Following Pinoy pride Sofronio Vasquez's triumph on The Voice US, Los Angeles-based artist Eduard Bañez has renewed his passion for music and plans to produce a concert including his favorite singers.

The concert will feature emerging and established Filipino artists in Los Angeles, representing the Asian community in America. It will also be an evening of sharing hopeful stories amid ongoing Asian hate.

“I believe in our abilities. I believe in our stories. Even though certain individuals in America do not welcome us, we will continue to create, innovate, and do good for the community. The best thing we can do to combat hatred is to demonstrate love and service with our talents,” Eduard said.

Praising Vasquez, Eduard added, “Sofronio Vasquez's win on The Voice US gave the Asian community hope. Aside from his flawless voice, his authenticity earned him the title. He always cites his Filipino roots everywhere he travels, which I believe is quite significant. As an artist, this gives me hope. I'm conceptualizing a concert.”

Regarding the concert, Eduard emphasized, “Magandang ipakita sa mundo ‘yung talento nating mga Pilipino. Naniniwala rin ako na dapat nagtutulungan tayo, lalo na kaming mga nasa Amerika. I also consider adding Pinoy comedians or entertainers to round out the overall experience. (It's good to show the world the talent of us Filipinos. I also believe that we should work together, especially those of us in America)

Eduard had a colorful showbiz career in the Philippines, including teleseryes, Nickelodeon, and hosting MTV Asia before settling in America. Despite living a comfortable life in the United States, he still misses his showbiz life, particularly the art of it.

“Working in the entertainment industry taught me the grind mindset, which has helped me flourish in my current career. I believe that is the key to success: grind until you obtain what you always wanted. Of course, you must take care of your mental health. That's my advice to the young kids. When I had to pause, I used the opportunity to reevaluate my life,” he shared.

The LA-based entrepreneur and artist said you will always return to your first love. He also stated that there is nothing wrong with choosing another career only to pay the bills and then returning to your passion when you are ready.

“These are the stories of Filipinos in America, and I'm so pleased and glad for them to be living their best lives doing what they love. Every struggle holds the promise of a wonderful comeback,” he said. 

At the end of the conversation, Eduard recalled his first experience in America, including experiences with Asian discrimination and sadness.

“I hope this hatred for the Asian community ends. If not, then be lessened. We are all people, and we should love one another regardless of our skin color or language,” he expressed.

According to reports, anti-Asian hate has steadily increased in extremist internet spaces between January 2023 and August 2024. South Asian communities received the most anti-Asian internet animosity of any Asian American subgroup, accounting for 60 percent of all slurs. Online threats of violence against Asian populations peaked in August 2024.