After winning The Voice USA Season 26, Sofronio Vasquez III made his way to the Malacañan Palace to meet the President who could not help but "fanboy" over him.
Vasquez made a courtesy call to President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Wednesday, Jan. 8. He was welcomed by the First Couple and other members of the first family at the President’s Hall inside the Palace.
During the courtesy call, Vasquez had the opportunity to engage in a casual conversation with the President and the First Lady, wherein he recalled his audition journey up to the grand finals.
He shared that he worked as a dental assistant in the US, and he also used to sing in cruise ships before becoming a celebrated Filipino singer.
"Tuwang tuwa kaming lahat. Finally. Finally, nakilala. Hindi lang first Filipino, first Asian, ang laking bagay noon. Hindi biro 'yon (We are all so happy. Finally. Finally, we are recognized. You are not just the first Filipino but first Asian [to win The Voice USA], that is a huge thing. That's quite hard)," Marcos told Vasquez as he appreciated the recognition he brought to the country.
"Kami ang magpapa-thank you sa'yo dahil pinasikat mo na naman ang Pilipino, sikat na naman tayo dahil sa ginawa mo (We must thank you because you have made Filipinos known, we are again gaining the spotlight because of you)," Marcos added.
The President said Vasquez's win in the prestigious global singing competition cemented Filipinos' talent in music.
During the meeting, Vasquez sang one of the President's favorite songs: Imagine by The Beatles. The USA's The Voice grand winner also performed his winning piece, A Million Dreams.
After witnessing first hand Vasquez's singing prowess, the President said in jest: "I will never sing again," pointing out how flawless Vasquez's performance was.
"Never again. If I cannot learn how to sing that way, I will not sing again," he said.
Marcos also could not help but appreciate Vasquez passion in singing. "It's all about the music, it's not about you. You are humble. Its's not about making pasikat (show-off), it's about making the music sound good," he said.
In an ambush interview, Vasquez expressed gratitude on the President's kind words towards him, and the opportunity to meet him.
"Wala akong rason na nakikita na magkaroon ng yabang, yung ibang side na yabang, siguro yabang na nanalo tayo but yung sa pagkatao ko, I don't think na magiging maganda siyang ugali kasi I was just once a dreamer. Ilang beses akong nag-fail but my heart is just overwhelmed na nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon and sobrang natutuwa ako kasi napansin pala yun ng ating President, and he even took time to watch my videos (I have no reason to be arrogant, perhaps just proud because we won but personally, I don't think that's a good attitude because I was just once a dreamer. I failed many times but my heart is just overwhelmed that I was given the opportunity and I am very happy that the President noticed it, and he even took time to watch my videos)," Vasquez said, following his meeting with the President.
Marcos also could not hide his excitement to have a photo opportunity with the grand champion, who was also told to take as many photos as he can while he was inside the Palace.
"Ako nga magpapa-picture sa'yo dahil ikaw ang champion. Ang galing mo kumanta (I should be the one asking a photo with you because you are the champion. You sing so well). He sings so damn well," Marcos said.
In one of their conversations, the President also asked Vasquez what is his next move after winning the competition.
The grand winner shared that he has already signed a record contract, and is eyeing to promote both in the Philippines and America.
Vasquez was under the mentorship of pop icon Michael Bublé during his The Voice USA stint.