Sofronio Vasquez Honors Bisaya Roots In First Major Concert After 'The Voice US' Win

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.

- Nathalie Tomada

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."