Metro Manila, Philippines – “The Voice USA” grand champion Sofronio Vasquez paid a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang today and shared his inspiring journey after becoming the first Filipino and Asian to win the prestigious singing competition.
Vasquez and his family were warmly welcomed by the president and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, as the first couple expressed pride in his achievement.
The singer shared with thepPresident his surprise at the overwhelming support of Filipinos in the United States.
“Parang nag-flashback sa iyo lahat. Naiiyak na ‘ko, iyong pinagdaanan ko. Always po akong thankful. Nagpunta po ako doon to just try,” said Vasquez.
[Translation: It felt like everything flashed back. I almost cried thinking about everything I went through. I’m always thankful. I went there just to try.]
Vasquez also expressed his gratitude toward his coach, Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Bublé, as a source of encouragement in his journey.
“Sabi niya just, ‘Trust me,’ and he made sure na lahat bumoto, yung mga Filipinos around America hindi ko alam na may text brigades sila,” said Vasquez.
[Translation: He told me, ‘Just trust me,’ and he made sure that everyone voted, the Filipinos around America, I didn’t know they had text brigades.]
In response, Marcos said Filipino support was not surprising, as the Philippines is known as the “text capital of the world.”
“You made us so proud,” said the first lady.
“Tuwang-tuwa kaming lahat, finally nakilala, hindi lang first Filipino, first Asian, laking bagay noon,” Marcos said.
[Translation: We are all so happy, finally, you’ve been recognized – not just as the first Filipino, but the first Asian – it’s a huge deal.]
