**The Voice USA Season 26 grand champion Sofronio Vasquez (Images courtesy of Facebook)**

Sofronio Vasquez, the first Asian and first Filipino to win the Voice USA, is coming to Manila in January 2025.

If plans push through, Sofronio will arrive in the country on Jan. 5, 2025.

Sofronio announced this during an exclusive interview on "Meet the Press" podcast powered by the Pod Network which will be uploaded on Dec. 28. The podcast is hosted by Noel Ferrer, Nathalie Tomada (Philippine Star), Marinel Cruz (Philippine Daily Inquirer) and Robert Requintina (Manila Bulletin).

The complete details of Sofronio's activities in Manila have yet to be finalized.

But Sofronio expressed his excitement about going to Malacanang to pay a courtesy call on President Marcos.

Asked if he would perform in Malacanang, Sofronio said: "Wow! It would be an honor to perform for the President. Sure! Why not?"

Talent manager and publicist Noel Ferrer revealed that Michael Bublé, a coach on The Voice, contacted him to help coordinate activities for Sofronio in Manila.

"Now my friend! How can we help out guy to become the star he's meant to be?" Michael asked Noel in a text message.

Noel answered: "We will continue to honor him here in the Philippines! You can try putting up a concert with him and you here in Manila. Would that be possible?"

Michael informed Noel that Sofronio needs to stand on his own and not be overshadowed by any artist.

"You're a talent manager no? I think Sofronio needs to be in his own light. Not in the shadow of anyone else. He needs people like you who have power and big brains, to help guide him and advocate for him. I won't be going on tour for a few years. I'm off cycle," Michael said.

However, Sofronio stated that it would be impossible for him to perform in a concert in January given the limited time available in Manila.

Sofronio said he could only make guest appearances in several shows during his two-week stay in Manila next month but not star in a major concert. "The concert can be scheduled for a later time."

Michael expressed his amazement at the Filipinos who supported Sofronio in his journey on The Voice USA.

"I know you will all help in any way you can. Filipinos are the most beautiful people in the world. Big-hearted, empathic, and kind. I just love him so much. I have so much faith that he'll be lifted up.

"God bless you. It gets me so excited and emotional when I read something like that. The Philippines has all the best people!" Michael told Noel.

Responding to Michael's text messages, Noel wrote: "Thank you for showing genuine love and concern to the Filipino people. We truly appreciate you, Michael! Take care, and God bless you always!"

On Dec. 11, Sofronio of Team Michael Buble won the popular reality singing contest.

Sofronio, 31, from Mindanao, edged out other Top 5 finalists: Danny Joseph (Team Reba McEntire), Jeremy Beloate (Team Snoop Dogg), and Sydney Sterlace (Team Gwen Stefani) in the finale.

Shye, 17, also from Team Buble in New York, was the runner-up. Sofronio viewed the teen singer as his closest rival for the crown.

Apart from "The Voice" title, Sofronio won a US$100,000 prize and a record deal.

**Sofronio Vasquez (left) and Top 5 finalists of The Voice USA Season 26**

Sofronio credits his father for instilling a love of singing and even calls his father his first coach. He idolizes Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha.

But music wasn't Sofronio's first career pursuit. He studied to be a dentist and began practicing, but the tragic loss of her father inspired him to keep pursuing his dream of singing on the world's stage, and he began to pursue music again in tribute to his father.

Sofronio now calls Utica, New York, his home, where he works as a dental assistant. However, he has taken a leave from his job to focus on his flourishing career.