The Voice USA grand champ Sofronio Vasquez talks about going back to the Philippines

The Voice USA Season 26 grand winner Sofronio Vasquez walked down memory lane as he made a video call with "It's Showtime" hosts on Thursday, Dec. 12.

In a six-minute chat, Sofronio greeted the viewers of the popular noontime show, "What's up, madlang people!"

Sofronio is the first Filipino and Asian to win the 13-year reality show The Voice USA. 

Prior, he was a semifinalist at the Tawag Ng Tanghalan portion of It's Showtime in 2019. He is now based in New York where he works as a dental assistant.

Sofronio sat in disbelief as the announcement echoed in his ears, his heart racing with excitement. He could hardly comprehend the reality of winning the highly competitive singing reality show that had captivated audiences for months. 

Surrounded by the bright lights and cheers of the crowd, he reflected on the countless hours of practice, the emotional performances, and the fierce competition he had faced. 

Winning this popular show, a dream he had nurtured for so long, felt surreal, and he was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.

"Napaka-emotional ng journey ko ng panalo ko kagabi. Actually nanginginig pa rin ako dahil proud akoi na nagsimula sa Tawag ng Tanghalan kasi Tawag ng Tanghalan and It's Showtime and unang naniwala sa akin," Sofronio said.

The Visayan singer from Mindanao said his journey to The Voice began when he represented himself in the blind audition from Utica, New York where he is based.

However, the producers of the show suggested he represented the Philippines because The Voice USA never had any representatives from the Philippines.

"Natuwa talaga ako dahil sa totoong pagmamahal ni Michael Buble para sa Pilipinas. Sinabi niya na may deep connection siya sa Pilipinas dahil kumpare raw niya sa Marti Nievera at meron siyang naka-date na kilala nating lahat na Dyosa sa atin," Sofronio said.

Sofronio, 32, shared his advice for aspiring singers.

"Siguro ang pinakamagandang advice na maibibigay ko is kahit ilang beses ka na-reject hindi talaga siya nagpapatunay na wala ka ng chance eh.

"Sino ba naman ako na Bisaya na galing sa Mindanao just trying his luck in music. Lahat ng auditions ko sinubukan ko tapos 10 years after naibigay siya sa akin. Huwag mo lang talagang titigilan," he added.

Sofronio stated that he does not know when he can visit the Philippines again, but he promised that he would prioritize visiting It's Showtime when he returns to the country.