“He indeed found his way.”
Fresh off his victory as the first Asian to win “The Voice USA”, Sofronio Vasquez took a moment to reflect on the inspiring words he received years ago from veteran singer-songwriter Rey Valera.
As the country celebrates Sofronio’s historic achievement as the first Filipino and Asian grand champion of the popular American talent show, netizens have resurfaced a video featuring Rey’s inspiring advice to the proud Pinoy singer in It’s Showtime’s singing competition segment “Tawag ng Tanghalan”, which he had joined three times before finding international success.
“Bringing this back and putting it here for everyone to see kasi nagdilang anghel si sir Rey Valera. Hindi siya nginitian ni [Lady Luck] sa Tawag ng Tanghalan pero siya ang gumawa ng sarili niyang swerte and found his way to The Voice and won. Congratulations Sofronio Vasquez!!!”, an X user commented with the clip on The Voice USA’s announcement of Vasquez’s feat.
In the video, Rey shared his observation about Sofronio at the time after noticing him without any companions while competing in the show.
“Alam mo gumawa ka ng reputasyon dito ha, at tuwing makikita kita sa labas, ang meaning ko, tuwing magkakasalubong tayo, ikaw lang yung nakikita kong walang kasama,” noted Valera.
“Ikaw lang mag-isa, you’re all alone. Hindi ko maintindihan why, pero I think [may pagkakapareho] tayo konti,” he added.
Rey went on to praise his determination and journey as a solo dreamer, telling Sofronio, “You are your best friend. Ikaw ang mentor mo, sarili mo. Ikaw na rin yung cheering squad mo at the same time.”
Seemingly predicting Vasquez’s eventual success, Valera left him a lasting impression, saying, “Kung hindi ka man ngitian ng Lady Luck ngayon, I’m sure dahil yon sa alam niya na ikaw ang gagawa ng sarili mong suwerte at hindi mo siya kailangan. Because yung ganyang klaseng tao, you will always find your way.”
Through his Instagram Stories, Sofronio also reposted the throwback video featuring the OPM icon’s remarks to his Tawag ng Tanghalan performance, and expressed his gratitude with the simple caption, “Thank you Lord.”
Sofronio’s journey in Tawag ng Tanghalan began in 2016 when he failed to make it to the finals. He tried again in 2017, reaching the semifinals, and competed once more in 2019’s “All-Star Grand Resbak”, where he finished in third place.
Years later, Sofronio seemed to have manifested Rey’s words by winning the 26th season of The Voice USA under the team of award-winning singer Michael Bublé.
