Sofronio Vasquez, who recently made history as the first Asian to win ‘The Voice’ in the United States, reflected on the invaluable advice given to him by veteran Filipino singer-songwriter Rey Valera.

The moment highlighted the pivotal role Valera’s words played in shaping Vasquez’s journey to success.

 

Vasquez took to Instagram Stories on December 12 to share a video edit from @juan.cellable, chronicling his inspiring transformation from a Tawag ng Tanghalan (TNT) contender in the Philippines to championing The Voice US Season 26.

 

The three-minute video included a memorable excerpt of Valera’s encouragement to a younger Vasquez during his TNT stint:

“You are your best friend. Ikaw ang mentor mo, sarili mo. Ikaw na rin ‘yung cheering squad mo. At kung hindi ka man ngitian ng Lady Luck ngayon, I’m sure dahil ‘yon sa alam niya na ikaw ang gagawa ng sarili mong swerte at hindi mo siya kailangan. Because ‘yung ganyang klaseng tao, you will always find your way.”

Accompanied by Vasquez’s emotional rendition of ‘A Million Dreams’ from ‘The Greatest Showman’—a standout performance in The Voice finals—the video culminated with the artist’s heartfelt caption: “Thank you, Lord.”

 

Vasquez’s climb to global stardom was built on years of perseverance. He first appeared on TNT in 2016, though he fell short of reaching the finals. He returned in 2017 and advanced to the semifinals, and in 2019, he made it as a grand finalist in the TNT All-Star Grand Resbak.

These early challenges helped Vasquez hone his craft, eventually paving the way for his success on the international stage.

Following his win, Vasquez shared moments of triumph with his coach, Michael Bublé, on Instagram.

“Dreams really do come true,” Vasquez wrote. “Believe that you can, and manifest it with your whole heart.”

 

The Filipino singer expressed gratitude for the journey that brought him to this point, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and self-belief.

Vasquez’s victory not only highlights his exceptional talent but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists around the world. It underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the wisdom of mentors who offer guidance along the way.