"The Voice USA" Season 26 champ Sofronio Vasquez III joins It's Showtime hosts during his reunion performance at the ABS-CBN Compound on January 6, 2025. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Internationally-renowned Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez III is honored to sing the national anthem in the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tomorrow, July 28.
“Personally and professionally, it's a great honor. Nakadagdag siya ng aking self-esteem and recognition and worth as a performer and as a professional singer,” said Vasquez in an interview with RTVM.
Vasquez, the first ever Filipino winner of The Voice USA, said he was both overwhelmed and excited upon receiving news that he was chosen to sing the national anthem “for a very specific and very important matter,” which is the SONA 2025.
Vasquez sees Marcos Jr.’s fourth SONA as not only the President’s accomplishment but also his own, seeing the invitation a sign that he is now a professional singer.
He said it was an honor to sing in front of the President and the millions of Filipinos who will tune in live.
Vasquez intentionally travelled to the Philippines from the United States (US) where he is currently based for the event.
The Lupang Hinirang, for him, is a reminder that, “Kahit saan ka magpunta (Wherever you go), you always come back to your chosen land.”
The national anthem he said is a calling for all Filipinos to set aside differences and unite for one purpose. He said, “Marami tayong pagkakaiba, we just have to make sure na magkakaisa tayo.”
“I think it’s a calling na we have to understand, to just be particular of our emotions. We have to respect, we have to understand and of course just share the simplicity of the Filipinos because Filipinos are very simple but very hardworking, ambitious,” he said.
Vasquez would sing the national anthem acapella, which he underscored is a challenge for many singers, but would be worthwhile for the sake of the Filipinos, God, and the country it would honor.
“When you sing it from the heart and when you get to honor the country, God, the people that’s going to be listening, I think it’s challenging but it’s gonna be worth-while,” he said.
Marcos Jr.'s fourth SONA will be held 4 p.m. at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
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