Softonio Vasquez

 If you have seen Sofronio Vasquez's journey in Tawag ng Tanghalan and the Voice of the Philippines ... one would suspect ... there must be something bigger waiting for this talented young man waiting for him at the end of the rainbow.

Indeed it was a fairy tale come true. According to the stories circulating around he was rejected not only once but seven times in Tawag Ng Tanghalan auditions before he became one of the finalists in the 2019 finals where he became only the third runner-up.

His Voice of the Philippines journey was also traumatic and shameful when no coach turned to him (he did not earn any chair turns) to give him a little consolation that his talent and voice needed to be showcased and heard on national TV.

He became a member of a boyband The Cove with fellow Tawag Ng Tanghalan finalists JM Bales and Christian Bahaya and they immortalized Ikaw Na Nga, Akap, and Love Yourself ... but that was short-lived.

It is a testament to Sofronio's determination. strength of character and resolve that his initial showbiz attempts did not yield the result he expected ... but that didn't stop him from dreaming big.  

He later decided to try in a foreign country (the USA to be exact) where Filipino talents were considered second-class and no one ever succeeded before. And to think the competition was cut-throat ... fierce and intense.

Now that he has broken all the myths and history ... it was ironic that the very same judges and showbiz personalities who didn't appreciate him before were the ones on his doorstep singing Hosanna to his name.

And it is more ironic that it took international singers as judges and coaches to see Sofronio up close and personal ... and bring out the best in him that made him the first Asian to win The Voice USA -26th Season.