I will not get rid of that dream because I can still have the best of both worlds and be a singer and a dentist. But right now, I am concentrating on singing!
What is your message to the Filipinos back home and here in the U.S.?
To all the Filipinos back home and here in the U.S., thank you very much. You have proven that we have the fighting spirit and that when we come together, we are victorious. Let us continue to support our contenders.
What did you learn from joining contests and do you plan to join future contests again?
I learned to be always focused. If you want something, just do it.
And yes, I plan to join other contests. If there was another competition – dancing, singing, acting or even with the grand champions of “The Voice” – I would do it again because I want to.
