One of the most iconic songs in the musical drama Smash was “Let Me Be Your Star.” The anthem, written by Mark Shaiman and Scott Michael Wittman perfectly elucidated the desires and dreams of Norma Jean before transforming into Marilyn Monroe.

To the many who are familiar and to the brave who performed the anthem, it is all about the dreamers, the want to become, to earn their place in Tinseltown, as they declare: “I’m what you’ve been needing. It’s all here and my heart’s pleading let me be your star!”

One of these dreamers, affirmative on being a star, is Sofronio Vasquez III. He made pop history and upped the ante of yabang Pinoy by becoming the first Asian and Filipino to be declared victorious in the American singing and talent competition The Voice. He was part of the team coached by Michael Bublé and the majority have watched and witnessed the ascension of his star, thanks to his talent, song choices, support from the audiences and, of course, luck and prayers.

The one

The Voice USA Season 26 grand winner Sofronio Vasquez III signed a contract with Star Magic. The event was graced by ABS-CBN’s chief operating officer Cory Vidanes; head of Star Magic and Entertainment Production, director Laurenti Dyogi; and It’s Showtime’s business unit head and head of Polaris Management Reily Santiago.

Sofronio performed “A Million Dreams” before the concert signing. During a chit-chat with host Ayi de Leon, he said that the venue was significant because it was where he joined the “Tawag ng Tanghalan” portion of the noontime program It’s Showtime in 2017.

After his song, the contract signing happened. Star Magic’s Dyogi said in a brief welcome speech: “It was not only your dream; it was the dream of every Filipino artist to prove to the world continuously na mahusay ang mang-aawit na Pilipino. Umuwi ka dito, pwede ka manatili (that the Filipinos are good singers. You can come home, you can stay there) but you opted to come here to share your victory with your countrymen.”

Santiago also welcomed the singing champ: “We knew for many years in ‘TNT’ and It’s Showtime that you had the skill, the talent and the mindset, and then it’s just a matter of time na ma-recognize ng buong mundo ‘yung talento mo (for the whole world to recognize your talent).”

Vazquez said: “I am most thankful to Star Magic. This very moment is indeed a realization of a dream. I always told everyone that I am willing to sacrifice, but may mga tao rin po na willing mag-sacrifice to help me achieve my dreams. Maraming salamat po kila Ma’am Cory, direk Lauren and sir Reily.”

Vazquez expressed his gratefulness to his family and friends here in the Philippines as they were always with him during this journey and, of course, to his coach, Michael Bublé.

“He made a very big impact on me, especially with his belief that Filipinos can be global and international, not only make a dent or mark, but conquer these stages,” said Vazquez. “Thank you to my family in The Voice America. I am back home; I will continue to bring and share kung ano ‘yung napag-aralan ko doon (what I learned there).”

More to give

Without a doubt, Vazquez’s singing career is bullish. Some of the most exciting developments include the release of his highly awaited album in the US, which promises to be a collection of innovative tracks and sound that will highlight his vocal prowess and tremendous talent.

Aside from the soon-to-be recording collaboration with The Voice coach and international music superstar Bublé, Vazquez wishes to join forces with leading Filipino American artists such as Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, more popularly known as H.E.R, Olivia Rodrigo and Bruno Mars.

Locally, he wants to team up with Filipino concert royals Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid and, of course, Regine-Velasquez-Alcasid. He also dreams of working with SB19.

There’s a television drama special in the works, that will delve deeply into his life story, offering an intimate look at his personal experiences and milestones.  He wishes that Elijah Canlas will be the actor to play him. He said, “Hindi po ako marunong umarte (I don’t know how to act). Mahusay si Elijah that is why I want him to play me. I’ve watched some of his movies and television shows. I also know that he can sing.”

Coming soon as well are the fresh endorsements from notable brands that will further enhance his marketability and relevance as musical performer and artist.

Musical theater 

During the media conference that happened during the Vazquez’s contract signing, he admitted that musical theater is part of his bucket list. A solid offer to become Thuy in the forthcoming Miss Saigon production at West End has been made.

“They have already given dates, so all I’m going to do is to stay in London for four weeks, rehearse with them and perform,” said Vazquez. “I hope my management team can find a way. If ever that doesn’t happen, I feel blessed that I have a chance. I have an opportunity to do musical theater na Miss Saigon pa.”

“Some people might say it’s fake news. I still have the messages; I want to post them. It’s just that with the lineup of shows I have this year, it will be hectic,” he added.

If it does happen, he will be Thuy. The last Filipino singer to play it in a touring production was Gerald Santos.

When he is abroad and misses the Philippines, Sofronio shared that he watches motivational videos and vlogs by kapwa (fellow) Pinoys: “It makes me feel at home every time I see and watch Filipinos having fun. When I see my kababayans online telling light and happy stories, eating together and ‘yung mga ginagawa at sinasabi nila, natural na lang matatawa ka, minsan nga nagpapahalakhak pa. Gusto ko rin ang mga vlog na intelligent at may sense, may bagong kang kaalaman o realizations na makukuha sa mga conversation (When I watch my countrymen online telling light and happy stories, eating together — their conversations and what they are doing are real and natural, I enjoy watching them. I even laugh out loud. I also like the vlogs that make sense and the ones that have discoveries or learnings that I get from their conversations).”

Vasquez will be in the US, Canada, Middle East and Australia on the following dates: 15 March in San Francisco, 29 March in Sacramento, 8 March in Los Angeles, 14 June in Utica, 19 July in New York City, 25 April in Winnipeg, 2 May in Calgary, 4 May in Vancouver, 24 May in Dubai, 25 July in Sydney and 26 July in Melbourne, Australia.

Sofronio Vazquez’s star is definitely on the upswing. Because of his talent, charisma, nerve, luck and a whole lot of love that allows him to sing with all the passion and pathos, truth and feels, his star’s ascension has become truly stellar.