Marcos thanks ‘The Voice’ champ Sofronio Vasquez for ‘making Filipinos famous once more’
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Wednesday found themselves playing host to golden-voiced Sofronio Vasquez III, the first Filipino and Asian to be the grand champion of “The Voice” in the United States.
The 32-year-old Vasquez paid a courtesy call on the First Couple in Malacañang, with the guests including the President’s sister, Irene Marcos-Araneta, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez.
“Thank you for making Filipinos famous. We are famous once more because of your feat,” the President told the Filipino singer, as he joked that he wanted to make December 10, the day that Vasquez won the title of “The Voice” grand champion, a holiday in the Philippines.
The First Lady chimed in: “You made us proud,” to which Vasquez profusely thanked them for the once-in-a-lifetime recognition from Malacañang.
Vasquez’s family accompanied him to the Palace to meet with the President, during which Vasquez serenaded the First Couple with a soulful rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
Wearing a barong in his home country, the Filipino singer said he did some research and learned that Mr. Marcos was a fan of The Beatles, Lennon’s former band.
Vasquez also gave an emotional performance of “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman,” the song that won him the top prize on “The Voice.”
Upon hearing Vasquez sing, the President jested: “Everything you sing is perfect. I will never sing again, by the way.”
Read: Sofronio Vasquez sings Bongbong Marcos’ favorites during courtesy call
During his candid conversation with the Marcoses, Vasquez recalled his beginnings as a singer on cruise ships and a dental assistant in the U.S., until he found his niche in the music scene.
A native of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Vasquez finished dental medicine in the Philippines but did not take the licensure exam.
“You’re so generous. You don’t steal the show. It’s all about the music, it’s not about you. You’re humble. It’s not about showing off, it’s about making the music sound good,” the President said in tribute to Vasquez’s musical prowess.
According to Vasquez, he has a record contract and plans to release a single in the next three months.
